More people qualify for a Covis-19 retirement-account-related easing. The 10% penalty on pre-age 59 1/2 payouts from retirement account is waived on up to $100,000 of coronavirus -related distributions in 2020 from 401(k)s, 403(b)s and IRAs. Federal income tax on these distributions can be paid over three years, beginning with the payout year, unless the individual elects to pay the tax all at once. Additionally, amounts recontributed to the account within the three-year time period won’t be taxable. They will be treated as rollovers, and any income tax that was paid on the distribution can be recovered by filing an amended return on From 1040-x.

New IRS rules expand the definition of a coronavirus- related distribution. It covers payouts to account owners if they or their spouses were laid off or furloughed, saw works hours cut or less pay, had a job offer rescinded or work start delayed, or had child care issues, all because of COVID-19. Also, qualifying are distributions to people who own or operate a business that closed or reduced hours in the pandemic.