IRS Guidance: PPP Loan Expenses Not Tax-Deductible

On April 30th, the IRS released guidance announcing that expenses related to Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) forgivable loans will not be tax-deductible.

The PPP was originally created as part of the CARES Act, a $2.2 trillion coronavirus relief bill. The program provides low-interest loans to small businesses that will be forgivable as long as the funds go are used for “essential” expenses like maintaining payroll.

The initial appropriation of $349 billion ran out quickly, and a second-round was passed as part of the PPP & HCE Act, providing $310 billion in additional funds.

Usually, wages would be deductible expenses for employers, and forgiven debt would count as taxable income. Under the coronavirus relief packages, however, PPP loan forgiveness will not count as taxable income.

That being said, the IRS guidance states that expenses that result in forgiveness of a PPP loan are not tax-deductible in order to prevent a "double tax benefit."

If they decide to take action on this topic, Congress could override the IRS’s guidance by passing a law that would explicitly allow the deductions.

We will continue to keep you updated on the latest IRS guidance and other PPP news and legislation. Please contact us if you have any questions.

Share this article...

Want our best tax and accounting tips and insights delivered to your inbox?

Sign up for our newsletter.

I confirm this is a service inquiry and not an advertising message or solicitation. By clicking “Submit”, I acknowledge and agree to the creation of an account and to the and .

Our Offices

Our expertise is widespread and we have multiple office locations to make it convenient for you to get help. You can find us at:

Oregon Office

4545 SW 96th Ave
Beaverton, Oregon 97005
Monday through Friday:
9am to 5pm and by appointment

April-December
Monday through Thursday
10am to 2pm

Connecticut Office

P.O. Box 271356
West Hartford, Connecticut 06127
By Appointment Only

Idaho Office

2020 Blaine St.
Caldwell, Idaho 83605
Monday through Friday:
9am to 5pm and by appointment

April-December
Monday through Thursday
10am to 2pm