Thanks, but no: Small businesses shun payroll tax deferral

NEW YORK (AP) — As employees of small businesses get their first September paychecks, they’re probably receiving their usual amount — company owners are still withholding money for Social Security despite a presidential order allowing the tax to be deferred.

The order President Donald Trump signed Aug. 8 allows employers to stop withholding the 6.2% payroll tax from Sept. 1 through Dec. 31. Employees must make under $4,000 every two weeks to qualify. Trump said the order was aimed at putting more money into Americans’ pockets during the coronavirus outbreak.

Small business owners are wary about the plan. The tax must still be paid between Jan. 1 and April 30 of next year, which means employees could take an unwanted financial hit or companies might ultimately have to pay the government if staffers leave.

Attorney John Strohmeyer is having the payroll for his Houston firm processed as per usual.

“It doesn’t make much sense. I’m not getting a tax break as an employee or employer. The money is still due by April 30 of next year,” Strohmeyer says.

Jay Starkman says the businesses calling his human resources consulting firm for advice about tax deferral ask whether it’s a good benefit for employees. But they’re not inclined to implement the plan.

“If the employee doesn’t pay the money back, you’re on the hook for it. Till that changes, it just doesn’t make sense to give somebody a few more months of money,” says Starkman, CEO of Engage PEO, based in Hollywood, Florida.

Owners also have questions about the payment process that aren’t answered in the guidelines the IRS issued last week.

The three-page document is silent on how the money is to be collected after Jan. 1, leaving owners wondering if they would have to deduct it paycheck by...