hbbd```b``"H9 A %D2`,f;Im0V"P Dv^S@T-c%&a` ?S hn Educators Eligible for Disaster Relief Funds, Executive Office of Governor Ron DeSantis. I am so grateful that their dedication is being honored and rewarded.. Thank you to the Florida Legislature for heeding the Governors request to prioritize our states educators., CFO and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronissaid, Since day one, Floridas teachers and first responders have been on the frontlines of the pandemic, working tirelessly to protect our communities and care for our students. Teachers and principals will also receive $1,000 disaster relief payments. Traffic lights out at busy intersection in Sarasota after crash, Police: Traffic lights out at busy Sarasota intersection in after crash, Here's how the Buccaneers ranked in the latest NFL Player Team Report Cards, 10 Weather: Fog returns tonight, more warmth and sunshine to follow Thursday, Warm winter leads to a warm spring for Tampa Bay, has been advising its member to check with a financial adviser, a memo to the general counsel of the Florida Department of Education says, Florida county fined $3.5 million for requiring employees to get vaccinated, DeSantis: St. Pete Beach to receive $2 million from state to complete wastewater system upgrades. TALLAHASSEE, Fla.Today, Governor Ron DeSantis was joined by teachers, school principals, and superintendents in Baker County, Sarasota County and Okaloosa County to announce a total of $765 million in funding to support Floridas teachers. Rather, the payment is taxable as compensation income. This includes the annual payment of Alaska's Permanent Fund Dividend and any payments from states provided as compensation to workers. (added November 17, 2021), Q2: My employer received a grant from my state/local government to be used to provide premium pay to eligible workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Ron DeSantis announced on Wednesday. They have had to make so many adjustments and have worked so hard to make sure every child has a chance to learn. Great teachers, great principals and great administrators lead directly to better outcomes for Floridas students, and I was proud to join some great teachers at Lakewood Elementary today to hand them $1,000 bonuses., Educators Eligible for Disaster Relief Funds, Almost 177,000 Disaster Relief Payments will go to Florida teachers. Child care and early learning instructor must be: Assigned to a classroom, full-time or part-time. The pandemic payments made possible through funds from the CARES Act started going out in August to hundreds of thousands of teachers, principals, firefighters, police officers and other first responders. These payments are made by a state/local government to individuals and are intended to pay for personal expenses incurred during the COVID-19 pandemic, a qualified disaster. A variety of state programs distributed these payments in 2022 and the rules surrounding their treatment for federal income tax purposes are complex. This means that people in the following states do not need to report these state payments on their 2022 tax return: California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Maine, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania and Rhode Island. The Division launched two application cycles for Child Care and Early Learning Instructor Disaster Relief Payments. ", Ensuring that our children had access to in-person education during the COVID-19 pandemic was perhaps the most important task our state faced in the past year,said Representative Jay Trumbull. The application for the second payment opens Saturday, January 1, 2022. These payments are provided to qualified instructors in recognition of their continuing service and dedication to Floridas children and families. If I receive such a payment, must I include the amount in my gross income? Teachers and principals may also be eligible for disaster relief payments of up to $1,000. While this appropriation is limited to child care/early learning instructors, you are encouraged to use a portion of your Phase V grants and future grants to ensure that these valued staff members receive the compensation and resources they need and deserve. A payment by a state or local government generally will be treated as a qualified disaster relief payment under section 139 if the payment is made to or "for the benefit of" an individual to (1)reimburse or pay reasonable and necessary personal, family, living, or funeral expenses incurred as a result of a qualified disaster, or (2) promote the general welfare in connection with a qualified disaster. These payments will go to individuals who are employed as a child care or early learning instructor as of July 1, 2021, the date that this section of the GAA became law. Floridas teachers and principals went above and beyond this school year under unprecedented circumstances. In