26 U.S. Code § 3111 - Rate of tax

(a) Old-age, survivors, and disability insurance

In addition to other taxes, there is hereby imposed on every employer an excise tax, with respect to having individuals in his employ, equal to 6.2 percent of the wages (as defined in section 3121(a)) paid by the employer with respect to employment (as defined in section 3121(b)).

(b) Hospital insurance

In addition to the tax imposed by the preceding subsection, there is hereby imposed on every employer an excise tax, with respect to having individuals in his employ, equal to 1.45 percent of the wages (as defined in section 3121(a)) paid by the employer with respect to employment (as defined in section 3121(b)).

(c) Relief from taxes in cases covered by certain international agreements

During any period in which there is in effect an agreement entered into pursuant to section 233 of the Social Security Act with any foreign country, wages received by or paid to an individual shall be exempt from the taxes imposed by this section to the extent that such wages are subject under such agreement exclusively to the laws applicable to the social security system of such foreign country.

[(d) Repealed. Pub. L. 115–141, div. U, title IV, § 401(b)(34), Mar. 23, 2018, 132 Stat. 1204]

(e) Credit for employment of qualified veterans

(1) In general

If a qualified tax-exempt organization hires a qualified veteran with respect to whom a credit would be allowable under section 38 by reason of section 51 if the organization were not a qualified tax-exempt organization, then there shall be allowed as a credit against the tax imposed by subsection (a) on wages paid with respect to employment of all employees of the organization during the applicable period an amount equal to the credit determined under section 51 (after application of the modifications under paragraph (3)) with respect to wages paid to such qualified veteran during such period.

(2) Overall limitation

The aggregate amount allowed as a credit under this subsection for all qualified veterans for any period with respect to which tax is imposed under subsection (a) shall not exceed the amount of the tax imposed by subsection (a) on wages paid with respect to employment of all employees of the organization during such period.

(3) Modifications

For purposes of paragraph (1), section 51 shall be applied—

(A) by substituting “26 percent” for “40 percent” in subsection (a) thereof,

(B) by substituting “16.25 percent” for “25 percent” in subsection (i)(3)(A) thereof, and

(C) by only taking into account wages paid to a qualified veteran for services in furtherance of the activities related to the purpose or function constituting the basis of the organization’s exemption under section 501.

(4) Applicable period

The term “applicable period” means, with respect to any qualified veteran, the 1-year period beginning with the day such qualified veteran begins work for the organization.

(5) Definitions

For purposes of this subsection—

(A) the term “qualified tax-exempt organization” means an employer that is an organization described in section 501(c) and exempt from taxation under section 501(a), and

(B) the term “qualified veteran” has the meaning given such term by section 51(d)(3).

(f) Credit for research expenditures of qualified small businesses

(1) In general

In the case of a taxpayer who has made an election under section 41(h) for a taxable year, there shall be allowed as a credit against the tax imposed by subsection (a) for the first calendar quarter which begins after the date on which the taxpayer files the return specified in section 41(h)(4)(A)(ii) an amount equal to the payroll tax credit portion determined under section 41(h)(2).

(2) Limitation

The credit allowed by paragraph (1) shall not exceed the tax imposed by subsection (a) for any calendar quarter on the wages paid with respect to the employment of all individuals in the employ of the employer.

(3) Carryover of unused credit

If the amount of the credit under paragraph (1) exceeds the limitation of paragraph (2) for any calendar quarter, such excess shall be carried to the succeeding calendar quarter and allowed as a credit under paragraph (1) for such quarter.

(4) Deduction allowed for credited amounts

The credit allowed under paragraph (1) shall not be taken into account for purposes of determining the amount of any deduction allowed under chapter 1 for taxes imposed under subsection (a).

(Aug. 16, 1954, ch. 736, 68A Stat. 416; Sept. 1, 1954, ch. 1206, title II, § 208(c), 68 Stat. 1094; Aug. 1, 1956. ch. 836, title II, § 202(c), 70 Stat. 845; Pub. L. 85–840, title IV, § 401(c), Aug. 28, 1958, 72 Stat. 1042; Pub. L. 87–64, title II, § 201(c), June 30, 1961, 75 Stat. 141; Pub. L. 89–97, title I, § 111(c)(6), title III, § 321(c), July 30, 1965, 79 Stat. 343, 396; Pub. L. 90–248, title I, § 109(a)(3), (b)(3), Jan. 2, 1968, 81 Stat. 836, 837; Pub. L. 92–5, title II, § 204(a)(2), Mar. 17, 1971, 85 Stat. 11; Pub. L. 92–336, title II, § 204(a)(3), (b)(3), July 1, 1972, 86 Stat. 421, 422; Pub. L. 92–603, title I, § 135(a)(3), (b)(3), Oct. 30, 1972, 86 Stat. 1363, 1364; Pub. L. 93–233, § 6(a)(2), (b)(3), Dec. 31, 1973, 87 Stat. 954, 955; Pub. L. 94–455, title XIX, § 1903(a)(1), Oct. 4, 1976, 90 Stat. 1806; Pub. L. 95–216, title I, § 101(a)(2), (b)(2), title III, §§ 315(b), 317(b)(2), Dec. 20, 1977, 91 Stat. 1511, 1512, 1537, 1540; Pub. L. 98–21, title I, § 123(a)(2), Apr. 20, 1983, 97 Stat. 88; Pub. L. 100–203, title IX, § 9006(b)(1), Dec. 22, 1987, 101 Stat. 1330–289; Pub. L. 100–647, title VIII, § 8016(a)(5), Nov. 10, 1988, 102 Stat. 3793; Pub. L. 108–203, title IV, § 415, Mar. 2, 2004, 118 Stat. 530; Pub. L. 111–147, title I, § 101(a), Mar. 18, 2010, 124 Stat. 72; Pub. L. 112–56, title II, § 261(e)(2), Nov. 21, 2011, 125 Stat. 730; Pub. L. 113–295, div. A, title II, § 221(a)(99)(B), Dec. 19, 2014, 128 Stat. 4051; Pub. L. 114–113, div. Q, title I, § 121(c)(2), Dec. 18, 2015, 129 Stat. 3051; Pub. L. 115–141, div. U, title IV, § 401(a)(208), (b)(34), Mar. 23, 2018, 132 Stat. 1194, 1204.)

References in Text

Section 233 of the Social Security Act, referred to in subsec. (c), is classified to section 433 of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare.

Amendments

2018—Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 115–141, § 401(b)(34), struck out subsec. (d) which provided for a special exemption for certain individuals hired in 2010.

Subsec. (e)(5)(B). Pub. L. 115–141, § 401(a)(208), substituted “has the meaning” for “has meaning”.

2015—Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 114–113 added subsec. (f).

2014—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 113–295, § 221(a)(99)(B)(i), substituted “6.2 percent of the wages (as defined in section 3121(a)) paid by the employer with respect to employment (as defined in section 3121(b)).” for “the following percentages of the wages (as defined in section 3121(a)) paid by him with respect to employment (as defined in section 3121(b))—” and table of rates.

Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 113–295, § 221(a)(99)(B)(ii), substituted “1.45 percent of the wages (as defined in section 3121(a)) paid by the employer with respect to employment (as defined in section 3121(b)).” for “the following percentages of the wages (as defined in section 3121(a)) paid by him with respect to employment (as defined in section 3121(b))—

“(1) with respect to wages paid during the calendar years 1974 through 1977, the rate shall be 0.90 percent;

“(2) with respect to wages paid during the calendar year 1978, the rate shall be 1.00 percent;

“(3) with respect to wages paid during the calendar years 1979 and 1980, the rate shall be 1.05 percent;

“(4) with respect to wages paid during the calendar years 1981 through 1984, the rate shall be 1.30 percent;

“(5) with respect to wages paid during the calendar year 1985, the rate shall be 1.35 percent; and

“(6) with respect to wages paid after December 31, 1985, the rate shall be 1.45 percent.”

2011—Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 112–56 added subsec. (e).

2010—Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 111–147 added subsec. (d).

2004—Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 108–203 substituted “exclusively to the laws applicable to” for “to taxes or contributions for similar purposes under”.

1988—Subsecs. (a), (b). Pub. L. 100–647 made technical correction to directory language of Pub. L. 100–203, § 9006(b)(1), see 1987 Amendment note below.

1987—Subsecs. (a), (b). Pub. L. 100–203, as amended by Pub. L. 100–647, struck out “and (t)” after “3121(a)” in introductory provisions.

1983—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 98–21 substituted table of rates for pars. (1) to (7) which had imposed a tax on every employer (1) with respect to wages paid during the calendar years 1974 through 1977 at the rate of 4.95 percent, (2) with respect to wages paid during the calendar year 1978 at the rate of 5.05 percent, (3) with respect to wages paid during the calendar years 1979 and 1980 at the rate of 5.08 percent, (4) with respect to wages paid during the calendar year 1981 at the rate of 5.35 percent, (5) with respect to wages paid during the calendar years 1982 through 1984 at the rate of 5.40 percent, (6) with respect to wages paid during the calendar years 1985 through 1989 at the rate of 5.70 percent, and (7) with respect to wages paid after Dec. 31, 1989, at the rate of 6.20 percent.

1977—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 95–216, §§ 101(a)(2), 315(b), substituted “(as defined in section 3121(a) and (t))” for “(as defined in section 3121(a))” in provisions preceding par. (1), substituted “1974 through 1977” for “1974 through 2010” in par. (1), substituted “wages paid during the calendar year 1978, the rate shall be 5.05 percent” for “wages paid after December 31, 2010, the rate shall be 5.95 percent” in par. (2), and added pars. (3) to (7).

Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 95–216, §§ 101(b)(2), 315(b), substituted “(as defined in section 3121(a) and (t))” for “(as defined in section 3121(a))” in provisions preceding par. (1), substituted “wages paid during the calendar year 1978, the rate shall be 1.00 percent” for “wages paid during the calendar years 1978 through 1980, the rate shall be 1.10 percent”, in par. (2), substituted “wages paid during the calendar years 1979 and 1980, the rate shall be 1.05 percent” for wages paid during the calendar years 1981 through 1985, the rate shall be 1.35 percent” in par. (3), substituted “wages paid during the calendar years 1981 through 1984, the rate shall be 1.30 percent” for “wages paid after December 31, 1985, the rate shall be 1.50 percent” in par. (4), and added pars. (5) and (6).

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 95–216, § 317(b)(2), added subsec. (c).

1976—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 94–455, § 1903(a)(1)(A), redesignated pars. (5) and (6) as (1) and (2). Former pars. (1) to (4), which related to a tax rate of 3.8 percent with respect to wages received during the taxable year 1968, a tax rate of 4.2 percent with respect to wages received during the calendar year 1969 and 1970, a tax rate of 4.6 percent with respect to wages received during the calendar years 1971 and 1972, and a tax rate of 4.85 percent with respect to wages received during the calendar year 1973, respectively, were struck out.

Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 94–455, § 1903(a)(1)(B), redesignated pars. (3) to (6) as (1) to (4), respectively. Former pars. (1) and (2), which related to a tax rate of .60 percent with respect to wages received during the calendar years 1968, 1969, 1970, 1971, and 1972 and a tax rate of 1.0 percent with respect to wages received during the calendar year 1973, respectively, were struck out.

1973—Subsec. (a)(4). Pub. L. 93–233, § 6(a)(2), struck out provision for application of 4.85 percent rate of tax during calendar years 1974, 1975, 1976, and 1977.

Subsec. (a)(5). Pub. L. 93–233, § 6(a)(2), increased rate of tax from 4.80 percent to 4.95 percent and substituted calendar year “1974” to “1978” as initial year for application of such rate.

Subsec. (a)(6). Pub. L. 93–233, § 6(a)(2), increased rate of tax from 5.85 percent to 5.95 percent.

Subsec. (b)(2). Pub. L. 93–233, § 6(b)(3), struck out provision for application of 1.0 percent rate of tax during calendar years 1974, 1975, 1976, and 1977.

Subsec. (b)(3). Pub. L. 93–233, § 6(b)(3), incorporated former provision of par. (2) for taxation of wages received during calendar years 1974, 1975, 1976, and 1977, decreased the applicable rate of tax from 1.0 percent to 0.90 percent, and struck out provision for 1.25 percent rate of tax for calendar years 1978, 1979, and 1980.

Subsec. (b)(4). Pub. L. 93–233, § 6(b)(3), incorporated former provision of par. (3) for taxation of wages received during calendar years 1978, 1979, and 1980, decreased the applicable rate of tax from 1.25 percent to 1.10 percent, and struck out provision for 1.35 percent rate of tax for calendar years 1981, 1982, 1983, 1984, and 1985.

Subsec. (b)(5). Pub. L. 93–233, § 6(b)(3), incorporated former provision of par. (4) for taxation of wages received during calendar years 1981 through 1985 at applicable 1.35 percent rate of tax and struck out provision for 1.45 percent rate of tax for wages received after Dec. 31, 1985.

Subsec. (b)(6). Pub. L. 93–233, § 6(b)(3), incorporated former provision of par. (5) for taxation of wages received after Dec. 31, 1985 and increased the applicable rate of tax from 1.45 percent to 1.50 percent.

1972—Subsec. (a)(3). Pub. L. 92–603, § 135(a)(3)(A), substituted “the calendar years 1971 and 1972” for “any of the calendar years 1971 through 1977”.

Subsec. (a)(3) to (5). Pub. L. 92–336, § 204(a)(3), substituted “any of the calendar years 1971 through 1977” for “the calendar years 1971 and 1972” in par. (3), “any of the calendar years 1978 through 2010” for “the calendar years 1973, 1974, and 1975” and “4.5” for “5.0” in par. (4), and “December 31, 2010” for “December 31, 1975” and “5.35” for “5.15” in par. (5).

