Do I qualify for the PPP?

You likely qualify for a PPP loan if:

• You were in business on or before February 15, 2020 (or were a seasonal employer that was dormant or not fully operating as of 2/15/2020 but was in operation for a 12-week period between 2/15/2019 and 2/15/2020)
• You have fewer than 500 total (full- and part-time) employees
  • For second draw loans: you must have fewer than 300 total (full- and part-time) employees
• You meet all other PPP eligibility requirements (if you’re unsure, the best way to find out is to start your PPP application)

Small business owners (with or without employees), sole proprietors, gig workers, self-employed individuals, and pretty much anyone who has 1099 income are among the types of business concerns that can qualify for PPP loans. As long as you were in operation on or before February 15, 2020 and reported taxable earnings/income for 2019 or 2020, you can likely apply for PPP assistance.

NOTE: You will need to provide your Schedule C (IRS Form 1040) when submitting forms to the lender processing your PPP application.

Being self-employed or a “non-employer” encompasses a wide range of people. Here are some guidelines to help you determine if you’d qualify for a PPP loan as a non-employer:

If you identify as one or more of these:

• Freelancer
• Gig worker
• Independent contractor
• Consultant
• Sole proprietor or small business owner (with no employees)

If you have one or more sources of self-employed income:

• 1099-NEC
• 1099-K
• Sale of goods or services
• Business income

Note: receiving W-2 income does not disqualify you from receiving a PPP loan if you receive income from any of the above sources.

If any of the above applies to you, then you are likely eligible for a PPP loan.

Yes. The minimum loan amount for a PPP loan is $1000. In order to qualify for a $1000 loan, you must have earned a cumulative total of at least $4,800 in either 2019 or 2020.

Why $4,800? Because the minimum loan amount for a PPP loan is $1,000. $4,800 divided by 12 months = $400, which multiplied by 2.5 = $1,000.

So if your Schedule C (Form 1040) shows an amount lower than $4,800, you will not be able to receive a PPP loan.

Yes. If an owner of an applicant, or a sole proprietor, self-employed individual, or independent contractor has an ITIN instead of an SSN, they may use the ITIN on the PPP Borrower Application Form (SBA Forms 2483 and 2483-SD, or lender’s equivalent) and the PPP Loan Forgiveness Application Forms (SBA Forms 3508, 3508EZ, and 3508S, or lender’s equivalent). An ITIN is a tax processing number only available to certain nonresident and resident aliens, their spouses, and dependents who cannot get an SSN. It is a 9-digit number, beginning with the number “9”, formatted like an SSN (NNN-NN-NNNN). To be eligible for a PPP loan or to receive loan forgiveness, the applicant must meet all eligibility criteria and PPP requirements, which includes the requirement that the principal place of residence for a sole proprietor, selfemployed individual, or independent contractor must be in the United States.

No. You combine them under one application (for both your First Draw and Second Draw loans).

As a self-employed person with no employees, the easiest way to apply is by using the amount listed on line 31 of your Schedule C (Form 1040), which will reflect the combined revenue from each of your 1099-MISC sources of income.

A simple way to think about it is: no matter how many sources of 1099 income you have, you will only need to apply once for your First Draw PPP Loan, and once again for your Second Draw PPP Loan, both times using your Schedule C (Form 1040).

Currently the PPP loan program applies only to businesses, independent contractors, sole proprietors, etc. who were in business on or before February 15, 2020.

Yes, as long as you meet the other eligibility requirements. Small businesses, sole proprietors, independent contractors, non-profits, partnerships, self-employed individuals, gig workers, etc. are among the many types of businesses allowed to apply for PPP loans.

Yes. And as long as employee and compensation levels are maintained during the 8 or 24-week covered period after you receive your PPP loan funds, and spend at least 60% of your funds on payroll and the rest on approved expenses, you can have your PPP loan fully forgiven.

