As the world continues to cope with the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, the United States government is trying to find ways to provide financial support to millions of individuals, in an effort to soften the economic hardships resulting from COVID-19. Millions of individuals have already received an Economic Impact Payment as part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act). However, due to the devastating affect that COVID-19 continues to have on the United States economy, new legislation called the Health and Economic Recovery Omnibus Emergency Solutions Act (HEROES Act) has been introduced in Congress.
The HEROES Act
Under the proposed HEROES Act, individuals would be eligible to receive a second stimulus payment of $1,200 for singles ($2,400 married filing jointly) and $1,200 for each dependent up to three dependents. The income thresholds would be the same as they are under the CARES Act but unlike the CARES Act, dependents above the age of 17 would be eligible, including full-time students who are below the age 24. Another significant distinction under the HEROES Act is that taxpayers with identification numbers would be eligible for stimulus payments, as opposed to only individuals who have Social Security numbers, which is the current limitation under the CARES Act.
The HEROES Act will also expand the Earned Income Tax Credit, the Child Tax Credit, and the Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit to provide additional tax-related relief during this unprecedented health crisis. While the HEROES act passed in the U.S. House of Representatives, at this time, it is unclear whether the bill will pass through the Senate, where it now sits. There is no definitive timeline as to when individuals could expect to receive additional stimulus payments, if at all.
The Migration Resource Center Low-Income Taxpayer Clinic Can Help
As a Low-Income Taxpayer Clinic, the Migration Resource Center staff is following all the emerging tax-related issues presented by the COVID-19 pandemic. If you have questions pertaining to the relief offered under the CARES Act or if you have general tax concerns, please contact us at 646-827-2959 or use our webform to schedule a consultation.
By: Chanel Harris, Qualified Tax Expert and Attorney – June 6, 2020