The First Citizens Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Loan Forgiveness Application Portal is Open
We are pleased to announce that the First Citizens loan forgiveness application portal is now open and can be accessed at https://firstcitizensbank.lenderscooperative.com/. If you cannot access this site, please contact your First Citizens lender at (800) 326-9486. By beginning this process now, you will be well within the SBA timeline for submission of forgiveness.
Below is additional information to assist you with a successful application process. Please refer to www.sba.gov/ppp for a complete list of requirements, instructions, and forms.
- Your SBA Loan number can be found on the top of the first page of your PPP Note.
- Your Tax ID number - If you are a sole proprietor, your loan was most likely issued using your social security number and not the Tax ID number of your business.
- The Loan disbursement date is listed on your note.
- Compile, scan, and upload your documentation for Payroll Expenses, including:
- Bank Account Statements or third-party payroll service provider reports documenting the amount of cash compensation paid to employees.
- Tax forms (or equivalent third-party payroll service provider reports) for the periods that overlap with the Covered Period or the Alternative Payroll Covered Period.
- Payroll tax filings reported, or that will be reported, to the IRS (typically Form 941).
- State Quarterly business and individual employee wage reporting and unemployment insurance tax filings reported, or that will be reported, to the relevant state.
- Payment receipts, canceled checks, or account statements documenting the amount of any employer contributions to employee health insurance and retirement plans that the borrower included in the forgiveness amount.
- Compile, scan, and upload your documentation for Non-Payroll Expenses (that were incurred or paid during the covered period and showing that obligations or services existing prior to February 15, 2020), including:
- Business mortgage interest payments – Copy of lender amortization schedule and receipts verifying payments, or lender account statements.
- Business rent or lease payments – a copy of the current lease agreement and receipts or canceled checks verifying eligible payments.
- Business utility payments – copies of invoices and receipts, canceled checks, or account statements.
For a list of frequently asked questions, please visit https://home.treasury.gov/system/files/136/PPP--Loan-Forgiveness-FAQs.pdf. Or, feel free to reach out to your lender at (800) 326-9486.
Coronavirus Updates
We continue to closely monitor updates from a variety of sources, including the CDC and the states in which we operate, for guidance related to the Coronavirus. The frequently changing guidelines from these organizations continue to impact the business community. In response, we continue to adjust our business practices to ensure we effectively balance the health and safety of our employees and customers with the need for banking services.
Mask Requirement
- In accordance with state requirements, we are requiring all customers and employees who are not fully vaccinated to wear a mask in our offices. If you do not have a mask, a disposable one will be provided to you.
Bank Safely with Digital Services
There are convenient ways to access your funds without personal contact. We strongly encourage customers to use our digital banking tools to transact routine banking.
- NetTeller Online Banking allows you to check balances and transactions, and make transfers… all from your computer, laptop, or smartphone. Make deposits right from your smartphone with Mobile Deposit. If you are not currently enrolled in NetTeller, please call (800) 326-9486 to enroll.
- ATMs are available 24-7 for withdrawals, deposits, transfers, and balance inquiries.
- Automated Bank by Phone – Call (888) 457-3262 for balances, transactions, to make transfers, or pay your loan. It’s easy to set up!
- Drop your deposit into our Night Deposit DropBox and we’ll mail you a receipt.
Safety & Accessing Deposits
Your money is insured by the FDIC. Deposits with an FDIC-insured bank will continue to be protected up to at least $250,000. The FDIC has a number of deposit insurance resources to help customers determine their deposit insurance coverage. All can be found at www.fdic.gov or by calling (877) 275-3342. The currency needs of banking customers will continue to be met by the Federal Reserve System and we will continue to ensure that you have access to funds either directly or electronically.
If you have additional questions about our practices, hours of service, or how to get started with our digital banking tools, please call (800) 326-9486 or contact your local office.
Reliable Sources of Information
Common COVID-19 Scams and Fraud
Fraudsters never sleep and are using the fear and uncertainty of the Coronavirus to their advantage. Don’t get caught in one of these scams.
- Phishing and Supply Scams - Scammers impersonate health organizations and businesses to gather personal and financial information or sell fake test kits, supplies, vaccines, or cures for COVID-19.
- Stimulus Check or Economic Relief Scams – The government will soon be issuing payments as part of the Stimulus Package to help ease the economic impact of the virus. However, the government will NOT ask for a fee to receive the funds, nor will they ask for your personal or account information.
- Charity Scams - Fraudsters seek donations for illegitimate or non-existent organizations related to the virus.
- Delivery of Malware - Through “virus-tracking apps” or sensationalized news reports.
- Provider Scams - Scammers impersonate doctors and hospital staff and contact the victim claiming to have treated a relative or friend for COVID-19 and demand payment for treatment.
- Bank/FDIC Scams - Scammers impersonate FDIC or bank employees and falsely claim that banks are limiting access to deposits or that there are security issues with bank deposits.
- Investment Scams- Often styled as “research reports,” claiming that products or services of publicly traded companies can prevent, detect, or cure COVID-19.
- Visit the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center at www.ic3.gov to report suspected or confirmed scams.