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COVID-19 Relief: Payroll Credit for Business Fixed Expenses

This act introduces a payroll tax credit for employers whose businesses were closed or limited due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It aims to help companies cover fixed expenses like rent or mortgage payments, potentially preserving jobs and economic stability. This allows businesses to receive a refund for a portion of their incurred costs, helping them navigate challenging times.
Key points
Businesses affected by COVID-19 can receive a 50% payroll tax credit for qualified fixed expenses (rent, mortgage, utilities).
The credit is capped at $50,000 per quarter and applies to employers with up to 1,500 full-time equivalent employees or gross receipts up to $41.5 million in 2019.
Provisions apply to expenses paid or accrued from March 12, 2020, through December 31, 2021, supporting business liquidity.
The act coordinates with the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) to prevent double-dipping on the same expenses.
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Additional Information
Print number: 117_HR_615
Sponsor: Rep. Thompson, Mike [D-CA-5]
Process start date: 2021-01-28
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Summarized by: gemini-2.5-flash
Source data: api.congress.gov
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OFFICIAL LEGAL TITLE

Keeping the Lights On Act of 2021

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is the official ID of this bill?

The official print number for this legislation is 117_HR_615.

Which chamber initiated this legislation?

This legislation was initiated in the House of Representatives.

When did the legislative process begin?

The process officially started on 2021-01-28.

What are the main provisions?

Key points include:

  • Businesses affected by COVID-19 can receive a 50% payroll tax credit for qualified fixed expenses (rent, mortgage, utilities).
  • The credit is capped at $50,000 per quarter and applies to employers with up to 1,500 full-time equivalent employees or gross receipts up to $41.5 million in 2019.
  • Provisions apply to expenses paid or accrued from March 12, 2020, through December 31, 2021, supporting business liquidity.
  • The act coordinates with the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) to prevent double-dipping on the same expenses.
What is the specific legal status?

The current status is Expired.

Where can I read the full text of this legislation?

The full official text is available at: View full text

Who is the primary sponsor?

The primary sponsor is Rep. Thompson, Mike [D-CA-5].

What is the latest detailed status?

The latest detailed status is: Introduced in House

Is this summary verified?

Yes. This content was analyzed by AI and verified by the Lustra Judge System on 2026-01-02.

CATEGORIES

Taxes Economy Labor