If you were unable to use your first-draw PPP funding, you may be able to return the funds to the SBA (fully document this process via your lender) and reapply for a first-draw PPP loan. If you are able to use all of your First Draw funds on approved uses, then you may also qualify for a Second Draw Loan.

To qualify for a second-draw PPP loan, you must certify that you have spent or will spend all of your first-draw PPP funds on eligible expenses by the time you receive your second-draw PPP funding.

No. Small business concerns can be eligible borrowers even if they have more than 500 employees, as long as they satisfy the existing statutory and regulatory definition of a “small business concern” under section 3 of the Small Business Act, 15 U.S.C. 632. A business can qualify if it meets the SBA employee-based or revenue based size standard corresponding to its primary industry. Go to www.sba.gov/size for the industry size standards.

Additionally, a business can qualify for the Paycheck Protection Program as a small business concern if it met both tests in SBA’s “alternative size standard” as of March 27, 2020:

(1) maximum tangible net worth of the business is not more than $15 million; and

(2) the average net income after Federal income taxes (excluding any carry-over losses) of the business for the two full fiscal years before the date of the application is not more than $5 million.

A business that qualifies as a small business concern under section 3 of the Small Business Act, 15 U.S.C. 632, may truthfully attest to its eligibility for PPP loans on the Borrower Application Form, unless otherwise ineligible.

If your business has permanently closed, you are not eligible for a PPP loan. If you temporarily closed your business or temporarily halted operations, you may still qualify.

No. If there was a change in ownership through a purchase of substantially all assets of a business that was in operation on February 15, the business acquiring the assets will be eligible to apply for a PPP loan even if the change in ownership results in the assignment of a new tax ID number and even if the acquiring business was not in operation until after February 15, 2020. If the acquiring business has maintained the operations of the pre-sale business, the acquiring business may rely on the historic payroll costs and headcount of the pre-sale business for the purposes of its PPP application, except where the pre-sale business had applied for and received a PPP loan.

Absolutely. Nearly all 1099 workers or independent contractors likely qualify for a PPP loan, as long as they were in business on or before February 15, 2020.

• Where do I find my 1099/1040 for Grubhub?
  
  • See Grubhub’s driver taxes resource page.

NOTE: Make sure you have a copy of your Schedule C (IRS Form 1040). The lender processing your PPP application will need this to verify your 1099 income.

Yes, if line 31 of your Schedule C (Form 1040) is above $0 for 2019 or 2020 (you will need to meet certain Etsy sales thresholds to merit a 1099 form from Etsy. Depending on which state you’re located in, your requirements may vary. See Etsy’s FAQ for more details), and you were in business before Feb 15, 2020

• Where do I find my 1099/1040 for my Etsy store?
  • Please refer to Etsy’s seller handbook pages concerning tax forms.

NOTE: Make sure you have a copy of your Schedule C (IRS Form 1040). The lender processing your PPP application will need this to verify your 1099 income.

Generally, yes, if you are not an employee of Amazon, but rather run your own store under an LLC, 1099, or otherwise pay taxes as an independent contractor, self-employed individual, you likely qualify for a PPP loan.

• Where do I find my 1099/1040 for my Amazon store?
  • In your seller account, go to Reports/Tax Document Library then select the desired year, then your tax form.

NOTE: Make sure you have a copy of your Schedule C (IRS Form 1040). The lender processing your PPP application will need this to verify your 1099 income.

Generally, yes. But you need to be careful about “passive income.” If you file Schedule C, you should be fine to apply for a PPP loan, but if you file Schedule E, you are probably not eligible for a PPP loan.

NOTE: Make sure you have a copy of your Schedule C (IRS Form 1040). The lender processing your PPP application will need this to verify your 1099 income.

If you file a Schedule C, you should be fine to apply for a PPP loan, but if you file a Schedule E, you are probably not eligible for a PPP loan. You need to be accurate and careful about “passive income.” 

NOTE: Make sure you have a copy of your Schedule C (IRS Form 1040). The lender processing your PPP application will need this to verify your 1099 income.