Subsec. (a)(4). Pub. L. 92–603, § 135(a)(3)(B), substituted “received during the calendar years 1973, 1974, 1975, 1976, and 1977, the rate shall be 4.85 percent;” for “received during any of the calendar years 1978 through 2010, the rate shall be 4.5 percent; and”.

Subsec. (a)(5). Pub. L. 92–603, § 135(a)(3)(B), substituted “received during the calendar years 1978 through 2010, the rate shall be 4.80 percent; and” for “received after December 31, 2010, the rate shall be 5.35 percent”.

Subsec. (a)(6). Pub. L. 92–603, § 135(a)(3)(B), added par. (6).

Subsec. (b)(2). Pub. L. 92–603, § 135(b)(3), increased rate to 1.0 percent from 0.9 percent.

Subsec. (b)(2) to (5). Pub. L. 92–336, § 204(b)(3), inserted references to 1976 and 1977 and substituted “0.9” for “0.65” in par. (2), substituted references for the calendar years 1978 through 1985 for references to the calendar years 1976 through 1979 and substituted “1.0” for “0.70” in par. (3), substituted references for the calendar years 1986 through 1992 for references to the calendars 1980 through 1986 and substituted “1.1” for “0.80” in par. (4), and substituted “1992” and “1986” and “1.2” for “0.9” in par. (5).

Subsec. (b)(3). Pub. L. 92–603, § 135(b)(3), substituted “and 1980, the rate shall be 1.25 percent” for “1980, 1981, 1982, 1983, 1984, and 1985, the rate shall be 1.0 percent”.

Subsec. (b)(4). Pub. L. 92–603, § 135(b)(3), substituted “1981, 1982, 1983, 1984, and 1985, the rate shall be 1.35 percent” for “1986, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, and 1992, the rate shall be 1.1 percent”.

Subsec. (b)(5). Pub. L. 92–603, § 135(b)(3), substituted “1985, the rate shall be 1.45 percent” for “1992, the rate shall be 1.2 percent”.

1971—Subsec. (a)(4). Pub. L. 92–5 substituted “with respect to wages paid during the calendar years 1973, 1974, and 1975, the rate shall be 5.0 percent; and” for “with respect to wages paid after December 31, 1972, the rate shall be 5.0 percent”.

Subsec. (a)(5). Pub. L. 92–5 added par. (5).

1968—Subsec. (a)(1) to (4). Pub. L. 90–248, § 109(a)(3), substituted “1968” and “3.8” for “1966” and “3.85” in par. (1) and “1969 and 1970” and “4.2” for “1967 and 1968” and “3.9” in par. (2), struck out reference to calendar years 1969 and 1970 from par. (3) and substituted therein “4.6” for “4.4”, and substituted “5.0” for “4.85” in par. (4).

Subsecs. (b)(1) to (5). Pub. L. 90–248, § 109(b)(3), struck out par. (1) provision for employer rate of 0.35 percent of wages paid with respect to employment during calendar year 1966, redesignated pars. (2) to (6) as (1) to (5), struck out reference to “1967” in such par. (1) and increased the rate by 0.10 percent to 0.60, 0.65, 0.70, 0.80, and 0.90 in pars. (1) to (5), respectively.

1965—Pub. L. 89–97, § 321(c), divided the total excise tax imposed under the entire section upon employers through a tax equal to percentages of wages paid by him into two separate taxes by dividing the section into subsecs. (a) and (b), with subsec. (a) reflecting the tax for old-age, survivors, and disability insurance, and subsec. (b) reflecting the tax for hospital insurance, but, in the case of subsec. (b), without regard to the provisions of section 3121(b)(9) insofar as it relates to employees; increased from 4⅛ percent to 4.20 percent the rate of total tax imposed by the entire section upon wages paid during calendar year 1966 (resulting from a tax of 3.85 percent under subsec. (a) and 0.35 percent under subsec. (b)), increased from 4⅛ percent to 4.40 percent the rate of total tax imposed by the entire section upon wages paid during calendar year 1967 (resulting from a tax of 3.9 percent under subsec. (a) and 0.50 percent under subsec. (b)), reduced from 4⅝ percent to 4.40 percent the rate of total tax imposed by the entire section upon wages paid during calendar year 1968 (resulting from a tax of 3.9 percent under subsec. (a) and 0.50 percent under subsec. (b)), increased from 4⅝ percent to 4.90 percent the rate of total tax imposed by the entire section upon wages paid during the calendar years 1969, 1970, 1971, and 1972 (resulting from a tax of 4.4 percent under subsec. (a) and 0.50 percent under subsec. (b)), increased from 4⅝ percent to 5.40 percent the rate for calendar years 1973, 1974, and 1975 (resulting from a tax of 4.85 percent under subsec. (a) and 0.55 percent under subsec. (b)), increased from 4⅝ percent to 5.45 percent the rate for calendar years 1976, 1977, 1978, and 1979 (resulting from a tax of 4.85 percent under subsec. (a) and 0.60 percent under subsec. (b)), increased from 4⅝ percent to 5.55 percent the rate for calendar years 1980 through 1986 (resulting from a tax of 4.85 percent under subsec. (a) and 0.70 percent under subsec. (b)), and increased the rate from 4⅝ percent to 5.65 percent for calendar years after December 31, 1986 (resulting from a tax of 4.85 percent under subsec. (a) and 0.80 percent under subsec. (b)).

Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 89–97, § 111(c)(6), struck out “, but without regard to the provisions of paragraph (9) thereof insofar as it relates to employees” after “as defined in section 3121(b)”.

1961—Pub. L. 87–64 increased rate of tax for calendar year 1962 from 3 to 3⅛ percent, calendar years 1963 to 1965, inclusive, from 3½ to 3⅝ percent, calendar years 1966 and 1967 from 4 to 4⅛ percent, calendar year 1968 from 4 to 4⅝ percent, and for calendar years after December 31, 1968, from 4½ to 4⅝ percent.

1958—Pub. L. 85–840 increased rate of tax by substituting provisions imposing a tax of 2½ percent for calendar year 1959, 3 percent for calendar years 1960–62, 3½ percent for calendar years 1963–65, 4 percent for calendar years 1966–68, and 4½ percent for calendar years beginning after Dec. 31, 1968, for provisions which imposed a tax of 2¼ percent for calendar years 1957–59, 2¾ percent for calendar years 1960–64, 3¼ percent for calendar years 1965–69, 3¾ percent for calendar years 1970–74, and 4¼ percent for calendar years beginning after Dec. 31, 1974.

1956—Act Aug. 1, 1956, increased rate of tax with respect to wages paid during calendar years 1957 to 1959, and for all calendar years thereafter, by one-quarter percent.

