After months of discussion and review, the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (Act) was signed into law by President Biden on March 11, 2021. In general, its provisions—which encompass more than 600 pages—become effective for 2021 with varying implementation dates. This Act builds on some of the earlier legislation. A note should be made that some provisions are permanent, while others will expire.

The following analysis seeks to capture the most salient provisions of the Act that may affect the financial planning and interests of clients. Many provisions make amendments to current Internal Revenue Code sections, while others create new code sections. It must be emphasized that the implementation of these provisions will be subject to further Treasury Regulations, which will afford greater clarity to many of the Act’s provisions.

Individuals

- Rebates For Recovery: After months of discussion and review, the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (Act) was signed into law by President Biden on March 11, 2021. In general, its provisions—which encompass more than 600 pages—become effective for 2021 with varying implementation dates. This Act builds on some of the earlier legislation. A note should be made that some provisions are permanent, while others will expire.

The following analysis seeks to capture the most salient provisions of the Act that may affect the financial planning and interests of clients. Many provisions make amendments to current Internal Revenue Code sections, while others create new code sections. It must be emphasized that the implementation of these provisions will be subject to further Treasury Regulations, which will afford greater clarity to many of the Act’s provisions.

- Child Tax Credit: After months of discussion and review, the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (Act) was signed into law by President Biden on March 11, 2021. In general, its provisions—which encompass more than 600 pages—become effective for 2021 with varying implementation dates. This Act builds on some of the earlier legislation. A note should be made that some provisions are permanent, while others will expire.

The following analysis seeks to capture the most salient provisions of the Act that may affect the financial planning and interests of clients. Many provisions make amendments to current Internal Revenue Code sections, while others create new code sections. It must be emphasized that the implementation of these provisions will be subject to further Treasury Regulations, which will afford greater clarity to many of the Act’s provisions.

- Earned Income Credit:  For 2021 only, the credit is increased for those without children, to $1,502 from $543. The credit is maximized at income levels of $9,820 up from the present $7,100. In addition, now those married but filing separate returns can be eligible the credit.

- Dependent Care Relief: For 2021 only, credit for dependent care expenses incurred is dramatically enhanced. Presently the credit is equal to 35% of qualified expenses up to $3,000 for one qualifying individual or $6,000 for more than one. This credit is reduced 1% for every $2,000 of AGI that exceeds $15,000. Once it reaches 20%, the credit is no longer reduced. This Act increases the credit to 50%.

Additionally, the credit reduction as above is operative but with income in excess of $125,000 rather than $15,000. The credit is not further reduced below 20% until income levels reach $400,000. The Act increases eligible expenses to $8,000 for one child and $16,000 more than one qualifying child.

For 2021 the maximum exclusion from income for employer-provided care assistance is increased to $10,500 (married filing separately $5,250).

- Student Loan Forgiveness: Student loans forgiven between 2021 through 2026 have an enhanced exclusion from income. Currently student loans discharged are not deemed taxable only if conditions such as death or disability of the borrower are present.

The Act now allows exclusion for any reason.

- Unemployment Tax Benefits: The Act affords an extension of the $300 per week unemployment benefit that was part of 2020 earlier legislation. Present law would have had this benefit expire in March, but now it is extended through September 2021. The first $10,200 in benefits received in 2020 are exempt from tax for those with household income of less than $150,000.

Typically these benefits are taxable to the recipient. For those who have already filed their 2020 tax return, they may seek to amend it as appropriate.

Employer Provisions

- Payroll Tax Credits:  In early 2020, special relief measures afforded a payroll tax credit for those employers who offered family and sick leave to employees. Initially this credit was to expire December 31, 2020 but earlier had been extended through March 31, 2021. The Act now extends that date through September 30, 2021.