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CARES Act Stimulus Summary

General Personal Finance Uncategorized Tax Planning Retirement Cash Management

Erin Nelsen, CFP®

Monday, 30 March 2020

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The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act was signed into law on March 27, 2020. This is a $2 trillion emergency fiscal stimulus package to help reduce the economic damage caused by the virus and “stay at home” policies. The following is a summary of the main provisions for individuals.

Recovery Rebates:

The CARES Act provides for recovery rebate checks of up to $1,200 for individuals with adjusted gross income (“AGI”) up to $75,000 ($2,400 for joint filers with AGI up to $150,000) plus an additional $500 for each child under the age of 17 for US taxpayers through an advance refundable tax credit against 2020 income taxes. There is a phase out of the rebate, which causes a $50 reduction in the rebate for every $1,000 of AGI above these thresholds. For example, individuals with no children having an AGI of more than $99,000 and married couples with no children filing jointly having an AGI of more than $198,000 would be phased out completely and receive no recovery rebate check. The advanced payment of the recovery rebates will be based on the AGI reported on tax returns filed for 2019, and if no such tax return has been filed for 2019, the AGI reported on the 2018 filed tax returns will be used.
- The rebate check will be sent directly to the bank account on file with the IRS for your 2019 or 2018 tax return. If the account is closed or there is no account on-file then a check will be mailed.
- You can receive the rebate if you are retired and receive social security or a pension as long as your AGI is within the limits listed above.

Retirement Accounts:

Required Minimum Distributions are waived in 2020 for all retirement type accounts (401K, 403B, 457, IRA and Beneficiary IRAs). If you already took part or all of the RMD you might have the option of returning them except for beneficiary IRA distributions.
- We are waiting to hear more details on the charitable contributions that are paid with RMD funds and we will be in contact with those clients that make charitable contributions from their RMDs to let them know their options for 2020.
Individuals under age 59 ½, may take coronavirus-related distributions from qualified retirement plans (IRA, 401K) of up to $100,000 without the distributions being subject to the 10% early distribution tax. The distributions are still subject to federal income tax, but the tax owed can be spread over three years.
- In order to get these favorable terms, you will have to prove that you were adversely affected by the coronavirus.

Unemployment:

Regular unemployment payments, which are about 55% of your normal pay are increased by $600 per week for a maximum of 4 months. The benefit period is also extended by 13 weeks. It is normally 26 weeks maximum in California, so it can now go to 39 weeks.

There are also several small business and self-employed benefits provided by the CARES Act. We recommend that you discuss with your accountant or business manager the different options and if you should apply and take advantage of them.

Hope you are staying safe, sane, and healthy!

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About the author

Erin Nelsen, CFP®

Call 714-827-5794 to make a free consulation with Erin

Erin Nelsen, CFP^®is a fee-only fiducary Financial Advisor that manages portfolios & conducts hourly financial planning for Asset Planning. Erin holds the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER ™ & Registered Investment Advisor Representative professional designations. Erin has expertise in various financial planning areas such as investments, taxes, estate divisions, public and private pension options, Social Security, real estate, insurance analysis, recent widow planning, and many other complex financial issues that arise. Erin has been with Asset Planning since April 2007. Erin is thankful to have found her perfect forever firm. Asset Planning holds a high standard of care for both its clients and staff, and everyone is truly valued as family.

An Orange County native, Erin earned her Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration with a concentration in Finance from Cal State Fullerton. Erin completed the Personal Financial Program at CSUF. Erin is an active member of the Orange County Financial Planning Association and has been a volunteer teacher of personal finance to elementary kids through the community outreach program Junior Achievement.

Erin Nelsen is a Fee-Only Financial Advisor and a member of NAPFA, the largest Fee-Only Network Financial Planners. Fee-Only means Erin is only compensated directly by her clients & does not sell products nor accept commissions for the investments she recommends. Erin is proud to have built her career solely on the independent Fee-Only side of the Wealth Management industry. Erin is among an elite group of Financial Advisors held to the Fiduciary Standard. As a Fiduciary, she is required to put a client's interest above her own. Ethical, appropriate, & skilled professional care is our solid promise to all clients.

When Erin is not at the job she loves, she is busy tending to her garden, caring for her family, attending concerts, traveling, floating in her pool, or scouting out new restaurants to try with her husband/college sweetheart of 18 years. Erin's household is blessed with a son, daughter (both in college), two nephews (orphaned), a Sheltie dog, & two royal cats that rule her household.

CARES Act Stimulus Summary

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Erin Nelsen, CFP®

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