1954—Act Sept. 1, 1954, increased 3¼ percent rate of tax for calendar year 1970 and subsequent years to 3½ percent for calendar years 1970 to 1974 and 4 percent for 1975 and subsequent years.

Effective Date of 2015 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 114–113 applicable to taxable years beginning after Dec. 31, 2015, see section 121(d)(3) of Pub. L. 114–113, set out as a note under section 38 of this title.

Effective Date of 2014 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 113–295 effective Dec. 19, 2014, subject to a savings provision, see section 221(b) of Pub. L. 113–295, set out as a note under section 1 of this title.

Effective Date of 2011 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 112–56 applicable to individuals who begin work for the employer after Nov. 21, 2011, see section 261(g) of Pub. L. 112–56, set out as a note under section 51 of this title.

Effective Date of 2010 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 111–147 applicable to wages paid after Mar. 18, 2010, see section 101(e) of Pub. L. 111–147, set out as a note under section 51 of this title.

Effective Date of 1988 Amendment

Pub. L. 100–647, title VIII, § 8016(b), Nov. 10, 1988, 102 Stat. 3793, provided that:

“(1) Except as provided in paragraph (2), the amendments made by this section [amending this section, sections 3121 and 3306 of this title, and sections 405, 410, and 411 of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare] shall be effective on the date of the enactment of this Act [Nov. 10, 1988].

“(2) Any amendment made by this section to a provision of a particular Public Law which is referred to by its number, or to a provision of the Social Security Act [42 U.S.C. 301 et seq.] or the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 as added or amended by a provision of a particular Public Law which is so referred to, shall be effective as though it had been included or reflected in the relevant provisions of that Public Law at the time of its enactment.”

Effective Date of 1987 Amendment

Pub. L. 100–203, title IX, § 9006(c), Dec. 22, 1987, 101 Stat. 1330–289, provided that:

“The amendments made by this section [amending this section and section 3121 of this title] shall apply with respect to tips received (and wages paid) on and after January 1, 1988.”

Effective Date of 1983 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 98–21 applicable to remuneration paid after Dec. 31, 1983, see section 123(a)(3) of Pub. L. 98–21, set out as a note under section 3101 of this title.

Effective Date of 1977 Amendment

Amendment by section 101(a)(2), (b)(2) of Pub. L. 95–216 applicable with respect to remuneration paid or received, and taxable years beginning, after 1977, see section 104 of Pub. L. 95–216, set out as a note under section 1401 of this title.

Pub. L. 95–216, title III, § 315(c), Dec. 20, 1977, 91 Stat. 1537, provided that:

“The amendments made by this section [amending this section and section 3121 of this title] shall apply with respect to wages paid with respect to employment performed in months after December 1977.”

Effective Date of 1976 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 94–455 applicable with respect to wages paid after Dec. 31, 1976, see section 1903(d) of Pub. L. 94–455, set out as a note under section 3101 of this title.

Effective Date of 1973 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 93–233 applicable only with respect to remuneration paid after December 31, 1973, see section 6(c) of Pub. L. 93–233, set out as a note under section 1401 of this title.

Effective Date of 1972 Amendments

Amendment by Pub. L. 92–603 applicable only with respect to remuneration paid after Dec. 31, 1972, see section 135(c) of Pub. L. 92–603, set out as a note under section 1401 of this title.

Amendment by Pub. L. 92–336 applicable only with respect to remuneration paid after December 31, 1972, see section 204(c) of Pub. L. 92–336, set out as a note under section 1401 of this title.

Effective Date of 1971 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 92–5 applicable only with respect to remuneration paid after Dec. 31, 1971, see section 204(b) of Pub. L. 92–5, set out as a note under section 3101 of this title.

Effective Date of 1968 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 90–248 applicable only with respect to remuneration paid after Dec. 31, 1967, see section 109(c) of Pub. L. 90–248, set out as a note under section 1401 of this title.

Effective Date of 1965 Amendment

Amendment by section 111(c)(6) of Pub. L. 89–97 applicable to calendar year 1966 or to any subsequent calendar year but only if by October 1 immediately preceding such calendar year the Railroad Retirement Tax Act (section 3201 et seq. of this title) provides for a maximum amount of monthly compensation taxable under such Act during all months of such calendar year equal to one-twelfth of maximum wages which Federal Insurance Contributions Act (section 3101 et seq. of this title) provides may be counted for such calendar year, see section 111(e) of Pub. L. 89–97, set out as an Effective Date note under section 1395i–1 of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare.

Amendment by section 321(c) of Pub. L. 89–97 applicable with respect to remuneration paid after December 31, 1965, see section 321(d) of Pub. L. 89–97, set out as a note under section 1401 of this title.

Effective Date of 1961 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 87–64 applicable with respect to remuneration paid after Dec. 31, 1961, see section 201(d) of Pub. L. 87–64, set out as a note under section 1401 of this title.

Effective Date of 1958 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 85–840 applicable with respect to remuneration paid after Dec. 31, 1958, see section 401(d) of Pub. L. 85–840, set out as a note under section 1401 of this title.

Effective Date of 1956 Amendment

Amendment by act Aug. 1, 1956, applicable with respect to remuneration paid after Dec. 31, 1956, see section 202(d) of such act Aug. 1, 1956, set out as a note under section 1401 of this title.

Savings Provision

For provisions that nothing in amendment by section 401(b)(34) of Pub. L. 115–141 be construed to affect treatment of certain transactions occurring, property acquired, or items of income, loss, deduction, or credit taken into account prior to Mar. 23, 2018, for purposes of determining liability for tax for periods ending after Mar. 23, 2018, see section 401(e) of Pub. L. 115–141, set out as a note under section 23 of this title.

Penalties and Interest Not Assessed for Failure To Make Timely Payment During Period January 1, 1982, to June 30, 1982, of Taxes Attributable to Amendments by Pub. L. 97–123

For provision that no penalties or interest shall be assessed on account of any failure to make timely payment of taxes imposed by this section with respect to payments made for the period Jan. 1, 1982, and ending June 30, 1982, to the extent that such taxes are attributable to section 3 of Pub. L. 97–123 or the amendments made by that section, see section 3(f) of Pub. L. 97–123, set out as a note under section 3101 of this title.

Employee Retention Credit for Employers Subject to Closure Due to COVID–19

Pub. L. 116–136, div. A, title II, § 2301, Mar. 27, 2020, 134 Stat. 347, provided that:

“(a) In General.—

In the case of an eligible employer, there shall be allowed as a credit against applicable employment taxes for each calendar quarter an amount equal to 50 percent of the qualified wages with respect to each employee of such employer for such calendar quarter.

“(b) Limitations and Refundability.—

“(1) Wages taken into account.—

The amount of qualified wages with respect to any employee which may be taken into account under subsection (a) by the eligible employer for all calendar quarters shall not exceed $10,000.

