BUSINESS INTEREST EXPENSE GUIDANCE

September 8, 2020 - Douglas Myser

Business interest expense guidance. The IRS issued a long awaited package of guidance regarding the Section 163(j) limitation on business interest expense deductions. The guidance includes final and proposed regulations as well as a proposed revenue procedure with a safe harbor for operators of qualified residential living facilities and FAQs on the aggregation rules for determining a taxpayer's gross receipts for purposes of the small business exception to the business interest expense limitation. The business interest expense limitation was enacted in the law known as the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, and amended by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. Under Section 163(j) for tax years beginning after Dec. 31. 2017, business interest expense deductions are limited to the sum of: The Taxpayer's business interest income; 30% (or 60% for 2019 and 2020, as amended by the CARES Act) of the taxpayer's adjusted taxable income and : The taxpayer's floor plan financing interest expense. Business interest expense guidance.

In a change made by the CARES Act, taxpayers can elect to use their 2019 ATI in computing the 2020 limit helping taxpayers whose income declines in 2020. Taxpayers are also permitted to elect to apply the more restrictive 30% of ATI limit. The business interest expense deduction limitation does not apply to certain small businesses whose gross receipts are $26 million or less, electing real property trades or businesses, electing farming businesses, and certain regulated public utilities. The $26 million gross receipts threshold, which applies for the 2020 tax year is adjusted annually for inflation.

The 575 page final regulations address how to calculate the interest expense limitation, what constitutes interest for purposes of the limitation, which taxpayers and trades or businesses are subject to the limitation, and how the limitation applies to consolidated groups, partnerships, internationally, and in other cases.  The 2018 proposed regulations contained a broad definition of business interest. Any questions regarding this or Tax Resolution, call 1-888-689-7861. Our Tax Resolution Company works nationally and is respected among other Tax Resolution Companies. We can file past due tax returns then determine options for dealing with tax debts, including the IRS Fresh Start Program and options not in that program. Our process makes pursuing Tax Resolution Services a stress free event for you. Call today for information before the IRS puts a IRS Wage Garnishment on you or a Bank Levy on your bank account.