We’ve reached 2021, but it has already been an eventful January. Tax season is in full swing, so we want to share a few things:
As you know, there is another round of stimulus payments. Many have already received them. The 2020 stimulus payments will be reconciled on the tax return. These payments are not income.
We will need to know the amount of 2020 stimulus payment you received. At this time, the IRS website only tells us if you received a payment, not how much the payment was. You may not have received the correct amount due to you. For example, if you had a child in 2020, you qualify for an additional $500. If you want to check on your stimulus payment go to this IRS website.
If you do not itemize deductions, you may qualify for a $600 charitable contribution deduction. This must be a cash donation, not a donation of goods typically given to Goodwill, etc.
Medical expense deduction starts at 7.5% of income, not 10% previously allowed. Keep in mind most people do not qualify for this deduction due to income levels or insurance payments.
Educator expenses now include protective equipment expenses. The maximum credit remains at $250.
Private mortgage insurance premiums can be deductible again for the 2020 tax season.
The standard mileage rate is .56 per mile in 2021.
Did you take a distribution from your qualified retirement plan or IRA? If so, and it was for COVID-19 reasons you will not incur the 10% early withdrawal penalty. Also, you have options on how much to report on your tax return. For example, if you withdrew $60,000 from your IRA you can report the entire amount in 2020 or spread this out over three years.
If you repay the loan within three years amended returns can be filed to refund the tax paid on the distribution. Contact us for the COVID-19 rules on this distribution.