“(2) Credit limited to employment taxes.—

The credit allowed by subsection (a) with respect to any calendar quarter shall not exceed the applicable employment taxes (reduced by any credits allowed under subsections (e) and (f) of section 3111 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 and sections 7001 and 7003 of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act [Pub. L. 116–127, set out as notes below]) on the wages paid with respect to the employment of all the employees of the eligible employer for such calendar quarter.

“(3) Refundability of excess credit.—

“(A) In general.—

If the amount of the credit under subsection (a) exceeds the limitation of paragraph (2) for any calendar quarter, such excess shall be treated as an overpayment that shall be refunded under sections 6402(a) and 6413(b) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986.

“(B) Treatment of payments.—

For purposes of section 1324 of title 31, United States Code, any amounts due to the employer under this paragraph shall be treated in the same manner as a refund due from a credit provision referred to in subsection (b)(2) of such section.

“(c) Definitions.—

For purposes of this section—

“(1) Applicable employment taxes.—

The term ‘applicable employment taxes’ means the following:

“(A) The taxes imposed under section 3111(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986.

“(B) So much of the taxes imposed under section 3221(a) of such Code as are attributable to the rate in effect under section 3111(a) of such Code.

“(2) Eligible employer.—

“(A) In general.—

The term ‘eligible employer’ means any employer—

“(i) which was carrying on a trade or business during calendar year 2020, and

“(ii) with respect to any calendar quarter, for which—

     “(I) the operation of the trade or business described in clause (i) is fully or partially suspended during the calendar quarter due to orders from an appropriate governmental authority limiting commerce, travel, or group meetings (for commercial, social, religious, or other purposes) due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID–19), or

     “(II) such calendar quarter is within the period described in subparagraph (B).

“(B) Significant decline in gross receipts.—

The period described in this subparagraph is the period—

“(i) beginning with the first calendar quarter beginning after December 31, 2019, for which gross receipts (within the meaning of section 448(c) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986) for the calendar quarter are less than 50 percent of gross receipts for the same calendar quarter in the prior year, and

“(ii) ending with the calendar quarter following the first calendar quarter beginning after a calendar quarter described in clause (i) for which gross receipts of such employer are greater than 80 percent of gross receipts for the same calendar quarter in the prior year.

“(C) Tax-exempt organizations.—

In the case of an organization which is described in section 501(c) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 and exempt from tax under section 501(a) of such Code, clauses (i) and (ii)(I) of subparagraph (A) shall apply to all operations of such organization.

“(3) Qualified wages.—

“(A) In general.—

The term ‘qualified wages’ means—

“(i) in the case of an eligible employer for which the average number of full-time employees (within the meaning of section 4980H of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986) employed by such eligible employer during 2019 was greater than 100, wages paid by such eligible employer with respect to which an employee is not providing services due to circumstances described in subclause (I) or (II) of paragraph (2)(A)(ii), or

“(ii) in the case of an eligible employer for which the average number of full-time employees (within the meaning of section 4980H of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986) employed by such eligible employer during 2019 was not greater than 100—

     “(I) with respect to an eligible employer described in subclause (I) of paragraph (2)(A)(ii), wages paid by such eligible employer with respect to an employee during any period described in such clause, or

     “(II) with respect to an eligible employer described in subclause (II) of such paragraph, wages paid by such eligible employer with respect to an employee during such quarter.

 Such term shall not include any wages taken into account under section 7001 or section 7003 of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act.

“(B) Limitation.—

Qualified wages paid or incurred by an eligible employer described in subparagraph (A)(i) with respect to an employee for any period described in such subparagraph may not exceed the amount such employee would have been paid for working an equivalent duration during the 30 days immediately preceding such period.

“(C) Allowance for certain health plan expenses.—

“(i) In general.—

The term ‘qualified wages’ shall include so much of the eligible employer’s qualified health plan expenses as are properly allocable to such wages.

“(ii) Qualified health plan expenses.—

For purposes of this paragraph, the term ‘qualified health plan expenses’ means amounts paid or incurred by the eligible employer to provide and maintain a group health plan (as defined in section 5000(b)(1) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986), but only to the extent that such amounts are excluded from the gross income of employees by reason of section 106(a) of such Code.

“(iii) Allocation rules.—

For purposes of this paragraph, qualified health plan expenses shall be allocated to qualified wages in such manner as the Secretary may prescribe. Except as otherwise provided by the Secretary, such allocation shall be treated as properly made if made on the basis of being pro rata among employees and pro rata on the basis of periods of coverage (relative to the periods to which such wages relate).

“(4) Secretary.—

The term ‘Secretary’ means the Secretary of the Treasury or the Secretary’s delegate.

“(5) Wages.—

The term ‘wages’ means wages (as defined in section 3121(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986) and compensation (as defined in section 3231(e) of such Code).

“(6) Other terms.—

Any term used in this section which is also used in chapter 21 or 22 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 shall have the same meaning as when used in such chapter.

“(d) Aggregation Rule.—

All persons treated as a single employer under subsection (a) or (b) of section 52 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, or subsection (m) or (o) of section 414 of such Code, shall be treated as one employer for purposes of this section.

“(e) Certain Rules to Apply.—

For purposes of this section, rules similar to the rules of sections 51(i)(1) and 280C(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 shall apply.

“(f) Certain Governmental Employers.—

This credit shall not apply to the Government of the United States, the government of any State or political subdivision thereof, or any agency or instrumentality of any of the foregoing.

“(g) Election Not to Have Section Apply.—

This section shall not apply with respect to any eligible employer for any calendar quarter if such employer elects (at such time and in such manner as the Secretary may prescribe) not to have this section apply.

“(h) Special Rules.—

“(1) Employee not taken into account more than once.—

An employee shall not be included for purposes of this section for any period with respect to any employer if such employer is allowed a credit under section 51 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 with respect to such employee for such period.

“(2) Denial of double benefit.—

Any wages taken into account in determining the credit allowed under this section shall not be taken into account for purposes of determining the credit allowed under section 45S of such Code.

“(3) Third party payors.—

Any credit allowed under this section shall be treated as a credit described in section 3511(d)(2) of such Code.

“(i) Transfers to Federal Old-Age and Survivors Insurance Trust Fund.—

There are hereby appropriated to the Federal Old-Age and Survivors Insurance Trust Fund and the Federal Disability Insurance Trust Fund established under section 201 of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 401) and the Social Security Equivalent Benefit Account established under section 15A(a) of the Railroad Retirement Act of 1974 (45 U.S.C. 14 [sic] 231n–1(a)) amounts equal to the reduction in revenues to the Treasury by reason of this section (without regard to this subsection). Amounts appropriated by the preceding sentence shall be transferred from the general fund at such times and in such manner as to replicate to the extent possible the transfers which would have occurred to such Trust Fund or Account had this section not been enacted.

“(j) Rule for Employers Taking Small Business Interruption Loan.—

If an eligible employer receives a covered loan under paragraph (36) of section 7(a) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 636(a)), as added by section 1102 of this Act, such employer shall not be eligible for the credit under this section.

