New IRS webpages

The IRS has established www.irs.gov/coronavirus to

provide information specifically related to the pandemic.

News releases, statements, and guidance will be collected

there. The initial statement concerned health savings

accounts and high-deductible health plans. “Health

plans that otherwise qualify as HDHPs will not lose that

status merely because they cover the cost of testing for

or treatment of COVID-19 before plan deductibles have

been met.”

The IRS also noted that, as in the past, any vaccination

costs continue to count as preventive care and can

be paid for by an HDHP.

Guidance was also provided for the “Families First

Coronavirus Response Act,” which was signed by

President Trump on March 18. Key elements:

• Paid Sick Leave for Workers. For COVID-19-related

reasons, employees receive up to 80 hours of paid

sick leave and expanded paid childcare leave when

employees’ children’s schools are closed or childcare

providers are unavailable.

• Complete Coverage. Employers receive 100%

reimbursement for paid leave pursuant to the Act.

Health insurance costs are also included in the

credit. Employers face no payroll tax liability. 

Selfemployed individuals receive an equivalent credit.

• Fast Funds. Reimbursement will be quick and

easy to obtain. An immediate dollar-for-dollar tax

offset against payroll taxes will be provided. Where

a refund is owed, the IRS will send the refund as

quickly as possible.

Finally, the IRS created https://www.irs.gov/businesses/

gig-economy-tax-center to collect in one place the links

relevant to self-employed gig workers and those who use

digital platforms in their employment.