CARES Act
Resource Guide for Body Shops
And Other Small Businesses
What does the CARES Act mean for your business?
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Our family is thinking about your family.
As the nation struggles with the COVID-19 crisis, many body shops and other small businesses may need to lean on the federal government for assistance. For decades, the collision repair market has thrived through the efforts of dedicated local owner/operators who manage efficiently and profitably. Small businesses such as body shops are at the heart of a robust local community.
The government’s historic CARES Act coronavirus aid package provides $349 billion for the Small Business Administration (SBA) to guarantee loans to small businesses hit hard by virus-related losses or complete shutdowns.
Industrial Finishes is here to help. Our team understands the body shop business and are available to answer questions as you consider the impact that federal assistance may have on your business. We’re happy to respond over E-mail, phone, or virtual meeting. (We will provide a link and instructions)
CALL: 800-531-1305
EMAIL: info@industrialfinishes.com

Here are the key points you need to know:
1.
The CARES Act includes over $350 billion in low interest, small business loans with potential to be partially forgiven.
2.
Tax rebate payments of as much as $1,200 for individual taxpayers and $500 per child are available, phased out when AGI exceeds $75,000 for individuals and $150,000 for couples filing jointly.
3.
$500 billion are available for the Treasury Department’s Exchange Stabilization Fund for loans and assistance to distressed companies and state and municipalities in 2020.
4.
An additional $600 per week for up to four months is available for those receiving unemployment benefits.
5.
$150 billion is available for aid to state, local, and tribal governments.
Click below for more information:
What loan funding is available?
Is my body shop eligible for a loan?
What are the qualifying credit requirements?
What assistance is available?
What can the loans be used for?
Loans will be made immediately available through more than 800 existing SBA-certified lenders, including banks and credit unions. Additional lenders will be brought into the program.
The loans will cover the following businesses and related expenses:
- For business under 500 employees (Certain businesses above 500 employees may still qualify based on NAICS code).
- Allowable uses of the loan include the following expenses incurred between February 15, 2020 – June 30, 2020.
Qualified Expenses include:
- Salary and wages up to an annual rate of $100,000; health care benefits, commissions, or similar compensation.
- Mortgage interest payments
- Rents
- Utilities
- Interest on other debt obligations incurred prior to February 15, 2020
Loan forgiveness is available for costs incurred during the eight-weeks following your loan origination date. Qualifying loan forgiveness costs (when payroll costs are maintained):
- Payroll cost (Forgiveness subject to possible reduction when an employee’s compensation reduces by 25%, or if there is a reduction in employee headcount made during the eight-week period)
- Mortgage or debt interest
- Rents
- Utilities
Note: Loans are to be set with an interest rate not to exceed 4%.
How much money can I apply for and how long will it take to get the money?
It’s important for me and my local community to keep employees working as much as possible.
If payroll is maintained, the portion of the loans used for covering payroll costs, interest on mortgage obligations, rent, and utilities would be forgiven.
The Guidance clarifies that for loan forgiveness, it is anticipated that not more than 25 percent of the forgiven amount may be for non-payroll costs. Additionally, the CARES Act was originally unclear on how to treat employees making over $100,000. The new guidance makes it clear that you can include employees making over $100,000 but they will be capped at $100,000. To obtain a loan, a qualifying small business should submit an application through an SBA and Treasury approved bank, credit union, or nonbank lender.
How do I apply?
Contact your bank or lender directly to apply for the small business loans available through the Small Business Association (SBA). The government is expanding the rules surrounding FDIC-insured banks and SBA loans. Your bank funds the loan; the SBA guarantees the loan. Start with your local lending institution or by clicking the image below.
The material in this communication is for information purposes only. See your tax advisor or legal counsel for specific advice.
Additional information and links:
What you should know
Click on links below for more information
- Workplace, School, and Home Guidance
- People at Risk for Serious Illness from COVID-19
- How COVID-19 Spreads
- Symptoms
- Steps to Prevent Illness
- Frequently Asked Questions
- What to Do If You Are Sick with COVID-19
- Stigma Related to COVID-19
- Facts about COVID-19
- Information for People at Higher Risk and Special Populations
- Communication Resources
Stay informed
Click on links below for more information
- Situation Summary
- Cases in the U.S.
- Global Locations with COVID-19
- Risk Assessment
- CDC in Action: Preparing Communities
Information for businesses
Click on links below for more information
- Interim Guidance for Businesses and Employers
- Information for Communities, Schools, and Businesses
- Environmental Cleaning and Disinfection Recommendations – Community Facilities
- U.S. Small Business Administration: COVID-19 Resources
- U.S. Department of Labor:
- World Health Organization: Get Your Workplace Ready for COVID-19
- Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency: Risk Management for COVID-19
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency: Disinfectants for Use Against COVID-19
- If you have medical supplies or equipment to donate, please provide FEMA details on what you are offering.
- If you are a private company that wants to produce a product relatedto the COVID response – email nbeoc@max.gov.
As we navigate through the complexity of the CARES Act, we are discovering new application requirements that could impact the qualified loan and forgiveness amounts. Our desire is to provide awareness of these changes. Please contact your legal or financial professional for more information how these recent changes might affect your application.