“(k) Treatment of Deposits.—

The Secretary shall waive any penalty under section 6656 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 for any failure to make a deposit of any applicable employment taxes if the Secretary determines that such failure was due to the reasonable anticipation of the credit allowed under this section.

“(l) Regulations and Guidance.—

The Secretary shall issue such forms, instructions, regulations, and guidance as are necessary—

“(1) to allow the advance payment of the credit under subsection (a), subject to the limitations provided in this section, based on such information as the Secretary shall require,

“(2) to provide for the reconciliation of such advance payment with the amount advanced at the time of filing the return of tax for the applicable calendar quarter or taxable year,

“(3) to provide for the recapture of the credit under this section if such credit is allowed to a taxpayer which receives a loan described in subsection (j) during a subsequent quarter,

“(4) with respect to the application of the credit under subsection (a) to third party payors (including professional employer organizations, certified professional employer organizations, or agents under section 3504 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986), including regulations or guidance allowing such payors to submit documentation necessary to substantiate the eligible employer status of employers that use such payors, and

“(5) for application of subparagraphs (A)(ii)(II) and (B) of subsection (c)(2) in the case of any employer which was not carrying on a trade or business for all or part of the same calendar quarter in the prior year.

“(m) Application.—

This section shall only apply to wages paid after March 12, 2020, and before January 1, 2021.”

Delay of Payment of Employer Payroll Taxes

Pub. L. 116–136, div. A, title II, § 2302, Mar. 27, 2020, 134 Stat. 351, as amended by Pub. L. 116–142, § 4(a), June 5, 2020, 134 Stat. 643, provided that:

“(a) In General.—

“(1) Taxes.—

Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the payment for applicable employment taxes for the payroll tax deferral period shall not be due before the applicable date.

“(2) Deposits.—

Notwithstanding section 6302 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, an employer shall be treated as having timely made all deposits of applicable employment taxes that are required to be made (without regard to this section) for such taxes during the payroll tax deferral period if all such deposits are made not later than the applicable date.

“(b) SECA.—

“(1) In general.—

Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the payment for 50 percent of the taxes imposed under section 1401(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 for the payroll tax deferral period shall not be due before the applicable date.

“(2) Estimated taxes.—

For purposes of applying section 6654 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to any taxable year which includes any part of the payroll tax deferral period, 50 percent of the taxes imposed under section 1401(a) of such Code for the payroll tax deferral period shall not be treated as taxes to which such section 6654 applies.

“(c) Liability of Third Parties.—

“(1) Acts to be performed by agents.—

For purposes of section 3504 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, in the case of any person designated pursuant to such section (and any regulations or other guidance issued by the Secretary with respect to such section) to perform acts otherwise required to be performed by an employer under such Code, if such employer directs such person to defer payment of any applicable employment taxes during the payroll tax deferral period under this section, such employer shall be solely liable for the payment of such applicable employment taxes before the applicable date for any wages paid by such person on behalf of such employer during such period.

“(2) Certified professional employer organizations.—

For purposes of section 3511, in the case of a certified professional employer organization (as defined in subsection (a) of section 7705 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986) that has entered into a service contract described in subsection (e)(2) of such section with a customer, if such customer directs such organization to defer payment of any applicable employment taxes during the payroll tax deferral period under this section, such customer shall, notwithstanding subsections (a) and (c) of section 3511, be solely liable for the payment of such applicable employment taxes before the applicable date for any wages paid by such organization to any work site employee performing services for such customer during such period.

“(d) Definitions.—

For purposes of this section—

“(1) Applicable employment taxes.—

The term ‘applicable employment taxes’ means the following:

“(A) The taxes imposed under section 3111(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986.

“(B) So much of the taxes imposed under section 3211(a) of such Code as are attributable to the rate in effect under section 3111(a) of such Code.

“(C) So much of the taxes imposed under section 3221(a) of such Code as are attributable to the rate in effect under section 3111(a) of such Code.

“(2) Payroll tax deferral period.—

The term ‘payroll tax deferral period’ means the period beginning on the date of the enactment of this Act [Mar. 27, 2020] and ending before January 1, 2021.

“(3) Applicable date.—

The term ‘applicable date’ means—

“(A) December 31, 2021, with respect to 50 percent of the amounts to which subsection (a) or (b), as the case may be, apply, and

“(B) December 31, 2022, with respect to the remaining such amounts.

“(4) Secretary.—

The term ‘Secretary’ means the Secretary of the Treasury (or the Secretary’s delegate).

“(e) Trust Funds Held Harmless.—

There are hereby appropriated (out of any money in the Treasury not otherwise appropriated) for each fiscal year to the Federal Old-Age and Survivors Insurance Trust Fund and the Federal Disability Insurance Trust Fund established under section 201 of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 401) and the Social Security Equivalent Benefit Account established under section 15A(a) of the Railroad Retirement Act of 1974 (45 U.S.C. 231n–1(a)) an amount equal to the reduction in the transfers to such fund for such fiscal year by reason of this section. Amounts appropriated by the preceding sentence shall be transferred from the general fund at such times and in such manner as to replicate to the extent possible the transfers which would have occurred to such Trust Fund had such amendments not been enacted.

“(f) Regulatory Authority.—

The Secretary shall issue such regulations or other guidance as necessary to carry out the purposes of this section, including rules for the administration and enforcement of subsection (c).”

[Pub. L. 116–142, § 4(b), June 5, 2020, 134 Stat. 643, provided that:

“The amendments made by this section [amending section 2302 of Pub. L. 116–136, set out above] shall be effective as if included in the CARES Act (Public Law 116–136) and shall apply to any loan made pursuant to section 7(a)(36) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 636(a)(36)) or section 1109 of the CARES Act [15 U.S.C. 9008].”

]

Payroll Credit for Required Paid Sick Leave

Pub. L. 116–127, div. G, § 7001, Mar. 18, 2020, 134 Stat. 210, as amended by Pub. L. 116–136, div. A, title III, § 3606(a), Mar. 27, 2020, 134 Stat. 411, provided that:

“(a) In General.—

In the case of an employer, there shall be allowed as a credit against the tax imposed by section 3111(a) or 3221(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 for each calendar quarter an amount equal to 100 percent of the qualified sick leave wages paid by such employer with respect to such calendar quarter.

“(b) Limitations and Refundability.—

“(1) Wages taken into account.—

The amount of qualified sick leave wages taken into account under subsection (a) with respect to any individual shall not exceed $200 ($511 in the case of any day any portion of which is paid sick time described in paragraph (1), (2), or (3) of section 5102(a) of the Emergency Paid Sick Leave Act [div. E of Pub. L. 116–127, 29 U.S.C. 2601 note]) for any day (or portion thereof) for which the individual is paid qualified sick leave wages.

“(2) Overall limitation on number of days taken into account.—

The aggregate number of days taken into account under paragraph (1) for any calendar quarter shall not exceed the excess (if any) of—

“(A) 10, over

“(B) the aggregate number of days so taken into account for all preceding calendar quarters.

