NOTE:  The information presented here is subject to change.  The specific details of these acts continue to be worked out and have changed several times already.  Please do not rely solely on this information when taking action on them.

The last week and a half have been a busy one for Congress and the President as they worked out and passed legislation and policy that is intended to stimulate the economy and help individuals and businesses alike.  The legislation is comprised of $2 trillion in extra spending and an additional $4 trillion in additional liquidity from the Federal Reserve – a total of $6 trillion.  The following information are the primary measures taken to help individuals through the CARES Act.

RECOVERY CHECKS – KEY POINTS

Recovery check distribution amounts—Single taxpayers will receive $1,200 and joint taxpayers will receive $2,400. There is an additional $500 for each qualifying child.

The recovery check is considered a credit for 2020, but paid in advance.

The amount is reduced (but not below zero) by 5% of each dollar a person’s adjusted gross income (AGI) exceeds. Consider the following: 

• Married filing joint: $150,000 (AGI over $198,000 does not qualify)
• Head of household: $112,500 (AGI over $146,500 does not qualify)
• Single: $75,000 (AGI over $99,000 does not qualify)

Consider the following example: 

1. A married couple with no children has an AGI of $190,000.
2. $190,000 is $40,000 above the $150,000 amount shown above.
3. The couple’s check is reduced by 5% of $40,000, which is $2000.
4. Therefore, they would receive a check for $400. (i.e., $2400 – $2000 = $400)

Other key details for recovery check eligibility include: 

• Nonresident aliens are not eligible for the rebate.
• If a taxpayer has an outstanding debt (which the IRS would typically offset a refund by paying that debt), recovery dollars will not be used to offset that debt.
• Amount will be direct deposited into the account on the last filed return. If your account is closed or no account was included, the IRS will mail you a check (but probably delayed).  Every taxpayer will receive a letter indicating their recovery check was dispersed. If the letter is not received, there will be a specific phone number to call to have the check re-issued.
• AGI will be accessed from 2019 returns if filed at the time of determination. Otherwise, 2018 returns will be used. Taxpayers who have not filed a return will not receive a check unless they did not file because they only have SSA-1099 or RRB-1099 (social security). The Treasury Department will review those forms for 2019 and issue the appropriate amount via check.
• Qualifying children include children under the age of 17 who can be claimed as a dependent on your return.  If a child (i.e. full time students) could be claimed on your return, they are not eligible for their own stimulus check.  The effective total phase out of the stimulus is increased by $10,000 for every qualifying child.

UNEMPLOYMENT – KEY POINTS

Any employee who was furloughed or part of a layoff is eligible for state unemployment. Details are as follows: 

• Unemployment amount via the state typically ranges from 30-50% of the standard wage, depending on the state.
• The amount a person will receive for unemployment over four months will be the amount the state would already provide, but increased by $600 per week through July 31, 2020. For example, if a person is eligible for $300 weekly, they will receive $900 per week over four months or through July 31, 2020, whichever comes first.
• If an employee is already unemployed due to COVID-19, the $600 weekly additional payment will be paid retroactively.
• Details are murky, but freelancers, gig economy workers, and self-employed individuals will also be eligible for unemployment benefits.

RETIREMENT DISTRIBUTIONS – KEY POINTS

Ability to withdraw up to $100,000 retirement in 2020 for COVID-19-related purposes without 10% penalty—The distribution is taxable over a 3-year period unless electing to pay it back within 3 years. This essentially equates to a loan unless it is not paid back within the
3-year timeframe. This rule applies to individuals: 

• Diagnosed with COVID-19
• Who have family (spouse or dependent) who have been diagnosed with COVID-19
• Who have adverse financial consequences in relation to COVID-19
• Who include the distribution in taxable income (unless they elect the 3-year payback)

Waived required minimum distributions (RMD) from individual retirement accounts—The required minimum distribution for 2020 has been waived. If a retiree elects to take an RMD, this must happen by April 1, 2020—otherwise, the same penalty for late withdrawal will be applied.

CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTIONS – KEY POINTS

Above-the-line charitable contribution—For tax year 2020, if a taxpayer does not itemize deductions, they can deduct up to $300 in addition to standard deduction for cash charitable contributions (no stock contributions).

Charitable contribution limitation by AGI—The 60% adjusted gross income limitation has been removed for 2020 (other than from donor advised funds).