It depends on whether you work directly for Upwork and receive a W2 from them, or whether you work as an independent contractor. Upwork allows both employment structures. See Upwork’s tax information page for more details. Nearly all 1099 workers or independent contractors likely qualify for a PPP loan, as long as they were in business on or before February 15, 2020. 

NOTE: Make sure you have a copy of your Schedule C (IRS Form 1040). The lender processing your PPP application will need this to verify your 1099 income.

Most likely, yes. Nearly all 1099 workers or independent contractors, including those who contracted through Fiverr, likely qualify for a PPP loan. As long as they were in business on or before February 15, 2020.

• Where do I find my 1099 from Fiverr?
  • Our information suggests that Fiverr doesn’t send out 1099s, but rather PayPal does, and only if you have over 200 transactions/year and make over $20,000.
  • If you don’t fit into that category you can likely use your bank statements and reports of income as a freelancer/independent contractor to demonstrate income. If you’re not sure, we recommend you start your free PPP application and you can get the assistance you need. For more information see the Fiverr forum on this subject.

NOTE: Make sure you have a copy of your Schedule C (IRS Form 1040). The lender processing your PPP application will need this to verify your 1099 income.

Absolutely. Nearly all 1099 workers or independent contractors likely qualify for a PPP loan. So as long as you were driving for Uber on or before February 15, 2020, you likely qualify for the PPP.

• Where do I find my 1099/1040 for driving Uber?
  • Every driver and delivery person on the Uber app will receive a tax summary, which is available on the “Tax Information Tab” of the driver dashboard on January 31, 2021. See Uber’s page on tax documents for more details.

NOTE: Make sure you have a copy of your Schedule C (IRS Form 1040). The lender processing your PPP application will need this to verify your 1099 income.

Yes. Nearly all independent contractors or 1099 workers likely qualify for a PPP loan. If you were driving for DoorDash on or before February 15, 2020, you most likely qualify for the PPP.

• How do I get my 1099 from DoorDash?
  • Per DoorDash, “In the United States, all Dashers that earn $600 or more within a calendar year will receive a 1099-NEC via our partnerships with Stripe and Payable.com.”

NOTE: Make sure you have a copy of your Schedule C (IRS Form 1040). The lender processing your PPP application will need this to verify your 1099 income.

Yes. Nearly all 1099 workers or independent contractors likely qualify for a PPP loan. So  as long as you were a delivery driver for Instacart on or before February 15, 2020, you likely qualify.

• How do I find my 1099 from Instacart?
  • If you made over $600 in a year, you may be able to find information regarding your 1099 in the Instacart help center. (You might also need to contact Payable to get your Instacart 1099.)

NOTE: Make sure you have a copy of your Schedule C (IRS Form 1040). The lender processing your PPP application will need this to verify your 1099 income.

Most likely, yes. Nearly all business owners, 1099 workers, self-employed individuals, or independent contractors likely qualify for a PPP loan. If your Shopify store was established and in business on or before February 15, 2020, you likely qualify.

• Where do I find my 1099 from Shopify?
  • Shopify sends out 1099s to store owners who made over $20,000/year and who had over 200 transactions. Find more info in Shopify’s response here. If you don’t fit into that category you can likely use your bank statements and tax records to verify income. If you’re not sure, we recommend you start your free PPP application and you can get the assistance you need.

NOTE: Make sure you have a copy of your Schedule C (IRS Form 1040). The lender processing your PPP application will need this to verify your 1099 income.

Yes. Nearly all 1099 workers or independent contractors likely qualify for a PPP loan, as long as you were doing Wix contract work on or before February 15, 2020.

• How do I find my 1099 from Wix?
  • Wix Payments will provide the 1099-K form to all merchant accounts that fulfill all of the following requirements: 
    • Account is open in the United States, regardless of owners’ or shareholders’ citizenship.
    • Exceeds $20,000 USD in gross payment volume from sales of goods or services in a single calendar year.
    • Has 200 or more individual payments for goods or services in a single calendar year.
  • If you fulfill these requirements, Wix Payments will send you an email during the month of January with the 1099-k attached. See Wix’s response for more info.