“(3) Credit limited to certain employment taxes.—

The credit allowed by subsection (a) with respect to any calendar quarter shall not exceed the tax imposed by section 3111(a) or 3221(a) of such Code for such calendar quarter (reduced by any credits allowed under subsections (e) and (f) of section 3111 of such Code for such quarter) on the wages paid with respect to the employment of all employees of the employer.

“(4) Refundability of excess credit.—

“(A)

(i) Credit is refundable.—

If the amount of the credit under subsection (a) exceeds the limitation of paragraph (3) for any calendar quarter, such excess shall be treated as an overpayment that shall be refunded under sections 6402(a) and 6413(b) of such Code.

“(ii) Advancing credit.—

In anticipation of the credit, including the refundable portion under clause (i), the credit may be advanced, according to forms and instructions provided by the Secretary, up to an amount calculated under subsection (a), subject to the limits under subsection (b), both calculated through the end of the most recent payroll period in the quarter.

“(B) Treatment of payments.—

For purposes of section 1324 of title 31, United States Code, any amounts due to an employer under this paragraph shall be treated in the same manner as a refund due from a credit provision referred to in subsection (b)(2) of such section.

“(c) Qualified Sick Leave Wages.—

For purposes of this section, the term ‘qualified sick leave wages’ means wages (as defined in section 3121(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986) and compensation (as defined in section 3231(e) of the Internal Revenue Code [of 1986]) paid by an employer which are required to be paid by reason of the Emergency Paid Sick Leave Act [29 U.S.C. 2601 note].

“(d) Allowance of Credit for Certain Health Plan Expenses.—

“(1) In general.—

The amount of the credit allowed under subsection (a) shall be increased by so much of the employer’s qualified health plan expenses as are properly allocable to the qualified sick leave wages for which such credit is so allowed.

“(2) Qualified health plan expenses.—

For purposes of this subsection, the term ‘qualified health plan expenses’ means amounts paid or incurred by the employer to provide and maintain a group health plan (as defined in section 5000(b)(1) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986), but only to the extent that such amounts are excluded from the gross income of employees by reason of section 106(a) of such Code.

“(3) Allocation rules.—

For purposes of this section, qualified health plan expenses shall be allocated to qualified sick leave wages in such manner as the Secretary of the Treasury (or the Secretary’s delegate) may prescribe. Except as otherwise provided by the Secretary, such allocation shall be treated as properly made if made on the basis of being pro rata among covered employees and pro rata on the basis of periods of coverage (relative to the time periods of leave to which such wages relate).

“(e) Special Rules.—

“(1) Denial of double benefit.—

For purposes of chapter 1 of such Code, the gross income of the employer, for the taxable year which includes the last day of any calendar quarter with respect to which a credit is allowed under this section, shall be increased by the amount of such credit. Any wages taken into account in determining the credit allowed under this section shall not be taken into account for purposes of determining the credit allowed under section 45S of such Code.

“(2) Election not to have section apply.—

This section shall not apply with respect to any employer for any calendar quarter if such employer elects (at such time and in such manner as the Secretary of the Treasury (or the Secretary’s delegate) may prescribe) not to have this section apply.

“(3) Certain terms.—

Any term used in this section which is also used in chapter 21 of such Code shall have the same meaning as when used in such chapter.

“(4) Certain governmental employers.—

This credit shall not apply to the Government of the United States, the government of any State or political subdivision thereof, or any agency or instrumentality of any of the foregoing.

“(f) Regulations.—

The Secretary of the Treasury (or the Secretary’s delegate) shall prescribe such regulations or other guidance as may be necessary to carry out the purposes of this section, including—

“(1) regulations or other guidance to prevent the avoidance of the purposes of the limitations under this section,

“(2) regulations or other guidance to minimize compliance and record-keeping burdens under this section,

“(3) regulations or other guidance providing for waiver of penalties for failure to deposit amounts in anticipation of the allowance of the credit allowed under this section,

“(4) regulations or other guidance for recapturing the benefit of credits determined under this section in cases where there is a subsequent adjustment to the credit determined under subsection (a),

“(5) regulations or other guidance to ensure that the wages taken into account under this section conform with the paid sick time required to be provided under the Emergency Paid Sick Leave Act, and

“(6) regulations or other guidance to permit the advancement of the credit determined under subsection (a).

“(g) Application of Section.—

This section shall apply only to wages paid with respect to the period beginning on a date selected by the Secretary of the Treasury (or the Secretary’s delegate) which is during the 15-day period beginning on the date of the enactment of this Act [Mar. 18, 2020], and ending on December 31, 2020.

“(h) Transfers to Federal Old-Age and Survivors Insurance Trust Fund.—

There are hereby appropriated to the Federal Old-Age and Survivors Insurance Trust Fund and the Federal Disability Insurance Trust Fund established under section 201 of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 401) and the Social Security Equivalent Benefit Account established under section 15A(a) of the Railroad Retirement Act of 1974 (45 U.S.C. 231n–1(a)) amounts equal to the reduction in revenues to the Treasury by reason of this section (without regard to this subsection). Amounts appropriated by the preceding sentence shall be transferred from the general fund at such times and in such manner as to replicate to the extent possible the transfers which would have occurred to such Trust Fund or Account had this section not been enacted.

“(i) Treatment of Deposits.—

The Secretary of the Treasury (or the Secretary’s delegate) shall waive any penalty under section 6656 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 for any failure to make a deposit of the tax imposed by section 3111(a) or 3221(a) of such Code if the Secretary determines that such failure was due to the anticipation of the credit allowed under this section.”

Payroll Credit for Required Paid Family Leave

Pub. L. 116–127, div. G, § 7003, Mar. 18, 2020, 134 Stat. 214, as amended by Pub. L. 116–136, div. A, title III, § 3606(b), (c), Mar. 27, 2020, 134 Stat. 412, provided that:

“(a) In General.—

In the case of an employer, there shall be allowed as a credit against the tax imposed by section 3111(a) or 3221(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 for each calendar quarter an amount equal to 100 percent of the qualified family leave wages paid by such employer with respect to such calendar quarter.

“(b) Limitations and Refundability.—

“(1) Wages taken into account.—

The amount of qualified family leave wages taken into account under subsection (a) with respect to any individual shall not exceed—

“(A) for any day (or portion thereof) for which the individual is paid qualified family leave wages, $200, and

“(B) in the aggregate with respect to all calendar quarters, $10,000.

“(2) Credit limited to certain employment taxes.—

The credit allowed by subsection (a) with respect to any calendar quarter shall not exceed the tax imposed by section 3111(a) or 3221(a) of such Code for such calendar quarter (reduced by any credits allowed under subsections (e) and (f) of section 3111 of such Code, and section 7001 of this Act [set out as a note above], for such quarter) on the wages paid with respect to the employment of all employees of the employer.

