The Commonwealth is providing eligible Massachusetts employers with funding to hire and train new workers. The HireNow program is funded by the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, and was created in response to the hiring challenges experienced by Massachusetts employers due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
From its share of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts has made a total of $75,000,000 available to support small businesses negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. These funds will be administered by the Massachusetts Growth Capital Corporation (MGCC) through two different grant programs, the New Applicant Grant Program and the Inclusive Grant Program.
Clients and many taxpayers often wonder whether it might be beneficial in retirement or while still working to change their place of residency as a way to minimize their current and future state tax obligations, or as part of their long-term strategy to minimize estate taxes to a more tax-friendly state. While most states tax all or a portion of the income of their residents, certain states like Alaska, Florida, Nevada, South Dakota, Texas, Washington, and Wyoming have no state income tax, and New Hampshire and Tennessee do not tax earned wages. These and other states may not have “state” estate and/or inheritance tax as well, making them very appealing for those looking to change their residency in the long-term.
The IRS and the Treasury department began issuing a second round of Economic Impact Payments last week as part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act. Most individuals making up to $75,000 per year will receive a direct payment of $600; married couples making up to $150,000 per year will receive $1,200; and eligible individuals with children will receive $600 for each qualifying child dependent. Dependents who are 17 and older are not eligible for the child payment.
Identity theft has become increasingly common over the last several years, and with more people collecting unemployment benefits than ever before due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we have seen a sharp increase in unemployment benefits fraud among our clients.
