Guidance for Coronavirus-Related Distributions and Loans from Retirement Plans Under the CARES Act

Notice 2020-50 provides guidance relating to the application of section 2202 of the CARES Act for qualified individuals and eligible retirement plans.  Under section 2202 of the CARES Act, qualified individuals receive favorable tax treatment with respect to distributions from eligible retirement plans that are coronavirus-related distributions.  A coronavirus-related distribution is not subject to the 10% additional tax under § 72(t) of the Internal Revenue Code (Code) (including the 25% additional tax under § 72(t)(6) for certain distributions from SIMPLE IRAs), generally is includible in income over a 3-year period, and, to the extent the distribution is eligible for tax-free rollover treatment and is contributed to an eligible retirement plan within a 3-year period, will not be includible in income.  Section 2202 of the CARES Act also increases the allowable plan loan amount under § 72(p) of the Code and permits a suspension of payments for plan loans outstanding on or after March 27, 2020, that are made to qualified individuals.  The guidance in this notice is intended to assist employers and plan administrators, trustees and custodians, and qualified individuals in applying section 2202 of the CARES Act, including by providing guidance on how plans may report coronavirus-related distributions and how individuals may report these distributions on their individual federal income tax returns. 

Notice 2020-50 will be in IRB 2020-28, dated 7/6/20.