“(3) Refundability of excess credit.—

“(A) Credit is refundable.—

If the amount of the credit under subsection (a) exceeds the limitation of paragraph (2) for any calendar quarter, such excess shall be treated as an overpayment that shall be refunded under sections 6402(a) and 6413(b) of such Code.

“(B) Advancing credit.—

In anticipation of the credit, including the refundable portion under subparagraph (A), the credit may be advanced, according to forms and instructions provided by the Secretary, up to an amount calculated under subsection (a), subject to the limits under subsection (b), both calculated through the end of the most recent payroll period in the quarter.

“(c) Qualified Family Leave Wages.—

For purposes of this section, the term ‘qualified family leave wages’ means wages (as defined in section 3121(a) of such Code) and compensation (as defined in section 3231(e) of the Internal Revenue Code [of 1986]) paid by an employer which are required to be paid by reason of the Emergency Family and Medical Leave Expansion Act [div. C of Pub. L. 116–127, see Short Title of 2020 Amendment note set out under section 2601 of Title 29, Labor] (including the amendments made by such Act).

“(d) Allowance of Credit for Certain Health Plan Expenses.—

“(1) In general.—

The amount of the credit allowed under subsection (a) shall be increased by so much of the employer’s qualified health plan expenses as are properly allocable to the qualified family leave wages for which such credit is so allowed.

“(2) Qualified health plan expenses.—

For purposes of this subsection, the term ‘qualified health plan expenses’ means amounts paid or incurred by the employer to provide and maintain a group health plan (as defined in section 5000(b)(1) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986), but only to the extent that such amounts are excluded from the gross income of employees by reason of section 106(a) of such Code.

“(3) Allocation rules.—

For purposes of this section, qualified health plan expenses shall be allocated to qualified family leave wages in such manner as the Secretary of the Treasury (or the Secretary’s delegate) may prescribe. Except as otherwise provided by the Secretary, such allocation shall be treated as properly made if made on the basis of being pro rata among covered employees and pro rata on the basis of periods of coverage (relative to the time periods of leave to which such wages relate).

“(e) Special Rules.—

“(1) Denial of double benefit.—

For purposes of chapter 1 of such Code, the gross income of the employer, for the taxable year which includes the last day of any calendar quarter with respect to which a credit is allowed under this section, shall be increased by the amount of such credit. Any wages taken into account in determining the credit allowed under this section shall not be taken into account for purposes of determining the credit allowed under section 45S of such Code.

“(2) Election not to have section apply.—

This section shall not apply with respect to any employer for any calendar quarter if such employer elects (at such time and in such manner as the Secretary of the Treasury (or the Secretary’s delegate) may prescribe) not to have this section apply.

“(3) Certain terms.—

Any term used in this section which is also used in chapter 21 of such Code shall have the same meaning as when used in such chapter.

“(4) Certain governmental employers.—

This credit shall not apply to the Government of the United States, the government of any State or political subdivision thereof, or any agency or instrumentality of any of the foregoing.

“(f) Regulations.—

The Secretary of the Treasury (or the Secretary’s delegate) shall prescribe such regulations or other guidance as may be necessary to carry out the purposes of this section, including—

“(1) regulations or other guidance to prevent the avoidance of the purposes of the limitations under this section,

“(2) regulations or other guidance to minimize compliance and record-keeping burdens under this section,

“(3) regulations or other guidance providing for waiver of penalties for failure to deposit amounts in anticipation of the allowance of the credit allowed under this section,

“(4) regulations or other guidance for recapturing the benefit of credits determined under this section in cases where there is a subsequent adjustment to the credit determined under subsection (a),

“(5) regulations or other guidance to ensure that the wages taken into account under this section conform with the paid leave required to be provided under the Emergency Family and Medical Leave Expansion Act (including the amendments made by such Act), and

“(6) regulations or other guidance to permit the advancement of the credit determined under subsection (a).

“(g) Application of Section.—

This section shall apply only to wages paid with respect to the period beginning on a date selected by the Secretary of the Treasury (or the Secretary’s delegate) which is during the 15-day period beginning on the date of the enactment of this Act [Mar. 18, 2020], and ending on December 31, 2020.

“(h) Transfers to Federal Old-Age and Survivors Insurance Trust Fund.—

There are hereby appropriated to the Federal Old-Age and Survivors Insurance Trust Fund and the Federal Disability Insurance Trust Fund established under section 201 of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 401) and the Social Security Equivalent Benefit Account established under section 15A(a) of the Railroad Retirement Act of 1974 (45 U.S.C. 231n–1(a)) amounts equal to the reduction in revenues to the Treasury by reason of this section (without regard to this subsection). Amounts appropriated by the preceding sentence shall be transferred from the general fund at such times and in such manner as to replicate to the extent possible the transfers which would have occurred to such Trust Fund or Account had this section not been enacted.

“(i) Treatment of Deposits.—

The Secretary of the Treasury (or the Secretary’s delegate) shall waive any penalty under section 6656 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 for any failure to make a deposit of the tax imposed by section 3111(a) or 3221(a) of such Code if the Secretary determines that such failure was due to the anticipation of the credit allowed under this section.”

Special Rule Related to Tax on Employers

Pub. L. 116–127, div. G, § 7005, Mar. 18, 2020, 134 Stat. 219, provided that:

“(a) In General.—

Any wages required to be paid by reason of the Emergency Paid Sick Leave Act [div. E of Pub. L. 116–127, 29 U.S.C. 2601 note] and the Emergency Family and Medical Leave Expansion Act [div. C of Pub. L. 116–127, see Short Title of 2020 Amendment note set out under section 2601 of Title 29, Labor] shall not be considered wages for purposes of section 3111(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 or compensation for purposes of section 3221(a) of such Code.

“(b) Allowance of Credit for Hospital Insurance Taxes.—

“(1) In general.—

The credit allowed by section 7001 [set out as a note above] and the credit allowed by section 7003 [set out as a note above] shall each be increased by the amount of the tax imposed by section 3111(b) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 on qualified sick leave wages, or qualified family leave wages, for which credit is allowed under such section 7001 or 7003 (respectively).

“(2) Denial of double benefit.—

For denial of double benefit with respect to the credit increase under paragraph (1), see sections 7001(e)(1) and 7003(e)(1).

“(c) Transfers to Federal Old-Age and Survivors Insurance Trust Fund.—

There are hereby appropriated to the Federal Old-Age and Survivors Insurance Trust Fund and the Federal Disability Insurance Trust Fund established under section 201 of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 401) and the Social Security Equivalent Benefit Account established under section 15A(a) of the Railroad Retirement Act of 1974 (45 U.S.C. 231n–1(a)) amounts equal to the reduction in revenues to the Treasury by reason of this section (without regard to this subsection). Amounts appropriated by the preceding sentence shall be transferred from the general fund at such times and in such manner as to replicate to the extent possible the transfers which would have occurred to such Trust Fund or Account had this section not been enacted.”