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Recent Coronavirus Aid and Relief Legislation Thumbnail

Recent Coronavirus Aid and Relief Legislation

Coronavirus New Legislation

The coronavirus pandemic has become the most significant public health crisis in literally a century – since the 1918 flu event. 

Congress responded on Friday, March 27, by committing at least $2 trillion in aid to U.S. individuals and businesses. 

Since much of this aid is in the form of direct payments to American households and small businesses we want to share three key provisions that we expect to be discussing with clients personally, depending on which ones apply.

For most American households

  1. Direct payments/recovery rebates: 

Most Americans can expect to receive direct payments from Uncle Sam of up to $1,200 per adult and $500 per dependent child. To calculate your payment, the Federal government will look at your 2019 Adjusted Gross Income (Line 8b) if it’s available, or your 2018 Adjusted Gross Income (line 7) if it’s not. If your household income is below certain ranges ($75,000-$99,000 single, $150,000-$198,000 married), expect a payment by check or direct deposit. This Nerd’s Eye View illustration offers a great overview.

From Michael Kitces at Nerd’s Eye View; reprinted with permission.

For Business Owners (and Certain Not-for-Profits) 

  1. Paycheck Protection Program loans (potentially forgivable): 

The Small Business Administration (SBA) Paycheck Protection Program is making loans available for qualified businesses and not-for-profits (typically under 500 employees), sole proprietors, and independent contractors. Loans for up to 2.5x monthly payroll, up to $10 million, 2-year maturity, interest rate 0.5%. Payments are deferred and, if certain employment retention and other requirements are met, the loan may be forgiven. 

  1. Economic Injury Disaster Loans (with a forgivable advance of up to $10,000): 

In coordination with your state, SBA disaster assistance also offers Economic Injury Disaster Loans of up to $2 million to qualified small businesses and non-profits, “to help overcome the temporary loss of revenue they are experiencing.” Interest rates are under 4%, with potential repayment terms of up to 30 years. Applicants also are eligible for an advance on the loan of up to $10,000. The advance will not need to be repaid, even if the loan is denied. 

Given the complexities involved and unprecedented current conditions, there will undoubtedly be updates, clarifications, additions, system glitches, and other adjustments to these summary points. The results could leave a wide gap between intention and reality. 

As such, before proceeding, please consult with us and other appropriate professionals, such as your accountant, and/or estate planning attorney on any details specific to you. 

Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us with your questions and comments. It’s what we’re here for. 

 

Interested in learning more? Below is also a summary of additional key provisions: 

With much of the country in self-isolation, perhaps you’ve got time to read the entire H.R. 748 Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act, or CARES Act. 


For Business Owners (and Certain Not-for-Profits) - continued

  • Payroll tax credits and deferrals: 

For qualified businesses who are not taking a loan.

An additional employee retention credit (as a payroll tax credit), “equal to 50 percent of the qualified wages with respect to each employee of such employer for such calendar quarter.” Excludes businesses who have taken a Small Business Act loan. 

  • Net Operating Loss rules relaxed: 

Carry back 2018–2020 losses up to five years, on up to 100% of taxable income from these same years.

  • Immediate expensing for qualified improvements: 

Section 168 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended to allow immediate expensing rather than multi-year depreciation.

  • Employer-paid student loan repayments excluded from 2020 income: 

From the date of the CARES Act enactment through year-end, your employer can pay up to $5,250 toward your student debt or your current education without it counting as taxable income to you. 

 

For Student loan borrowers

  • Federal student loan payments deferred to Sept. 30, 2020:  

No interest will accrue either. This ONLY applies to federal student loans, not private student loans. Important: Voluntary payments will continue unless you explicitly pause them. Plus, the deferral period will still count toward any loan forgiveness program you’re in. So, be sure to pause payments if this applies to you, especially if you are in a PSLF program, lest you pay on debt that will ultimately be forgiven. 

  • Delinquent debt collection suspended through Sept. 30, 2020: 

Including wage, tax refund, and other Federal benefit garnishments.

  • Employer-paid student loan repayments excluded from 2020 income: 

From March 27 through year-end, your employer can pay up to $5,250 toward your student debt or your current education without it counting as taxable income to you. 

 

For Charitable Donors

  • “Above-the-line” charitable deductions: 

Deduct up to $300 in 2020 qualified charitable contributions (excluding Donor Advised Funds), even if you are taking a standard deduction. While most clients should pursue this, keep in mind the relatively small tax dollar benefit even at the highest tax rate. 

  • Donate all of your 2020 AGI: 

You can effectively eliminate 2020 taxes owed, and then some, by donating up to, or beyond your AGI. If you donate more than your AGI, you can still carry forward the excess up to 5 years. Contributions to a Donor Advised Fund are excluded.

 

For Employees/Plan Participants

  • Retirement plan loans and distributions: 

Maximum amount increased to $100,000 on up to the entire vested amount for coronavirus-related loans. Delay repayment up to a year for loans taken from March 27–year-end 2020. Distributions described below in For Unemployed/Laid Off Americans. 

  • Paid sick leave: 

Paid sick leave benefits for COVID-19 victims are described in the separate, March 18 H.R. 6201 Families First Coronavirus Response Act, and are above and beyond any benefits received through the CARES Act. 

 

For Employers/Plan Sponsors

  • Relief for funding defined benefit plans: 

Due date for 2020 funding is extended to Jan. 1, 2021. Also, the funding percentage (AFTAP) can be calculated based on your 2019 status. 

  • Relief for facilitating pre-retirement plan distributions and expanded loans: 

As described above for Employees/Plan Participants, employers “may rely on an employee’s certification that the employee satisfies the conditions” to be eligible for relief. The participant is required to self-certify in writing that they or a direct dependent have been diagnosed, or they have been financially impacted by the pandemic. No additional evidence (such as a doctor’s release) is required.   

  • Potential extension for filing Form 5500: 

While the Dept. of Labor (DOL) has not yet granted an extension, the CARES Act permits the DOL to postpone this filing deadline.

  • Exclude student loan pay-down compensation: 

Through year-end, employers can help employees pay off current educational expenses and/or student loan balances, and exclude up to $5,250 of either kind of payment from their income. 

 

For Unemployed/Laid Off Americans

  • Retirement account distributions for coronavirus-related needs: 

You can tap into your retirement account ahead of in 2020 for a coronavirus-related distribution of up to $100,000, without incurring the usual ages 55 or 59.5-related 10% penalty or mandatory 20% Federal withholding. You’ll still owe income tax on the distributions, but you can prorate the payment across 3 years. You also can repay distributions to your account within 3 years to avoid paying income taxes, or to claim a refund on taxes paid. 

  • Increased unemployment compensation: 

Federal funding increases standard unemployment compensation by $600/week, and coverage is extended 13 weeks. 

  • Federal funding covers first week of unemployment: 

The one-week waiting period to start collecting benefits is waived. 

  • Pandemic unemployment assistance: 

Unemployment coverage is extended to self-employed individuals for up to 39 weeks. Plus, the Act offers incentives for states to establish “short-time compensation programs” for semi-employed individuals. 

 

For Estates/Beneficiaries

  • A break for “non-designated” beneficiaries: 

2020 can be ignored when applying the 5-year rule for “non-designated” beneficiaries with inherited retirement accounts. The 5-Year Rule effectively ends up becoming a 6-Year Rule for current non-designated beneficiaries.

 

References: