Category: State/Local Page 1 of 7

The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services is distributing $655 million in American Rescue Plan Act Stabilization Grants to child care providers in the commonwealth.

Licensed child care providers can apply for grants to cover almost any expense needed to continue operations and fight the impacts of COVID-19. Directors, owners, administrators and/or designated fiscal staff members can access the application for their program under the Keystone STARS/Grants tab in their organization’s profile.

The funding is available for child care providers with a good standing license that has been open since March 11, 2021, or will reopen by the end of September.

The total grant amount is based on

Current enrollment
Infant/toddler care
Keystone STAR designation
Reduced Child Care Works (CCW) enrollments
The geographic location of a provider.

What You Need to Know About Unemployment Tax Refund, IRS Payment Schedule, and More

By Lauren Contino

On May 27, 2021

In Federal, Financial Resources, State/Local

If you received unemployment benefits in 2020 due to the pandemic and paid taxes on those funds, you may qualify for a refund from the IRS. The agency began sending out refund checks earlier in May and will continue through the summer months.

Unemployed workers can’t be taxed on that benefit money due to new rules under the American Rescue Plan. The new law came into effect after millions had already filed their income tax returns, however, so taxpayers are now eligible for an IRS tax refund for the first $10,200 of single filers’ income. Those refunds started going out earlier in May, but they’re not being sent out as quickly as the third stimulus checks.… Read More

Unemployment Fraud Is On The Rise – Remain Vigilant!

By Lauren Contino

On May 27, 2021

In Financial Resources, State/Local

Unemployment Compensation Fraud is a very serious matter. The Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry (L&I) is committed to preventing, identifying, and blocking scams and is continuing its aggressive efforts to do so, including:

Cross-matching data with other state agencies and across the country to detect fraud activity.
Working with the U.S. Department of Labor to prevent and detect fraudulent activities related to UC.

They encourage Pennsylvanians to remain vigilant and to report fraud or any potential concerns of fraud to L&I. Cashing the checks or using directly deposited funds knowing that you have not applied for PUA or any other UC program may be deemed fraud, and repayment will be required.… Read More

What Should I Do If I Receive an IRS Identity Verification Letter?

By Lauren Contino

On May 27, 2021

In Federal, Financial Resources, State/Local

Did you receive an IRS identity verification letter? There is no need to panic; this is not a scam.

If you received a 5071C, 4883C, 5747C, 6331C, or 5447C letter, the IRS needs to verify your identity.

For those who have filed, the IRS suggests you visit the website, access the secure Identity Verification Service, and follow the prompts as they simply need more information to verify your identity and process your return.
If you have not filed, this is a protective measure as someone may have attempted to file a return in your name, and the IRS is seeking to identify your SSN or ITIN to protect your identity.

Philadelphia Wage Tax Q&A: COVID-19 Policies

By Lauren Contino

On May 12, 2021

In Pennsylvania, State/Local

The following is in response to frequently asked questions as a result of the
Department’s Wage Tax policies throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

Facts: An employer has a business location in Philadelphia. As a result of the Coronavirus pandemic and the Mayor’s and Governor’s Orders, the employer’s non-resident employees began working remotely outside of Philadelphia. Since July 3, 2020 (the beginning of the “limited green phase” of reopening), the City’s guidance for office workers is, “Remote work must continue where feasible.”

In the following circumstances, to what extent is a non-resident employee’s compensation treated as compensation for services performed in the City of Philadelphia and thus subject to Philadelphia Wage Tax withholding?… Read More

In Case You Missed It: Restaurant Rebound Webinar Slides and Recording Now Available

By Lauren Contino

On March 30, 2021

In Financial Resources, State/Local, Webinars

Did any of our restaurant or foodservice clients miss the “Restaurant Rebound” webinar this morning?

Brinker Simpson, in partnership with the Delaware County Chamber of Commerce and the Delaware County Commerce Center, shared some industry-specific updates about funding opportunities.

Click here to preview the recording.
Click here to access Brinker Simpson’s slide deck.
Click here to learn more about C.H.I.R.P. (COVID-19 Hospitality Industry Recovery Program)

Over $37 Million Available to Residents to Assist with Rent and Utility Bills

By Lauren Contino

On March 30, 2021

In Financial Resources, Pennsylvania, State/Local, Uncategorized, Ways to Help Others in Need

Delaware County officially launched the Delaware County Emergency Rental Assistance (DELCO ERA) Grant Program on March 26. The program assists renters who have suffered disruption and loss of income due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Over $37 million is available to residents to assist with past due rent and an outstanding utility bill.

How the program works:

DELCO ERA will pay for past due rent, the largest past due utility bill, and up to three months of future eligible housing/utility expenses totaling up to 15 months of assistance. Past due rent can go as far back as April 1, 2020. DELCO ERA does not pay for deposits.

Brinker Simpson to Participate in Restaurant Rebound: COVID-19 Business Update

By Lauren Contino

On March 22, 2021

In Financial Resources, Pennsylvania, Webinars

On Tuesday, March 30th, from 11 a.m. to noon, Bob Simpson, CPA, and Kristen McCabe, CPA, will join the Delaware County Chamber of Commerce and the Delaware County Commerce Center for “Restaurant Rebound: COVID-19 Business Update”. During this webinar, the group will discuss new legislation for the foodservice industry and review the Pennsylvania C.H.I.R.P. (COVID-19 Hospitality Industry Recovery Program). Following the update, presenters will take part in a live Q&A. We hope you will join us!

$145 Million PA Hospitality Grant Program; Join us 3/2/21 for more information!

By Kristen McCabe

On February 18, 2021

In Pennsylvania, State/Local, Webinars

Governor Wolf recently announced the establishment of a hospitality industry focused grant program.

As a result, $145 million in funding will be distributed to all 67 Pennsylvania counties through the COVID-19 Hospitality Industry Recovery Program to help support the commonwealth’s hospitality industry.

Funding will be provided through population based block grants to be allocated by February 28. The program requires counties to establish grant programs for eligible businesses through CEDOs (Certified Economic Development Organizations) or CDFIs (Community Development Financial Institutions). Grants will be awarded in $5,000 increments with a $50,000 maximum.

Join Brinker Simpson & the Delaware County Commerce Center at 10am on March 2nd for a COVID19 Update webinar. … Read More

Pennsylvania Child Care COVID-19 Pandemic Relief Award

By Kristen McCabe

On January 22, 2021

In Financial Resources, Pennsylvania

On January 20th, Pennsylvania’s Governor Wolf announced the opportunity for one-time $600 grants for child care workers across PA through the federal Child Care Development Fund quality dollars and remaining funding previously made available through the federal CARES Act.

Nate Wahner from the Brinker Simpson Consulting Group compiled information to help providers determine if they are eligible and find out how to apply. Please find the information below.

Eligibility forPA Child Care Grant

Childcare workers must:

Be employed by a licensed childcare provider through the Office of Child Development and Early Learning as of January 1, 2021.
Work a minimum of 20 hours per week at a licensed childcare provider that is open and operating.