“Making a last-minute contribution to an IRA may help you reduce your 2019 tax bill. If you qualify, your traditional IRA contribution may be tax deductible. And if you had low to moderate income and meet eligibility requirements, you may also be able to claim the Savers Credit for 2019 based on your contributions to a traditional or Roth IRA. Claiming this nonrefundable tax credit may help you reduce your tax bill and give you an incentive to save for retirement. For more information, … [Read more...]
U.S. Government Sends Millions of Economic Impact Payments by Prepaid Debit Card
In May 2020, the IRS sent Economic Impact Payment (EIP) prepaid VISA debit cards to individuals who qualified for a stimulus payment under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act and didn't receive a payment via direct deposit. How is the card activated? The Economic Impact Payment Card (EIP Card) arrives in a plain envelope from Money Network Cardholder Services, along with card information and instructions for its activation. Only one card is … [Read more...]
Five Key Benefits of the CARES Act for Individuals and Businesses
By now you know that Congress has passed a $2 trillion relief bill to help keep individuals and businesses afloat during these difficult times. The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act contains many provisions. Here are five that may benefit you or your business. 1. Recovery Rebates Many Americans will receive a one-time cash payment of $1,200. Each U.S. resident or citizen with an adjusted gross income (AGI) under $75,000 ($112,500 for heads of household and … [Read more...]
Coronavirus Affects Federal, State, and Local Deadlines
Federal, state, and local governments have extended a number of deadlines amid the coronavirus pandemic. Here are just a few of the deadlines that have been affected. Federal and state income taxes The IRS has postponed the due date for filing federal income tax returns and making tax payments from April 15, 2020, to July 15, 2020. No interest, penalties, or additions to tax will be incurred by taxpayers during this 90-day period for any return or payment postponed under this relief … [Read more...]
TRACED Act Offers Consumers Additional Protections Against Robocalls
“If you pick up an unwanted robocall, hang up right away. Avoid answering "yes" or "no" questions, providing personal information, or pressing a number to "opt out," since scammers often use these tricks to identify and target "live" respondents, resulting in additional calls.” Whether at home, work or on a cell phone, it's a scenario many Americans have found themselves in: answering a phone call only to find out it's from an unwanted robocaller. In fact, the number of unwanted robocalls in … [Read more...]
Small Businesses Eligible for Numerous Relief Programs During COVID-19 Crisis
Throughout March 2020, as it became increasingly evident that the economic impact from the COVID-19 pandemic would be both profound and prolonged, Congress passed several pieces of legislation with provisions to help small businesses shore up their coffers and keep employees on the payroll. Within a few weeks, initial funding for the two cornerstone programs, the Paycheck Protection Program and the Economic Injury Disaster Loan program, ran dry. Many of the nation's small businesses discovered … [Read more...]
Federal Student Loan Borrowers Get Expanded Relief in CARES Act
“A new 6-month suspension period The massive economic stimulus legislation passed on March 27, 2020, in response to COVID-19 includes a new six-month automatic suspension of federal student loan payments, with no interest accruing during this period. The six-month period ends on September 30, 2020.” On March 27, 2020, Congress passed the CARES Act, the largest economic stimulus bill in the history of the United States, in response to the coronavirus pandemic.1 Included in the … [Read more...]
Government Acts to Blunt Financial Impact of Global Pandemic
“The Federal Reserve moved swiftly in recent weeks to support the U.S. economy and help alleviate stress in the financial markets.” On March 11, the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) was officially declared a global pandemic by the World Health Organization, and two days later President Trump declared a national emergency.1 The unknowns surrounding a new virus make it difficult to predict the potential human and economic toll, but unprecedented steps are being taken to help slow the spread of the … [Read more...]
Federal Student Loan Borrowers Get Some Relief Due to COVID-19
“A 60-day period, for now…. The Department of Education may extend the 60-day interest waiver and administrative forbearance period that began on March 13, 2020, depending on the status of the COVID-19 national emergency.” On March 20, 2020, the Department of Education announced terms for student loan relief for tens of millions of borrowers in response to COVID-19.1 Here are answers to some questions about the new rules. For more information and to follow subsequent potential … [Read more...]
New Spending Package Includes Sweeping Retirement Plan Changes (SECURE Act)
“The SECURE Act may have the largest impact on retirement planning since the Pension Protection Act of 2006.” The $1.4 trillion spending package enacted on December 20, 2019, included the Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement (SECURE) Act, which had overwhelmingly passed the House of Representatives in the spring of 2019, but then subsequently stalled in the Senate. The SECURE Act represents the most sweeping set of changes to retirement legislation in more than a … [Read more...]
