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Can I list Covid-19 as a “qualified natural disaster” on my tax returns?

 
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10 Replies

Can I list Covid-19 as a “qualified natural disaster” on my tax returns?

https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/tax-relief-in-disaster-situations

 

 

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Can I list Covid-19 as a “qualified natural disaster” on my tax returns?

NO. 

Can I list Covid-19 as a “qualified natural disaster” on my tax returns?

Sorry, but I think you’re wrong. All 50 states classified it as a natural disaster. 

gloriah5200
Expert Alumni

Can I list Covid-19 as a “qualified natural disaster” on my tax returns?

No, you cannot.  In order to deduct  a "qualified natural disaster" for tax purposes, the President has to declare it a Presidential Declared Disaster Area and that has not happened.

Can I list Covid-19 as a “qualified natural disaster” on my tax returns?

Section 139 (c) (2) of the Code provides that for purposes of section 139 of the Code, the term "qualified disaster" includes a federally declared disaster, as defined by 165 (i) (5) (A) of the Code. The COVID-19 pandemic is a "federally declared disaster," as defined by section 165 (i) (5) (A) of the Code.

Source: https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/special-issues-for-employees

Cynthiad66
Expert Alumni

Can I list Covid-19 as a “qualified natural disaster” on my tax returns?

There is nothing to list on the tax return yet.  If you answer the questions pertaining to Natural Disaster on the software, you will notice that it does not refer to the Covid-19.

 

Covid-19 has NOT been declared a federally designated natural disaster.  However, IRS states that The COVID-19 pandemic is a “federally declared disaster,” as defined by section 165(i)(5)(A) of the Code.  

 

On March 13, 2020, the President of the United States issued a Proclamation declaring a national emergency concerning the Novel Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) outbreak, stating that the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic warrants an emergency determination under section 501(b) of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, 42 U.S.C. 5121 – 5207.  A “qualified disaster relief payment” is defined by section 139(b) of the Code to include any amount paid to or for the benefit of an individual to reimburse or pay reasonable and necessary personal, family, living, or funeral expenses incurred as a result of a qualified disaster.  Qualified disaster relief payments do not include income replacements such as sick leave or other paid time off paid by an employer.

 

 

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Guy38
New Member

Can I list Covid-19 as a “qualified natural disaster” on my tax returns?

But it was labeled our natural disaster, that was all over the media. I guess I'll go to h&r block instead then..

Can I list Covid-19 as a “qualified natural disaster” on my tax returns?


@Guy38 wrote:

But it was labeled our natural disaster, that was all over the media. I guess I'll go to h&r block instead then..


Yes, of course it is.  That is the whole point of the CARES Act and 8915-E form.

 

Per IRS instructions:

Coronavirus

The virus SARS-CoV-2 or coronavirus disease 2019 (referred to collectively in these instructions as coronavirus) is one of the qualified 2020 disasters reportable on Form 8915-E.

**Disclaimer: This post is for discussion purposes only and is NOT tax advice. The author takes no responsibility for the accuracy of any information in this post.**

Can I list Covid-19 as a “qualified natural disaster” on my tax returns?

LinaJ2020
Expert Alumni

Can I list Covid-19 as a “qualified natural disaster” on my tax returns?

You do not need to list Covid-19 on your tax return.  If you are referring to a retirement related distribution due to Covid, you would need to file a Form 8915-E to avoid the 10% penalty from your distribution. To answer Covid related questions under 1099-R, see steps below.  If you are using TTO, there are no known issues.    If you are using the desktop option, we are working to resolve this issue. Click here: Covid related questions

 

To enter your Form 1099-R in the program, follow here:

 

In TurboTax online,

  • Sign in to your account and select Pick up where you left off
  • From the upper right menu, select Search and type in 1099r and Enter
  • Select the Jump to 1099r
  • Follow prompts to answer Covid related questions.

If you are under age 59 1/2, the distribution from the retirement accounts is considered as an early withdrawal.  Generally, you are subject to an additional 10% penalty of your entire distribution unless you met certain criteria.  Due to the Section 2202 CARES Act, if your distribution is related the Covid-19, you will not be liable for this additional penalty.  For more information from the IRS, click here: Covid Relief.  If your distribution is not related to the Covid, you will need to pay the penalty. 

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