The CARES Act provides for payroll tax relief, including employee retention tax credits and the deferral of all employer Social Security tax payments to help employers in the face of economic hardship related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Employers should work with their tax advisors, payroll providers, and payroll departments to immediately implement these valuable savings. The broad-based employer and employee relief provided under the CARES Act includes two forms of payroll tax relief related to an employer’s Social Security tax payments: deferral of all employer Social Security tax payments, and employee retention tax credits of up to $5,000 for qualified wages paid to employees. All employers should consider taking advantage of these valuable tax savings to alleviate the broad and deep impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on businesses and their employees.
CARES Act Social Security Tax Deferral and Employee Retention Credits
By David Fuller and Erin Steele on April 9, 2020
Posted In Employment

David Fuller focuses his practice on matters involving employee fringe benefits, independent contractor/employee classification, payroll taxes, information reporting, corporate aircraft, supplemental unemployment compensation benefits (SUB pay), and the contingent workforce (outsourcing, PEOs, and employee leasing). His unique practice includes tax litigation on a wide range of significant FICA and tax refund matters. Read David Fuller's full bio.

Erin Steele focuses her practice on employee benefits and executive compensation. She has experience working on matters related to employee stock ownership plans (ESOPs), code section 401(k) plans, health and welfare arrangements, and Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) litigation. She has also assisted in employee benefits matters as part of corporate transactional due diligence work. Read Erin Steele's full bio.
BLOG EDITORS
STAY CONNECTED
TOPICS
ARCHIVES
RECENT POSTS
- New 50-State Survey | ID Verification for Telemedicine Encounters
- Mental Health Parity, Quantitative Treatment Limitations, Employee Assistance Plans and the End of the COVID-19 Emergency
- A Win for Employers: Ninth Circuit Holds That California AB 51 Prohibiting Mandatory Arbitration Is Pre-empted by the Federal Arbitration Act
- New Jersey Healthcare Transactions Now Face Onerous Employment Requirements
- Telehealth and the End of the COVID-19 Emergency

