Business Loss Change By CARES Act - Track Changes And Policy

The CARES Act (P.L. 116-136; 3/27/20) or Phase 3 of COVID-19 relief includes several tax law changes for individuals and businesses. Most notable for many (but not all) individuals is the recovery rebate or what the IRS calls the economic impact payment. Generally, this provides many adults with an advance, refundable credit for 2020 – today, of $1,200 +$500 if they have a child under age 17.

A few notable ones for businesses include the ability to carryback net operating losses (NOLs) for 2018, 2019 and 2020 for 5 years even though the TCJA ended this for tax years beginning after 2017 and even though the carryback can go to years when tax rates were higher than today. Employers also have some payroll credits and deferrals that should help with cash flow and some financial relief.

In addition to a temporary NOL change, the CARES Act also temporary changes another TCJA item. The limitation on losses for non-corporate taxpayers (IRC Section 461(l)) is changed to go into effect for tax years beginning after 12/31/20 rather than after 12/31/17. The TCJA’s expiration date of tax years beginning before 1/1/26 remains.
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