You’ve probably been asked by your clients before: “Can I deduct my health insurance?” or, “How can I reimburse my employees for health insurance premiums without triggering tax consequences?”

For small-business owners and sole proprietors, the most powerful and relevant options are Health Reimbursement Arrangements. There are two HRAs in particular that will be of most interest to your clients.

The IRS on Thursday issued the 2019 annual inflation adjustments for many tax provisions as well as the 2019 tax rate tables for individuals and estates and trusts (Rev. Proc. 2018-57). These adjusted amounts will be used to prepare tax year 2019 returns in 2020.

The IRS said that the limit on elective deferral contributions to 401(k) plans, 403(b) plans, most 457 plans, and the federal government’s Thrift Savings Plan will increase from $18,500 in 2018 to $19,000 in 2019. However, the catch-up contribution limit for those 50 and older remains $6,000 (Notice 2018-83). Most other inflation-adjusted amounts related to pensions increased from 2018 to 2019.

The IRS on Wednesday issued guidance clarifying that taxpayers may generally continue to deduct 50% of the food and beverage expenses associated with operating their trade or business, despite changes to the meal and entertainment expense deduction under Sec. 274 made by the tax law known as the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA), P.L. 115-97 (Notice 2018-76). According to the IRS, the amendments specifically deny deductions for expenses for entertainment, amusement, or recreation, but do not address the deductibility of expenses for business meals. 

Under proposed regulations issued by the IRS on Thursday, transfers to a state agency or charitable organization in lieu of paying state and local taxes would be deductible as a charitable contribution only to the extent that the taxpayer making the donation did not receive a quid pro quo (REG-112176-18). Contributions that result in a state or local tax credit in return for the contribution would not be deductible for federal tax purposes to the extent of the credit; however, contributions that result in a state or local tax deduction may be deductible for federal tax purposes.