NOTE: Make sure you have a copy of your Schedule C (IRS Form 1040). The lender processing your PPP application will need this to verify your 1099 income.

Quite possibly, yes. Content creators who received 1099 payments, and have income on Line 31 of their Schedule C (Form 1040) likely qualify for a PPP loan. As long as you were being paid by YouTube on or before February 15, 2020, you likely qualify.

• How do I get my 1099 from YouTube?
  • Visit this page to request a tax form from YouTube/Google.

NOTE: Make sure you have a copy of your Schedule C (IRS Form 1040). The lender processing your PPP application will need this to verify your 1099 income.

Yes, if you made money from TikTok, you very likely qualify for PPP funds. Content creators who have income on Line 31 of their Schedule C (Form 1040) likely qualify for a PPP loan. So as long as you were being paid by TikTok on or before February 15, 2020, you likely qualify.

• Can I get a 1099 from TikTok?
  • Our information suggests that TikTok doesn’t send out 1099 forms, but rather TikTokers are responsible for properly tracking and reporting their “gifts” or income via their tax returns. Be sure to provide all records to your lender when applying for a PPP loan. If you’re not sure, we recommend you start your free PPP application and you can get the assistance you need.

NOTE: Make sure you have a copy of your Schedule C (IRS Form 1040). The lender processing your PPP application will need this to verify your 1099 income.

If you made money from Twitch, you likely qualify for the PPP. Content creators who received 1099 payments, and have income on line 31 of their Schedule C (Form 1040) likely qualify for a PPP loan. As long as you were being paid by Twitch on or before February 15, 2020, you likely qualify.

• How do I get a 1099 from Twitch?
  • If you earn income from Twitch, you should receive a Form 1099-MISC and/or 1099-NEC in the mail on or before January 31.
  • Visit Twitch’s tax information page for more details.

NOTE: Make sure you have a copy of your Schedule C (IRS Form 1040). The lender processing your PPP application will need this to verify your 1099 income.

Yes, if you work for yourself, do 1099 contract work, or own your own accounting or tax preparation business (self-employed), you are likely eligible for a PPP loan. If you have a positive amount on line 31 of your Schedule C (Form 1040) and you were in business on or before February 15, 2020, you should apply for the PPP.

However, if you receive a W2 for working as an accountant or tax preparer for an tax preparation business or accounting firm, you are not eligible to apply for a PPP loan for the money you made at that job. If you do other 1099/contract work on the side, however, your W2 job would not prevent you from getting approved for PPP funds from your contract work.

NOTE: Make sure you have a copy of your Schedule C (IRS Form 1040). The lender processing your PPP application will need this to verify your 1099 income.

Yes, if you work for yourself, do 1099 contract work, or own your own insurance agency (but have no employees), you are likely eligible for a PPP loan. If you have a positive amount on Line 31 of your Schedule C (Form 1040), and you were in business on or before February 15, 2020, you should apply for the PPP.

However, if you receive a W2 for working as an insurance agent for an insurance agency, you are not eligible to apply for a PPP loan for the money you made at that job. If you do other 1099/contract work on the side, however, your W2 job would not prevent you from getting approved for PPP funds from your contract work.

NOTE: Make sure you have a copy of your Schedule C (IRS Form 1040). The lender processing your PPP application will need this to verify your 1099 income.

Yes, if you work for yourself, do 1099 contract work, or own your own accounting business (self-employed with no employees), you are likely eligible for a PPP loan. If you have a positive amount on Line 31 of your Schedule C (Form 1040), and you were in business on or before February 15, 2020, you should apply for the PPP.

However, if you receive a W2 for working as an accountant for an accounting firm, you are not eligible to apply for a PPP loan for the money you made on that job. If you do other 1099/contract work on the side, however, your W2 job would not prevent you from getting approved for PPP funds from your contract work.

