Due to the impact of COVID-19 (coronavirus), Congress, the IRS, and other federal agencies have taken significant actions to provide relief for workers and their families. Learn more below about extensions to the tax filing deadline and HSA contribution period, and information about getting treated for coronavirus under a high deductible health plan.
2020 Tax Deadline Extension
On Saturday, March 21, 2020, the IRS announced that the tax filing deadline has been extended to July 15, 2020. This is a three month extension from the traditional April 15 deadline. Government officials are advising people to file sooner, especially if they are expecting a refund.
HSA Contribution Extension
Along with the tax filing extension, the IRS also extended the period in which Health Savings Account (HSA) owners can make contributions for 2019.
Historically people have had until April 15 to make additional contributions to their accounts for the previous year. In 2020, HSA owners now have until July 15. For additional information, refer to Question 21 of the FAQ published by the IRS.
In 2019, HSA owners could contribute up to $3,500 for self-only coverage and $7,000 for family coverage. Account owners age 55 and older can make a catch up contribution of $1,000 over the annual limit. Learn more information about HSA forms and tax filing.
Coronavirus Testing and Treatments
Under recent legislation passed by Congress, testing for coronavirus is free. This includes the cost of a trip to the doctor’s office or emergency room for a test.
However, people may still have to pay for treatment due to individual circumstances. For those with an HSA-eligible high deductible health plan (HDHP), the federal government has made it easier. The IRS recently approved people in those plans to have coronavirus testing and treatment covered by the plan before they meet their deductibles – without threatening the HDHP status. That allows HSA owners to continue contributing to their account without disruption.
Additional Measures
On March 20, the IRS, the Department of Treasury and the Department of Labor (DOL) announced paid sick leave and child care leave policies due to the coronavirus. You can find more information here.
The DOL’s Wage and Hour Division has also published several Families First Coronavirus Response Act Fact Sheets:
- Employees fact sheet
- Employers fact sheet
- Questions and Answers document