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 Deadline Extended Through May 31
The Paycheck Protection Program Extension Act of 2021 was signed into law on March 31, 2021, extending the deadline to apply for a loan by an extra 60 days, from March 31 to May 31, 2021. The law also gives the Small Business Administration (SBA) an additional 30 days after the May 31 deadline to review and process loan applications.
Donating a Car To Charity as a Tax Write-Off — Special Rules
If you donate a car to a qualified charitable organization and intend to claim a deduction, you should be aware of the special rules that apply to vehicle donations.
Avoiding an IRS Tax Audit
Just 0.45 percent of taxpayers were audited in the fiscal year 2019. Still, with taxes becoming more complicated every year, there is an even greater possibility of confusion turning into a tax mistake and an IRS audit. Avoiding “red flags” like the ones listed below could help.
Tax Credits for Electric Vehicles and Plug-in Hybrids
Tax credits are still available for Qualified Plug-in Electric Drive Motor Vehicles, including passenger vehicles and light trucks. The credit applies to vehicles acquired after 12/31/2009 and is limited to $7,500. State and/or local incentives may also apply.
Tax Breaks for Families With Children
If you have children, one or more of these tax credits and deductions could help your family reduce the amount of tax owed. Let’s take a look:
Claiming the Credit for Other Dependents
Taxpayers with dependents who don’t qualify for the child tax credit may be able to claim the credit for other dependents. The maximum credit amount is $500. To take the credit, your dependent must meet certain conditions.
Unemployment Benefits Identity Theft Scam Alert
During 2020, millions of taxpayers were impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic through job loss or reduced work hours. Some taxpayers who faced unemployment or reduced work hours applied for and received unemployment compensation from their state. As a reminder, unemployment benefits are taxable income and must be reported on tax returns.