NOTE: Make sure you have a copy of your Schedule C (IRS Form 1040). The lender processing your PPP application will need this to verify your 1099 income.

Yes, if you work for yourself, do 1099 contract work, or own your own real estate business (self-employed with no employees), you are likely eligible for a PPP loan. If you have a positive amount on Line 31 of your Schedule C (Form 1040), and you were in business on or before February 15, 2020, you should apply for the PPP.

However, if you receive a W2 for working as a real estate agent for a realty business, you are not eligible to apply for a PPP loan for the money you made on that job. If you do other 1099/contract work on the side, however, your W2 job would not prevent you from getting approved for PPP funds from your contract work.

Additionally, if your Real Estate income is filed Schedule E (passive income), you are probably not eligible for a PPP Loan.

NOTE: Make sure you have a copy of your Schedule C (IRS Form 1040). The lender processing your PPP application will need this to verify your 1099 income.

Most likely, yes. Nearly all 1099 workers, content creators, influencers, or independent contractors likely qualify for a PPP loan. If you were in business on or before February 15, 2020, and have a positive amount on your 1040 Schedule C, Line 31, you should apply.

• What if I haven’t reported income on a 1099?
  • If you’ve earned and reported income under your social security number you can likely still qualify for a PPP loan. If you’re not sure, we recommend you start your PPP application and you can get the assistance you need.

NOTE: Make sure you have a copy of your Schedule C (IRS Form 1040). The lender processing your PPP application will need this to verify income you made as a creator or influencer.

It depends on how you get paid and who you “work for.” If you’re part of an acting company or other performance organization that pays you hourly, salary, or by performance, and you get a W2 from that company, you’re not eligible for a PPP loan. However, if you’re a 1099 worker, a street performer that gets paid directly in cash or otherwise, or are an independent contractor or self-employed individual, you likely qualify for a PPP loan, as long as you were in business on or before February 15, 2020. 

• What if I haven’t reported income on a 1099?
  • If you’ve earned and reported income under your social security number you can likely still qualify for a PPP loan. If you’re not sure, we recommend you start your free PPP application and you can get the assistance you need.

NOTE: Make sure you have a copy of your Schedule C (IRS Form 1040). The lender processing your PPP application will need this to verify income you made as a performer or actor.

Yes, if you own your own truck/work for yourself, do 1099 contract work, or own your own trucking business (self-employed), you are likely eligible for a PPP loan.

However, if you receive a W2 for working for a trucking company, you are not eligible to apply for a PPP loan for the income you made at that job. If you do other 1099/contract work on the side, however, your W2 job would not prevent you from getting approved for PPP funds from your contract work.

NOTE: Make sure you have a copy of your Schedule C (IRS Form 1040). The lender processing your PPP application will need this to verify income you made as a trucker.

It depends on whether you’re employed by the cruise ship company or whether you’re working as an independent contractor, 1099, self-employed individual, or sole proprietor. If you do contract work for a cruise ship company, you likely qualify for a PPP loan. If you get a W2 from the cruise ship company, you don’t qualify for a PPP loan for the money you made on that job. If you do other 1099/contract work on the side, however, your W2 job would not prevent you from getting approved for PPP funds from your contract work.

NOTE: Make sure you have a copy of your Schedule C (IRS Form 1040). The lender processing your PPP application will need this to verify your income.

It depends on whether you’re employed by the cable company or whether you’re working as an independent contractor, 1099, self-employed individual, or sole proprietor.

If you do contract work for a cable company, you likely qualify for a PPP loan. If you get a W2 from the cable company, you don’t qualify for a PPP loan for the money you made for that job. If you do other 1099/contract work on the side, however, your W2 job would not prevent you from getting approved for PPP funds from your contract work.

NOTE: Make sure you have a copy of your Schedule C (IRS Form 1040). The lender processing your PPP application will need this to verify your income.

