​"Do I need to apply to receive the additional $600 per week on my unemployment claim?
If you have already filed a claim that is in process or have filed a claim and are currently receiving benefits, you do not need to take any action to receive the additional $600 per week. As U.S. DOL provides federal guidance on those payments, you will be issued those payments as they become available.
 
Videos to assist you with filing your claim:  https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLkx11XAxr6McUCzF5R2627iihYR_q5syc [youtube.com]

A press release, which includes a lot of details, can be found here: https://news.mt.gov/governor-bullock-announces-emergency-rules-to-streamline-unemployment-benefits-for-workers-impacted-by-covid-19

Please check this website for updates on Self Employment and when we will begin processing those new claims: http://dli.mt.gov/self-employed-contractors.
 
If you return to work and continue to file, please report your full hours and gross earnings when you file for benefits.  We do not ask you for your hourly rate, but rather full gross earnings.  Not reporting hours and earnings can result in fraud penalties and overpayments.
 
Please attempt to use our  website at MontanaWorks.gov first.   It is the fastest and most efficient way to open and request payment. The phone lines are extremely busy and we are experiencing statewide connection phone issues. Our phones lines continue to be open at this time. You can attempt to contact us at 406-444-2545 but please understand it is very difficult to reach us due to the extreme volume of calls."

(This is an email response from a UI representative). 

This was an email sent to those that have applied for SBA funds:
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Dear Applicant,
On March 29, 2020, following the passage of the CARES Act, the SBA provided small business owners and non-profits impacted by COVID-19 with the opportunity to obtain up to a $10,000 Advance on their Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL). The Advance is available as part of the full EIDL application and will be transferred into the account you provide shortly after your application is submitted. To ensure that the greatest number of applicants can receive assistance during this challenging time, the amount of your Advance will be determined by the number of your pre-disaster (i.e., as of January 31, 2020) employees. The Advance will provide $1,000 per employee up to a maximum of $10,000.
You may be eligible for another loan program, the Paycheck Protection Program, which is available through participating lenders. Below is a comparison of the two loan programs:
​

For all of us, we are waiting on our stimulus checks to show... any day now would be great!

The IRS just updated their website and they allow for 'non-filers' meaning:

• You did not file a 2018 or 2019 federal income tax return because your gross income was under $12,200 ($24,400 for married couples). This includes people who had no income. Or
• You weren’t required to file a 2018 or 2019 federal income tax return for other reasons

​
In addition to this, they will have a "Get My Payment" site up and running by mid-April.

So, hopefully this week... we all will be able to access our money or at least have a better idea of where it is!

To stay up to date with the IRS and your stimulus check
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"I owe the IRS... during COVID... now what?"

For those that have filed their returns, have been processed, and like many I.C.s... owe money, there are options.

It's hard enough to owe the IRS as a guide but it is even more difficult to owe money during COVID.  We can't work, have no income, and don't know when our next check will be.  

The good news is, we do have options.  And hopefully as things progress, we will have more as the economy reboots.
 
For some help on what to do right now

And just a reminder... the tax filing date has been moved back to July 15, 2020.

We spoke with a representative from the Montana DLI yesterday in regard to applying as BOTH a W2 and 1099:

Here are two important things you need to know when applying for UI:

1. YES, you can apply as a W2 AND 1099, they will need to speak with you to finish your filing.  After that, they will send your claim to the tax dept. to ensure verification before receiving payment.
   1. If you have filed as a W2 and are looking to also apply as a 1099, please send an email to uiclaims@mt.gov explaining your situation.  Our representative we spoke with yesterday called from a Billings number.  DO NOT give your social security number out, please provide your claim ID number.
2. Until your determination and claim is complete, you will need to still submit your weekly requirements via the MTWorks site as a W2.

The morning of April 7, 2020 the MGRP team spoke with representatives from Senator John Tester’s office to pose specific questions about unemployment insurance, the Payroll Protection Loan (PPP), and the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL). While there are still many questions that we are seeking answers for, we hope the information we garnered will be helpful.  We do encourage you to continue asking questions and we will work to get them answered.

