Coronavirus (COVID-19) Legislation—Individuals

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Legislation for Individuals. Recent legislation, such as the Families First Coronavirus Response Act and the Coronavirus, Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act has provided some financial and tax relief for certain taxpayers. The following is a summary of some of the provisions.

Filing and Payment Deadline

The due date for any person required to file a federal income tax return is now July 15, 2020. This is automatic and therefore no extension needs to be filed. In addition, no interest or penalty will accrue until July 16, 2020.

Estimated tax

First quarter estimated tax payments and second quarter estimated tax payments deadline is July 15 as well.

State tax returns.

Most states have also extended filing and payment deadlines, but some states have implemented different due dates or not conformed. Be sure to confirm with each state for the most updated information.

Contributions made by due date

Generally, contributions made to an individual retirement arrangement (IRA) or a health savings account (HSA) applicable for tax year 2019, must be made by April 15, 2020. However, you now have until July 15 to make 2019 contributions to an IRA or HSA.

2016 tax return

The July 15th deadline also applies to 2016 tax returns to claim refund.

Recovery Rebates (Stimulus Payment)

A one-time recovery rebate is an advance refundable credit against your 2020 taxes. For example, $1,200 for individuals ($2,400 for joint filers). Plus an additional $500 per child under age 17 who qualifies for the Child Tax Credit.

Eligibility.

All US residents with adjusted gross income (AGI) up to $75,000 ($112,500 for Head of Household, $150,000 Married Filing Jointly), who are not claimed as a dependent and have a work-eligible Social Security Number, are eligible for the full rebate amount. Even if you have no income, or if your income comes entirely from nontaxable SSI benefits. The threshold amount is based off of your 2018 AGI (unless a 2019 return has already been filed).

Phaseout

The rebate amount is reduced by $5 for each $100 that your AGI exceeds the phaseout threshold. The rebate is completely phased out at $99,000 (Single), $136,500 (HOH), and $198,000 (MFJ).

How to receive

For most individuals, nothing needs to be done in order to receive the rebate. It will be direct deposit if you have authorized a direct deposit or direct debit for your most recently filed tax return. If no bank information a check will be mailed to your last known address. The rebate may be offset by past due child support, but not any other federal or state debt. Go to www.irs.gov/coronavirus/economic-impact-payments to update bank account or mailing address, or to enter payment information for non-filers.

Retirement Plan Distributions

COVID-19-related distribution. The 10% early withdrawal penalty is waived for COVID-19-related distributions up to $100,000 from qualified retirement plans or IRAs. A COVID-19-related distribution is one made during the 2020 calendar year to an individual who is diagnosed with COVID-19 by a CDC-approved test, whose spouse or dependent is diagnosed with COVID-19. Also includes who experiences adverse financial consequences as a result of being quarantined, furloughed, laid off, having work hours reduced, being unable to work due to lack of childcare due to COVID-19 As well as closing or reducing hours of a business owned or operated by the individual. Any income from an early withdrawal can be included in income over a 3-year period. The withdrawl amount can also be re-contributed over three years without regard to annual contribution limits.

Retirement plan loans

Plan loan limits have increased from $50,000 to $100,000 and loan repayment may be delayed up to one year.

Required minimum distribution (RMD)

RMDs are waived for calendar year 2020. That means if you are currently taking RMDs, you are not required to do so for 2020. This also includes your first RMD, which you may have delayed from 2019 until April 1, 2020.

Charitable Contributions

Beginning in 2020, a new above-the-line deduction up to $300 is available for individuals who do not itemize deductions.

Limitations

The 50% AGI limit for cash donations by individuals is suspended for 2020 only. You may deduct cash contributions up to your AGI if you itemize. Any excess contribution amount may be carried forward.

Health Savings Account (HSA)

COVID-19 health benefits. A high-deductible health plan (HDHP) may pay for COVID-19 health benefits before the minimum deductible requirements are satisfied. Health benefits provided by an HDHP may include medical care services and items purchased related to testing and treatment. Vaccinations, once available, are treated as preventive care.

Over-the-counter (OTC) medicines

Beginning in 2020, OTC medications may be purchased using HSAs, flex spending arrangements (FSAs), and Archers MSAs. Including pain and allergy relief medications without a prescription. In addition, menstrual care products have been added to qualified medical expenses.

Unemployment

A temporary new program provides unemployment benefits for individuals not traditionally eligible (self-employed, independent contractors, limited work history), who are unable to work as a direct result of COVID-19 public health emergency.

Student Loans

Some relief is available for federal student loan borrowers. But most provisions only apply to Direct Loans and Federal Family Education Loans (FFEL) that are currently owned by the U.S. Department of Education. However, FFELs owned by commercial lenders and Perkins loans owned by your educational institution are not eligible.

Payment suspension

All payments due on eligible federal student loans have been postponed until September 30, 2020. Each month of suspension will count toward a loan payment for the purpose of any loan forgiveness program or loan rehabilitation program. That is to say they are considered qualifying payments for income based repayment, Public Service Loan Forgiveness, or defaulted loans enrolled in a rehabilitation program.

Interest waiver

No interest will accrue. For eligible federal student loans, the interest rate is 0% until September 30, 2020.

Collections.

Wage garnishments, refund offsets, federal benefit reductions or other involuntary collection activity.

Employer educational assistance

If your employer provides educational assistance fringe benefits, up to $5,250 may be excluded from taxable income for employer payments to your student loan from March 27, 2020 through December 31, 2020. The $5,250 limit applies to student loan payments and tuition assistance payments combined. You can not claim a student loan interest deduction for employer paid interest.

Contact Us

There are many events that occur during the year that can affect your tax situation. Preparation of your tax return involves summarizing transactions and events that occurred during the prior year. However, you can avoid negative tax effects with proper planning. Please contact us in advance if you have questions about the tax effects of a transaction or event, including the following:

Pension or IRA distributions.
Retirement.
Significant change in income or deductions.
Notice from IRS or other revenue department.
Job change.
Divorce or separation.
Marriage.
Self-employment.
Attainment of age 59½ or 72.
Charitable contributions of property in excess of $5000
Sale or purchase of a business.
Sale or purchase of a residence or other real estate.

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