It depends on whether you’re employed by a gym or whether you’re working as an independent contractor, 1099, self-employed individual, or sole proprietor. If you do contract work or own your own personal training business, you likely qualify for a PPP loan.

If you get a W2 from a gym or other fitness company, you don’t qualify for a PPP loan for the money you made for that job. If you do other 1099/contract work on the side, however, your W2 job would not prevent you from getting approved for PPP funds from your contract work.

NOTE: Make sure you have a copy of your Schedule C (IRS Form 1040). The lender processing your PPP application will need this to verify your income.

Being on unemployment does not disqualify you from applying for a PPP loan. Receiving a PPP loan by itself does not disqualify you for unemployment. If you meet the eligibility requirements for a PPP loan, you should apply for PPP funds since the amount of money you receive on PPP can be significant (up to $20,833 per loan for a self-employed person), far in excess of most unemployment programs.

However, you should be careful navigating both unemployment and PPP at the same time. If you are self-employed or a 1099 then you likely cannot use your PPP funds to pay yourself and continue to collect unemployment—because the payment you make to yourself counts as income, which in most cases will disqualify you from continuing to receive unemployment. But keep in mind you can spend your PPP loan on other expenses including other employees’ compensation, mortgage interest, rent, operating costs, and more. 

You may be able to get back on unemployment benefits after receiving your PPP loan, and we would recommend that you work with your local unemployment office.

Currently the PPP loan is only available for businesses, contractors, 1099 workers, and eligible self-employed individuals who were in business on or before February 15, 2020.

Yes, if you software development work for yourself, do 1099 contract work, or own your own software development business (self-employed with no employees), you are likely eligible for a PPP loan. If you have a positive amount on your 1040 Schedule C, Line 31, and you were in business on or before February 15, 2020, you should apply for the PPP.

However, if you receive a W2 for working as an developer for a company, you are not eligible to apply for a PPP loan for the money you made on that job. If you do other 1099/contract work on the side, however, your W2 job would not prevent you from getting approved for PPP funds from your contract developer work.

NOTE: Make sure you have a copy of your Schedule C (IRS Form 1040). The lender processing your PPP application will need this to verify your 1099 income.

Yes, if you work for yourself, do 1099 contract work, or own your own front end dev business (self-employed with no employees), you are likely eligible for a PPP loan. If you have a positive amount on your 1040 Schedule C, Line 31, and you were in business on or before February 15, 2020, you should apply for the PPP.

However, if you receive a W2 for working as an developer or coder for another business, you are not eligible to apply for a PPP loan for the earnings you made on that job. If you do other coding/development 1099/contract work on the side, however, your W2 job would not prevent you from getting approved for PPP funds from your contract developer work.

NOTE: Make sure you have a copy of your Schedule C (IRS Form 1040). The lender processing your PPP application will need this to verify your 1099 income.

Yes, if you work for yourself, do 1099 contract work, or own your own computer/IT business (self-employed with no employees), you are likely eligible for a PPP loan. If you have a positive amount on your 1040 Schedule C, Line 31, and you were in business on or before February 15, 2020, you should apply for the PPP.

However, if you receive a W2 for working as an IT/computer tech for a company, you are not eligible to apply for a PPP loan for the money you made on that job. If you do other 1099/contract IT work on the side, however, your W2 job would not prevent you from getting approved for PPP funds from your contract computer/IT work.

NOTE: Make sure you have a copy of your Schedule C (IRS Form 1040). The lender processing your PPP application will need this to verify your 1099 income.

Absolutely. Nearly all 1099 workers or independent contractors likely qualify for a PPP loan. So as long as you were driving for Lyft on or before February 15, 2020, and earned at least $4800 for the year, you likely qualify for the PPP.

• Where do I find my 1099/1040 from Lyft?
  • The ‘Tax Information’ tab in your Lyft Driver Dashboard is where you can find all of your tax documents.

NOTE: Make sure you have a copy of your Schedule C (IRS Form 1040). The lender processing your PPP application will need this to verify your 1099 income.