addition, many people in Georgia, Massachusetts, South Carolina and Virginia also will not include state payments in income for federal tax purposes if they meet certain requirements. Considering how challenging the past year was for teachers, we knew it was important to recognize and reward them for their hard work, said DeSantis. Auxiliary aids and services are available for individuals with disabilities. Under Florida law, e-mail addresses are public records. The disaster relief payments were provided to full-time Pre-K certified teachers funded by the FEFP, K-12 classroom teachers, and principals. Ron DeSantis highly touted plan to give teachers and principals $1,000 bonuses using federal COVID-19 relief funds could be in trouble after the state was informed that extra pay appears to As such, they are considered qualified disaster relief payments under section 139 of the Code and are excluded from gross income. (added November 17, 2021), Q8: We are a state/local government that uses SLFR Funds to provide a direct cash transfer to families. Full-time K-12 classroom teachers employed in a district or at a charter school as of June 2, 2021, or on the last day of school; Certified prekindergarten teachers employed in a district or at a charter school as of June 2, 2021, or on the last day of school, and who are funded by the Florida Education Finance Plan (FEFP); and. of Education 2023 , Elementary & Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund (ESSER), Coronavirus Response & Relief Supplemental Appropriation (CRRSA) Act, Coronavirus Aid, Relief & Economic Security (CARES) Act, Governor's Emergency Education Relief (GEER) Fund, Superintendent Letter Educator Relief Payments July 2, 2020, Attachment A - Directions to Districts for Providing Information to DOE for $1,000 Payments, Attachment D - Charter School Attestation*, Attachment E - Memo from Tax Counsel: Section 139 Qualified Disaster Relief Payments, Memo to Superintendents Regarding the Frequently Asked Questions from Chancellor of Public Schools, K-12 Educator Disaster Relief Payment FAQ as of July 2, 2021. The Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFR Funds) provide eligible state and local governments with a substantial infusion of funds to meet pandemic response needs and rebuild a stronger and more equitable economy as the country recovers. Thank you for your continued commitment to serve Floridas children and their families. As such, they are considered qualified disaster relief payments under section 139 of the Code and are excluded from gross income. Additionally, prior versions of these FAQs will be maintained on IRS.gov to ensure that taxpayers, who may have relied on a prior version, can locate that version if they later need to do so. To qualify for the payment, a family must only show that it has a child under 18. If you do not receive an invite by Wednesday, July 7, 2021, please email disasterrelief@oel.myflorida.com or call toll-free at 1-833-258-6735. Before sharing sensitive information online, make sure youre on a .gov or .mil site See section 139(b). Governor Ron DeSantis and the Florida Legislature authorized two qualified disaster relief payments to child care and early learning instructors affected by COVID in Specific Appropriation #80B of the 2021-22 General Appropriations Act (GAA) (Chapter 2021-036, Laws of Florida). The way to ensure that Florida has the best teachers is to outpace the nation in minimum teacher pay and to reward, recruit, and retain the best teaching talent possible. But a memo to the general counsel of the Florida Department of Education says the checks could be considered qualified disaster relief payments rather than bonuses. Get the latest information on news, events, and more, All rights reserved to Florida Dept. WebFlorida ranks 43 rd in the nation in per student funding for education, 49 th in the nation in teacher pay and nearly half of all K-12 paraprofessionals makes less than $25,000 a year. A Form 1099-MISC reporting the payment would be required if the payment constituted income to the recipient. Additionally, payments made to or for the benefit of an individual are not treated as qualified disaster relief payments to the extent the expense of the individual compensated by such payment is otherwise compensated for by insurance or otherwise. Overall, 68 of Floridas 74 school districts (92 percent) now have a starting salary of $40,000 or higher. The SLFR Funds provide substantial flexibility for each government to meet local needsincluding support for households and individuals hardest hit by the crisis. More information about reliance is available. See section 139(c). To qualify for the payment, a family must only show that it has a child under 18. During a review, the IRS determined it will not challenge the taxability of payments related to general welfare and disaster relief. (added