The $2+ trillion Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act was signed into law on March 27, 2020, to mitigate some of the economic effects of dealing with COVID-19. From direct payments to loans, both individuals and businesses have many questions about how the CARES Act will affect them.
So, what does this emergency fiscal stimulus package really mean for you? In this article, we break down some of the questions you may have surrounding the key provisions.
What do I really need to know about the CARES Act?
The key provisions of the act are as follows:
Direct Payments for Individuals
The majority of Americans will receive a check in the amount of $1,200 for individuals, $2,400 for those who file jointly, and an additional $500 per child. Your payment amount is based on your 2019 tax return; if you have not yet filed your taxes, the amount will depend on your 2018 return. The direct payment amount will be lower for those who make more than $75,000 as an individual, $150,000 jointly, or $112,500 for heads of household. As your annual income increases beyond these thresholds, the amount of your direct payment will also decrease, possibly down to zero.
Small Businesses Loans
Many small businesses have fully or partially closed until further notice, due to the COVID-19 lockdown, which has caused a decline in gross receipts by more than 50% for most. Such businesses are eligible for a refundable credit against payroll taxes that equals 50% of qualified wages paid to employees. The credit is limited to $10,000 of wages per employee (depending on the number of employees) from March 13 through December 31 and must be reduced by any credits claimed under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act.
Employee Protection for Small Businesses
The CARES Act provides the Payroll Protection Program, which guarantees payroll loans for small businesses with 500 employees or fewer. Under this plan, small business owners can borrow up to $10 million with up to a 4% interest rate, as long as certain conditions are met. This program also applies to sole proprietors, independent contractors, and others who are defined as self-employed. In addition to payroll protection, employers are now required to provide employees with paid sick or family leave if those employees are staying home due to coronavirus-related reasons.
Extended Tax Deadline
The IRS has extended the tax filing and payment deadline from April 15, 2020, to July 15, 2020. Additionally, if you are paying estimated tax payments, the due date for the first payment is delayed, along with the annual tax deadline. The remaining payments are due as usual on June 15, September 15, and January 15.
Retirement Plan Distributions
The CARES Act temporarily suspends required minimum distributions for IRAs and 401(k) plans in 2020. You will also not be charged the 10% early withdrawal penalty for distributions of up to $100,000 that are related to coronavirus relief. If you have already taken a distribution for 2020, you can inquire about returning the funds to the account or rolling it over, with the exception of distributions taken from a beneficiary IRA.
Increased Unemployment Benefits
If you file for unemployment due to COVID-19, you will receive an additional $600 for the first four weeks. These additional benefits also apply to those who are self-employed, furloughed, and gig-economy workers.
Tax Benefits on Charitable Donations
You can include cash donations of up to $300 made to any 501(c)(3) organization on your 2020 tax return even if you don’t itemize deductions. For those who do itemize, you will not be held to the 60% adjusted gross income limitation, meaning that you can deduct up to 100% of your adjusted gross income for 2020 for your cash contributions to 501(c)(3) organizations.
How does the CARES Act directly affect me?
You will likely be affected by the act financially in some way. How the CARES Act affects you, however, depends on your circumstances. The benefits of this act are wide-ranging, as we outlined above, because it’s designed to help as many Americans as possible. You should consult your financial advisor to determine how it will affect you and which benefits you can take advantage of.
What should I do in the meantime?
As funds are projected to be delivered in early April, there’s word on the street in Washington, D.C. regarding a possible next phase of economic relief. Until that speculation is brought to light, though, your trusted advisors at SageSpring Wealth Partners will be monitoring new information as it comes available.
Contact us today if you have specific questions. Our advisors are here to help guide you.
