The Florida Estate Planning and Probate Law Blog is focused on recent federal and state case law and planning ideas.

STAFFORD ACT TAX RELIEF

On February 13, 2020, President Trump invoked the Stafford Act, and opened the door to a range of possibilities in structuring “qualified disaster mitigation” payments to employees under IRC Section 139. These payments are advantageous to both employers and employees and not subject to income taxes or payroll taxes. Yet, an employer is still allowed to claim them as a deduction. Expense reimbursement that can be considered “reasonable and necessary” as a result of the “qualified disaster” cannot simply be income replacement, such as sick, vacation, etc. The expenses you are reimbursing need to be: (i) expenses that are not otherwise covered by insurance; and (ii) “reasonably related” to personal, family, medical or housing expenses related to the “qualified disaster.” There is no stated cap or limit on the amount you can issue as tax-free reimbursement. Further, the IRS has made clear that if the reimbursement amount is “reasonable,” you do not need to require documentation to substantiate the expense from your employees. Examples include: A company sent employees to work from home with a $250 stipend for the equipment they need and a $50/month allowance for internet and phone service; employer is paying for employees’ transportation costs so they can avoid public transit systems; company issues all employees on temporary layoff a $1,000 stipend as housing assistance during that time; and a company is reimbursing hourly employees for up to $100 per day in childcare costs.

IRS Notice 2020-18 Extends Tax Filing Deadline in 2020

IRS Notice 2020-18 has postponed this year's tax filing deadline to July 15, 2020. It is important to note that it extends only income tax and self-employment filings and payments and does not extend the time to file or pay employment taxes, estate taxes, gift taxes, excise taxes, information returns or any other federal tax or user fee filings. Taxpayers have until July 15, 2020, to pay income taxes without incurring penalties or interest, with no limit as to the amount of tax that may be deferred (previous IRS guidance, Notice 2020-17 limited the amount of tax that could be deferred). These postponements do not require a taxpayer to file an extension. However, if taxpayers are unable to file by July 15 they should request an extension. The IRS is encouraging taxpayers who are due a refund to go ahead and file. Refunds should arrive within 21 days of filing according to IRS.gov. The extension to July 15, 2020, also applies to Federal estimated income tax payments applied to the 2020 tax year (including payments of tax on self-employment income) normally due on April 15, 2020. However, the Notice does not provide guidance as to the June 15, 2020, estimated tax payment date. The time to respond to IRS notices also has not been extended. Taxpayers should review all tax notices and comply with the deadlines specified in the notice. Failure to do so could waive important rights such as the right to a collection due process proceeding.