Massachusetts Enacts Pass-Through Entity Tax Election Effective for 2021

When the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TJCA) was enacted in 2017, it limited the amount of state and local taxes (SALT) that individuals can deduct for federal income tax purposes to $10,000 (or $5,000 for a married individual filing separately). This “SALT cap” has brought on a flurry of legislative action as states enact Pass-Through Entity (PTE) tax elections that allow owners of PTEs such as S-Corporations and Partnerships to bypass the SALT cap by allowing their share of taxes to be paid by the entity at the entity level, and therefore lowering the owner’s federal income tax liability.

New Per Diem Business Travel Rates

Are employees at your business traveling again after months of virtual meetings? In Notice 2021-52, the IRS announced the fiscal 2022 “per diem” rates that became effective October 1, 2021. Taxpayers can use these rates to substantiate the amount of expenses for lodging, meals and incidental expenses when traveling away from home. (Taxpayers in the transportation industry can use a special transportation industry rate.)

Massachusetts Enacts New COVID-19 Emergency Paid Sick Leave Program

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts has a new temporary sick leave program related to COVID-19. Under Chapter 16 of the Acts of 2021 (An Act Providing for Massachusetts COVID-19 Emergency Paid Sick Leave), employers are now required to make paid leave time available to employees for COVID-related illnesses, quarantine, and vaccinations. Employers may then apply for reimbursement from the state.

IRS Extends Administrative Relief for 401(k) Plans

As mitigation measures related to COVID-19 ease, it will be interesting to see which practices and regulatory changes taken in response to the pandemic remain in place long-term. One might be relief from a sometimes-inconvenient requirement related to the administration of 401(k) plans.

New York State Enacts Highly Anticipated Pass-Through Entity Tax

On April 19, New York State passed a budget bill that included a Pass-Through Entity (PTE) tax election that impacts partnerships, limited liability companies treated as partnerships, and S-corporations.

COVID-19 Relief for Employee Benefit Plan Sponsors

Many employee benefit plan sponsors have faced logistical challenges during the pandemic, such as office closures and remote work environments, which have made it difficult to remit participant 401(k) contribution deposits on time. In response to these challenges, the Department of Labor (DOL)'s Employee Benefit Security Administration (EBSA) has issued Disaster Relief Notice (2020-01), which provides flexibility and relief to sponsors struggling with remittance delays due to the pandemic.

Paid Family and Medical Leave Benefits Now Available in Massachusetts

In 2018, Massachusetts passed a landmark bill requiring all employers in the state to provide workers with paid family and medical leave (PFML), giving Massachusetts one of the most generous paid family and medical leave programs in the country. At the time of the legislature, the state outlined a three-year approach, with deadlines for employer and employee contributions into the Family and Employment Security Trust Fund, through which the program will be funded.

PPP First and Second Draw Loans: Do You Qualify?

The SBA began accepting new PPP applications on a limited basis last week through community financial institutions and as of today, the program is now open to all lenders.

Economic Impact Payments Are on Their Way

The IRS and the Treasury department began issuing a second round of Economic Impact Payments last week as part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act. Most individuals making up to $75,000 per year will receive a direct payment of $600; married couples making up to $150,000 per year will receive $1,200; and eligible individuals with children will receive $600 for each qualifying child dependent. Dependents who are 17 and older are not eligible for the child payment.

Key Considerations for Tax Planning in Light of Biden’s Proposed Tax Plan

With the election behind us, and tax season ahead of us, tax planning is at the forefront of the minds of many. Although President Elect Joe Biden has shared his proposed tax plan, much is still up in the air as we await the January runoff elections to determine control of the US Senate.