November 17, 2021), Q10: We are a state/local government that uses SLFR Funds to provide a direct cash transfer to individuals for use in paying their utility bills. PANAMA CITY, Fla. Today, Governor Ron DeSantis handed disaster relief checks to educators in Bay County of up to $1,000 in recognition of their hard work to The IRS is aware of questions involving special tax refunds or payments made by certain states related to the pandemic and its associated consequences in 2022. These heroes are the backbone of our communities and today the Governor sent a clear message that Florida loves and appreciates their hard work and dedication. Maryland Response Pay Educators Florida Child Care and Early Learning Disaster Relief payments Florida Qualified Disaster Relief Payments for teachers Floridas teachers deserve this recognition and I am grateful for our Governors leadership and his commitment to rewarding them., Thank you to Governor DeSantis, Senate President Simpson, Speaker Sprowls and the entire legislative body for recognizing the outstanding work of our educators and administrators, said Pinellas County Schools Superintendent Dr. Michael Grego. Tallahassee, Fla.Today, Governor Ron DeSantis was joined by teachers, school principals, and superintendents in Baker County, Sarasota County and Okaloosa County to announce a total of $765 million in funding to support Floridas teachers. These payments will be provided directly to qualified individuals through the U.S. mail. Almost 177,000 Disaster Relief Payments of up to $1,000 will be distributed to Floridas educators in recognition of their hard work to educate students in the 2020-2021 Over the past year, minimum pay for Floridas teachers increased by an average of $6,000 from $40,000 to $46,000. Premium pay is an amount up to $13 per hour in addition to the wages or remuneration a worker otherwise receives and in an aggregate amount not to exceed $25,000 per eligible worker. What should WTXL be covering in this community? Governor DeSantis held the event at Lakewood Elementary School in Pinellas County. One exclusion is for qualified disaster relief payments under section 139 of the Internal Revenue Code (Code). Thanks to the diligent efforts of Floridas educators, Florida was the first state in the nation to reopen schools for in-person instruction. Governor DeSantis worked with the Florida Legislature to fight for continued funding to support Floridas teachers through the Florida Leads budget, and for the $550 million to continue to raise minimum teacher salaries represents an additional $50 million over last years historic $500 million investment. My thanks also go to Speaker Sprowls, Senate President Simpson, Senator Stargel, and Representative Trumbull for their leadership during the 2021 legislative session to make this funding a reality., Governor DeSantis has proven once again that Florida is the Education State,said Commissioner of Education Richard Corcoran. Thank you to the Florida Legislature for heeding the Governors request to prioritize our states educators., CFO and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronissaid, Since day one, Floridas teachers and first responders have been on the frontlines of the pandemic, working tirelessly to protect our communities and care for our students. A A Florida taxpayers will be paying millions of dollars to mail out bonuses to teachers and first responders. A13: No, this payment is not included in gross income. Considering how challenging the past year was for teachers, we knew it was important to recognize and reward them for their hard work, said Governor Ron DeSantis. We understand that you want to recognize all hard-working staff, such as custodians, food service workers, bus drivers, etc., who sacrificed much of their own time and personal expenses to ensure that child care providers remained open to serve Floridas children and families. Public school teachers and principals in Florida will receive $1,000 bonuses, Gov. A9: No, this payment is not included in gross income. Tribes with large and medium allocations will receive $50,000 and $30,000, respectively, and tribes with small allocations will receive $20,000. A Form 1099-MISC reporting the payment would be required if the payment constituted income to the beneficiary. See section 139(b). [1] Only for the supplemental Energy Relief Payment received in addition to the annual Permanent Fund Dividend. Your work to quickly and accurately submit this data is greatly appreciated. See section 139(b). Over the past year, minimum pay for Floridas teachers increased by an average of $6,000 from $40,000 to $46,000. This bonus is so well deserved, and along with an increase in our teacher salary increase allocation, demonstrates our commitment to Florida teachers and the service they provide to our state., Ensuring that our children had access to in-person education during the COVID-19 pandemic was perhaps the most important task our state faced in the past year,said Representative Jay Trumbull. Therefore, the payments will not have income tax or employer taxes withheld. Directors will WebCARES Act Emergency Relief Education Stabilization Fund Transparency Portal (March 17, 2021) Covid-Relief-Data.ed.gov is dedicated to collecting and disseminating data and information about the three primary ESF programs that the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act authorized and the Department manages. 