1. What is the best way for Independent Contractors to apply for Unemployment Insurance (UI) for Montana?
   1. Montana Department of Labor and Industry (MT DLI) has put together a ton of resources and the same would apply for IC as employees. 
   2. As of 11:15 AM on 4/7/20, I.C.s are able to apply online, we encourage you to upload a copy of your I.C. exemption certificate.  If you encounter issues, you can try calling however phone lines are likely overwhelmed. Please email uiclaims@mt.gov
   3. Any ICs that applied before last week, you were kicked out of the system and you will need to reapply.  The system was not set up to accept ICs before last week. REAPPLY NOW!  
2. When do you anticipate we will receive the EIDL/Small Business Association (SBA) and unemployment funds?
   1. They are unsure but hopefully within the next few weeks.
3. If there any way larger financial institutes (aka Wells Fargo) may not work with their customers on the CARES Act? 
   1. Wells Fargo is not participating due to the cap on their PPP, Tester’s team encourages folks to work with smaller banks, even if you don’t bank with them.  The FPB (Federal Protection Bureau) can help with any complaints with the larger banks and the state banking commission can assist with any state run issues.
4. With the PPP loan, is there any possible way for I.C.s operating solely to get the loan forgiven with no payroll nor any current business expenses?
   1. They are forgivable aspects but the payroll is the largest component for forgiveness.  Talk to your bank. All banks in MT are SBA approved.
5. What can I.C.s expect to receive from unemployment, what are the parameters to receive ‘x’ amount? 
   1. Amounts given will be determined using a complex formula based on the weekly benefit amount is calculated by dividing the sum of the wages earned during the highest quarter of the base period by 26, rounded down to the next lower whole dollar. The result cannot exceed the utmost weekly benefit permitted by rule.
   2. They will follow up with us more on this, benefits scheduled to be able to last through July 31 (all may not be eligible for that timeframe).
   3. If you apply for UI, you will receive the $600 bump on top of the weekly benefit, “All unemployed workers will receive an extra $600 a week for up to six months.” -USA Gov UI
6. What might the duration of benefits look like and is there another stimulus package coming down the pipeline?  A guide reached out to me to ask if his state benefits will end after his ten week period or might there be more to aid in the recovery process.
   1. There is something coming and they expect it to touch on UI, the new funds will cover things that are going to run out of money first.  No timeline, more broad stroke of a plan. The senate is scheduled to come back 4/20, COVID depending. They think there will be at least two more packages.
7. In regards to the PPP for shops, lodges, and outfitters… a few have been informed they do not qualify for the loan due to the timing of our seasonality in Montana.  There is no payroll to show for the month of February nor are there any employees on staff as the hiring process would normally be occurring at the moment for the season to begin in April - October. 
   ​Here is a direct message from an affected and concerned business owner (we have changed some items for privacy reasons)...

"...we naturally applied for the quick 10k grant, that’s going to take some time for find out if we will receive it. As for the PPP, we sent in all of our information to our bank in Ennis last week. Today we were basically informed that because of a few items, we won’t qualify for it.
-In operation.... obviously, no one is guiding February 15th around MT.
-Had employees... there again, we are seasonal and do not keep our shop open during the winter months, we live in a very small town, fly fishing is the economy.
-Paid payroll taxes on or around February 15th. Once again, we shut down our payroll system through the winter months and as owners, we basically take draws from November to April as we pay into the system during the season when we have cash flow.
This whole ordeal is fairy disheartening.”

1. They couldn’t provide much in the way of answers to this other than the CARES Act didn’t necessarily consider seasonal businesses when written.  That said, they were happy we provided them with this crucial piece of the MT economy and they work to write that business aspect into future relief bills.  
2. We would say for those of you that are business owners and were denied, please contact us and we can get you in touch with the Tester’s team to see what can be done.  Also, please reach out to your bankers to see if they can provide you with any additional information.
3. For those that ARE APPROVED for the PPP loan, you must go to the bank within five days of approval to continue the process.  Additional documents and a mail-in component are required, as well.

Notes from MGRP:
During our time of talking with experts, we have come to conclude that the PPP loan is likely not a great fit for career guides or those who serve as an independent contractor as the forgiveness aspect is based on payroll for employees.  It seems to us that unemployment, the SBA and EIDL loans/grants will be the best aspect.
 
If you are thinking about applying for the PPP loan, we encourage you to talk with your financial advisor or institution first. They can help you prepare the necessary documents and assist with the process.

They said that any application that is denied, the government is working to set up a Federal Reserve Fund to assist.  No date or more information was provided.

Lastly, they ask to please be patient, they are working hard to get Montanans taken care of.  
Please let us know if you have any questions, we are happy to help!
​
-MGRP