Tax Reform Provisions that Affect Individuals
Standard Deduction Amount Increased
| Filing status | 2020 tax year | |
| Single | $12,400 | |
| Married, filing jointly | $24,800 | |
| Married, filing separately | $12,400 | |
| Head of household | $18,650 |
Insurance Penalty
The penalty for not having health insurance no longer applies for 2020 federal tax returns. However, some states have their own individual health insurance mandate, requiring you to have qualifying health coverage or pay a penalty with your state tax return.
California has a new state individual health care mandate, which takes effect on January 1, 2020, and requires Californians to have qualifying health insurance coverage throughout the year, or pay a penalty based on your income and the number of people in your household
Economic Impact Payment Information Center: Reconciling on Your 2020 Tax Return
A1. Keep the notice you received regarding your Economic Impact Payment with your 2020 tax records. These notices are mailed to each recipient’s last known address within 15 days after the Payment is made. The IRS will provide information on what actions you need to take when you file your 2020 tax return when they are available.
QJ2. Is the Payment includible in my gross income?
A2. No, the Payment is not includible in your gross income. Therefore, you will not include the Payment in your taxable income on your Federal income tax return or pay income tax on your Payment. It will not reduce your refund or increase the amount you owe when you file your 2020 Federal income tax return.
A Payment also will not affect your income for purposes of determining eligibility for federal government assistance or benefit programs.
Taxation of PPP loan forgiveness
The CARES Act provides that the debt discharge of a PPP loan is excluded from the gross income of the business for federal income tax purposes.
No Tax Deduction for Expenses Paid with Forgiven PPP Funds
IRS has confirmed their position that business expenses paid with Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) funds that are forgiven cannot be deducted for federal tax purposes.