The $1.9 trillion emergency relief package represents an effort to assist individuals and businesses during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic and accompanying economic crisis.
On Thursday, March 11, 2021, the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA 2021) was signed into law. This is a $1.9 trillion emergency relief package that includes payments to individuals and funding for federal programs, vaccines and testing, state and local governments, and schools. It is intended to assist individuals and businesses during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic and accompanying economic crisis. Major relief provisions are summarized here, including some tax provisions.
Many individuals will receive another direct payment from the federal government. Technically a 2021 refundable income tax credit, the rebate amount will be calculated based on 2019 tax returns filed (or on 2020 tax returns if filed and processed by the IRS at the time of determination) and sent automatically via check, direct deposit, or debit card to qualifying individuals. To qualify for a payment, individuals generally must have a Social Security number and must not qualify as the dependent of another individual.
The amount of the recovery rebate is $1,400 ($2,800 if married filing a joint return) plus $1,400 for each dependent. Recovery rebates start to phase out for those with an adjusted gross income (AGI) exceeding $75,000 ($150,000 if married filing a joint return, $112,500 for those filing as head of household). Recovery rebates are completely phased out for those with an AGI of $80,000 ($160,000 if married filing a joint return, $120,000 for those filing as head of household).
Filing Status | Payment Amount | Phaseout Threshold | Phaseout Completed |
Married Filing Jointly | $2,800 | $150,000 | $160,000 |
+ 1 Child | $4,200 | $150,000 | $160,000 |
+ 2 Children | $5,600 | $150,000 | $160,000 |
Head of Household | $1,400 | $112,500 | $120,000 |
+ 1 Child | $2,800 | $112,500 | $120,000 |
+ 2 Children | $4,200 | $112,500 | $120,000 |
All Others | $1,400 | $75,000 | $80,000 |
The legislation extends unemployment benefit assistance:
For 2020, the legislation also makes the first $10,200 (per spouse for joint returns) of unemployment benefits nontaxable if the taxpayer’s modified adjusted gross income is less than $150,000. If a 2020 tax return has already been filed, an amended return may be needed.
For student loans forgiven or cancelled between January 1, 2021, and December 31, 2025, discharged amounts are not included in taxable income.
For 2021 only:
For 2021 and later years:
Liza Harris may be reached at 770-941-6154 or info@HarrisAdvisorsGroup.com.
This material was prepared by 360 Partners LLC dba Harris Advisors, and does not necessarily represent the views of the presenting party, nor their affiliates. This information has been derived from sources believed to be accurate. Please note – investing involves risk, and past performance is no guarantee of future results. The publisher is not engaged in rendering legal, accounting or other professional services. If assistance is needed, the reader is advised to engage the services of a competent professional. This information should not be construed as investment, tax or legal advice and may not be relied on for the purpose of avoiding any Federal tax penalty. This is neither a solicitation nor recommendation to purchase or sell any investment or insurance product or service, and should not be relied upon as such. All indices are unmanaged and are not illustrative of any particular investment.
Citations.
1 – Congress.gov
2 – IRS.gov
The information provided on this site is for informational purposes only. 360 Partners LLC dba Harris Advisors, its affiliates, subsidiaries, employees, agents and/or representatives do not provide tax, investment, or legal advice. Please consult with your own tax, investment, or legal advisor with any questions. Licensed in DE, GA, MD, NC, NJ, PA, and VA.
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The information provided on this site is for informational purposes only. 360 Partners LLC dba Harris Advisors, its affiliates, subsidiaries, employees, agents and/or representatives do not provide tax, investment, or legal advice. Please consult with your own tax, investment, or legal advisor with any questions. Licensed in DE, GA, MD, NC, NJ, PA, SC and VA.