850-245-0413 As such, they are considered qualified disaster relief payments under section 139 of the Code and are excluded from gross income. We cannot stress enough the importance of keeping any correspondence that arrives with your check and the importance of discussing these funds with a tax professional, said spokesperson Joni Branch. The payment is meant to encourage individuals to return to work after state/local COVID-19 restrictions lapse. Employers generally must withhold federal income tax as well as social security tax and Medicare tax from employees' wages. Michigan also made $500 hazard pay grants available to teachers. WebWhich teachers are eligible to receive the $1,000 qualified disaster relief payments? A3: Yes. This ensured that all students were provided with a panoply of educational supports. Governor Ron DeSantis Thanks Escambia County Sheriffs Deputies for Service with Floridas Heroes Initiative Relief Checks, Governor Ron DeSantis Presents Bay County Educators With $1,000 Disaster Relief Payments, Governor Ron DeSantis Presents Pinellas County Educators With $1,000 Disaster Relief Payments. A5: Yes, you must include the payment in gross income. (added November 17, 2021), Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration, Frequently asked questions forstates and local governments on taxability and reporting of payments from Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds. TALLAHASSEE, Fla. Today, Governor DeSantis handed out the first of nearly 177,000 Disaster Relief Payments of up to $1,000 to Floridas educators in recognition of their hard work to educate students in the 2020-2021 school year. In addition to these webinars and in an effort to assist with any questions you receive, the Division of Early Learning will post Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) in the coming days. Using federal funds, both Georgia and Tennessee offered $1,000 bonuses to full-time teachers and $500 to part-time teachers. In fact, the school successfully improved its school grade from an F to an A between 2019 and 2021. As such, they are considered qualified disaster relief payments under section 139 of the Code and are excluded from gross income. Do we have an obligation to file a Form 1099 or other information return with respect to the payment? BAKER COUNTY (CBSMiami) It's official. If I pay such a cash bonus to my employees, must I withhold income and employment taxes on that payment? I cant thank them enough for their hard work and dedication during this school year and these bonuses are a small way to say thank you on behalf of our state. These investments include $550 million to continue elevating minimum teacher salaries, as well as $215 million to provide all of Floridas eligible public school principals My thanks also go to Speaker Sprowls, Senate President Simpson, Senator Stargel, and Representative Trumbull for their leadership during the 2021 legislative session to make this funding a reality., Governor DeSantis has proven once again that Florida is the Education State,said Commissioner of Education Richard Corcoran. TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) Governor Ron DeSantis and Education Commissioner Ed Corcoran handed out the first Disaster Relief Payments to teachers on Wednesday in St. Petersburg. Eligible child care and early learning instructors must be: If the payment is a refund of state taxes paid and either the recipient claimed the standard deduction or itemized their deductions but did not receive a tax benefit (for example, because the $10,000 tax deduction limit applied) the payment is not included in income for federal tax purposes. Questions about this program can be sent to DisasterRelief@del.fldoe.org. Florida Department of Economic Opportunity THE ANSWER No, teachers and first responders will not owe taxes on their $1,000 COVID-19 bonuses because the checks Accordingly, these FAQs may not address any particular taxpayer's specific facts and circumstances, and they may be updated or modified upon further review. Hawaii Gov David Ige has also vetoed a bill planning "thank you" payments for teachers in his state. (added November 17, 2021), Q12: We are a state/local government that uses SLFR Funds to pay utility bills on behalf of individuals. 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