Penalty relief for struggling taxpayers affected by the COVID-19 pandemic is now available to most people and businesses who file certain 2019 or 2020 returns late. Eligible income tax returns must be filed on or before September 30, 2022, to qualify for this relief. Furthermore, the nearly 1.6 million taxpayers who have already paid these penalties will automatically receive more than $1.2 billion in refunds or credits. Many of these payments will be completed by the end of September.
How Teleworking Is Changing Your Tax Obligations
As the COVID-19 pandemic persists, many employers continue to encourage or require their employees to work from home (i.e., telework). These remote working arrangements have tax implications. Here’s how they could affect you.
What is an Economic Impact Notice?
After a taxpayer has been issued an Economic Impact Payment, the IRS is required to mail an Economic Impact Notice to the recipient at their last known address. This notice provides information about the amount of the Economic Impact Payment, how it was made, and how to report any payment that wasn’t received.
Economic Impact Payments: Round Three in Full Swing
On March 12, following the American Rescue Plan Act’s approval and signing, the IRS began sending out the third round of Economic Impact Payments. Most payments were sent out via direct deposit, but approximately 150,000 checks were mailed by the Treasury Department as well. Taxpayers who received EIP1 or EIP2 but didn’t receive a third payment (EIP3) via direct deposit will generally receive a check or, in some instances, a prepaid debit card (EIP Card).
Coronavirus-Related Distributions and Loans
The Coronavirus, Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act made it easier to access savings in IRAs and workplace retirement plans for those affected by the coronavirus. This relief provided favorable tax treatment for certain withdrawals from retirement plans and IRAs, including expanded loan options.
Q & A: The $10,200 Unemployment Tax Break
Generally, unemployment compensation received under the unemployment compensation laws of the United States or a state is considered taxable income and must be reported on your federal tax return. However, a new tax break — in effect only for the 2020 tax year — lets you exclude the first $10,200 from taxable income. Here’s what you should know:
Personal Protective Equipment Qualifies for Deduction
As a quick reminder, the purchase of personal protective equipment, such as masks, hand sanitizer, and sanitizing wipes, for the primary purpose of preventing the spread of coronavirus are deductible medical expenses.
PPP Loan Forgiveness Application Released — What is APCP?
As expected, the SBA released a copy of the PPP loan forgiveness application. While there are still many unanswered questions, some have been addressed, as well as providing several shortcuts and relief in other areas.
Relief for Businesses with Net Operating Losses
Taxpayers with net operating losses (NOLs) form a business are provided tax relief under the CARES Act. Tax relief for partnerships filing amended returns is provided as well. Let’s take a look at three key points: