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UPDATED: Impact Payment Breakdown: How Much Will I Get, When Will I Get It and What Do I Need to Do?

Client Alert

UPDATED: The IRS announced that Social Security beneficiaries who are not typically required to file a tax return will not need to file a return to receive the economic impact payments. These payments will automatically be deposited into their bank accounts. This only applies to individuals receiving social security. Other individuals who typically do not file a tax return will still need to submit a return in order to receive the economic impact payment.

In a recent announcement, the IRS stated that the economic impact payments will begin being sent within the next three weeks. These payments will be distributed automatically and no action is needed by most taxpayers.

How much is the economic impact payment?
The full economic impact payment is $1,200 for individuals, $2,400 for married filing joint couples, and $500 for each qualifying child. 

Taxpayers who are above the income limits will see a lower economic impact payment. The economic impact payments are reduced by $5 for every $100 above the income limit thresholds. Individuals with an adjusted gross income above $99,000 and married filing joint couples with no children and an adjusted gross income above $198,000 are not eligible for an economic impact payment. 

Who is eligible for the economic impact payment?
Individuals with an adjusted gross income up to $75,000 and married filing joint couples with adjusted gross income up to $150,000 will receive the full payment. The economic impact payment begins to phase-out above these income thresholds and individuals with an adjusted gross income above $99,000 and married filing joint couples with no children and an adjusted gross income above $198,000 are not eligible for an economic impact payment. 

How will the IRS determine the amount of my economic impact payment?
For individuals who have already filed their 2019 tax return, the IRS will use that tax return to calculate the economic impact payment.

For individuals who have not filed their 2019 tax return yet, the IRS will use information from their 2018 tax return to calculate the economic impact payment.

How do I receive an economic impact payment if I am not required to file a return?
Individuals who are not required to file a return may still be able to receive economic impact payment. However, in order to receive an economic impact payment, the individuals must file a tax return. Individuals who are Social Security beneficiaries who are not typically required to file a tax return will not need to file a return to receive the economic impact payments. These payments will automatically be deposited into their bank accounts. This only applies to individuals receiving social security.

How will I receive the economic impact payment?
The IRS will direct deposit the economic impact payment into the same bank account reflected on the individual’s most recent return. 

The IRS does not have my bank account information, can I still receive the economic impact payment?
Yes. The IRS is currently working on implementing a web-based portal for individuals to provide their bank account information to the IRS. In the absence of the IRS having bank account information, a paper check will be issued for the economic impact payment.

How long is the economic impact payment available?
The economic impact payment is available throughout the rest of 2020. Therefore, if you have not filed a tax return for 2018 or 2019, you can still receive the economic impact payment when you file. However, the IRS encourages individuals to file their tax returns as soon as possible. 

For additional questions related to the economic impact payment or assistance filing your tax return, please contact BMD Tax Law Attorney Tracy Albanese at tlalbanese@bmdllc.com or (330) 253-9195.


Puerto Rico Is Open For Business

Puerto Rico has the highest vaccination in the nation. More than 73% of the total population is fully vaccinated. The U.S. national average is just over 57%. The ports opened in June 2020 and San Juan held it first live concert this past summer. It is important to remember that Puerto Rico is a U.S. territory and there is no need for visas, the banking systems is almost identical to the mainland and the Island uses the U.S. postal service and U.S. dollar as its currency. There are thousands of flights from the U.S. to Puerto Rico daily and all main airlines fly to the Island.

Ohio Medical Board Changes Telemedicine Rules

A SCMS News Article by Scott Sandrock.

The Rising Threat from Insiders – Get Your House in Order

As its name implies, an ‘Insider Threat’ originates inside an organization. An ‘insider’ is any person who has or had authorized access to or knowledge of an organization’s resources, including personnel, facilities, information, equipment, networks, and systems. ‘Insider threat’ can manifest from malicious, complacent, negligent or unintentional acts that negatively affect the integrity, confidentiality, and availability of the organization, its data, personnel, or facilities. Certainly, ‘Insider Threat’ can be an activity by a bad actor employee, but can also arise from an inadvertent or unknowing action inside an organization (such as an employee who unintentionally opens a phishing email or clicks on a malicious link).

In Cybersecurity– A Good Offense is the Best Defense

2021 has been a watershed moment for cybersecurity incidents as cybercrime has become a frequent headline and cyber criminals have thrived on unsuspecting and/or unprepared businesses and institutions. For example, the Solar Winds attack exposed sensitive data from top companies like Microsoft as well government agencies[1] and the Colonial Pipeline attack substantially disrupted the petroleum supply chain[2]. We have seen an almost 20% increase in data breaches and attacks since last year.

Changes to Medicare’s Physician Fee Schedule and Outpatient Prospective Payment System

Come the beginning of 2022, both the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (“MPFS”) and Outpatient Prospective Payment System (“OPPS”) will look a little different. As a refresher, the MPFS lists the fees associated with reimbursement of services to providers at certain facilities, taking into account geography and costs. By contrast, OPPS sets reimbursement rates for hospitals and community mental health centers for outpatient services, which are determined in advance. A summary of some of the more pertinent changes to each rule will be outlined below.