Loan Forgiveness Simplified for Borrowers of Small PPP Loans

The SBA is making it easier for borrowers who received a Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan of $50,000 or less to achieve loan forgiveness.

The Treasury and SBA released a new interim final rule (IFR) and simplified application for PPP loans that fall within this threshold. Under the IFR, PPP borrowers of $50,000 or less will not have the amount of their loan forgiveness reduced based on:

  • Reductions in full-time-equivalent (FTE) employees
  • Reductions in employee salary or wages.

This eliminates the need for many borrowers to perform the complex FTE or salary reduction calculations required of those who received larger PPP loans. Other certification and documentation requirements remain unchanged.

A simplified loan forgiveness application, SBA Form 3508S, can be used by borrowers with a total loan amount of $50,000 or less, unless those borrowers together with their affiliates received loans totaling $2 million or more.

For more information on the new application or if you have any questions as you document your expenses for loan forgiveness, our Crisis Response & Recovery hotline remains open for advice and guidance.


Lou Pizzileo Louis Pizzileo is an assurance and advisory Partner at Grassi and leads the firm’s SEC and Capital Markets Practice. He has over 25 years of experience serving growth-minded middle market and Fortune 500 companies. As the leader of SEC & Capital Markets team, Lou has guided many micro, mid, and small-cap companies through successful initial public offerings. He has also assisted existing public companies... Read full bio