CARES Act Update for Individuals

The following represents a summary of the recently signed into law CARES Act—also referred to as the Stimulus Package.

 

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 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:

 

A married couple with no children has an AGI of $190,000.
$190,000 is $40,000 above the $150,000 amount shown above.
The couple’s check is reduced by 5% of $40,000, which is $2000.
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. 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.

 

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.

 

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).