Ag Docket Blog

Update: On August 28, 2020, IRS issued guidance on this new program. Read about it here.

August 2, 2020 | Kristine A. Tidgren

As of September 2, no progress has been made on a stimulus package. Congress returns from the Labor Day Recess on September 8.

Despite the recess for COVID-19, the Iowa Legislature passed many laws this term, many of them effective July 1, 2020. Below is summary of the new Iowa laws impacting agricultural producers and rural landowners.

July 27, 2020 | Kristine A. Tidgren

Called the 2020 Omnibus Bill, HF 2641 makes a number of changes to Iowa tax law. Signed into law by the Governor on June 29, 2020, the primary intent of the bill was to streamline the administration of Iowa’s tax laws and coordinate their interaction with federal law.

June 23, 2020 | Kristine A. Tidgren

On June 23, 2020, IRS issued Notice 2020-51, providing guidance for the waiver of 2020 required minimum distributions (RMD) made possible by the CARES Act. The guidance also provides sample plan amendments.

June 23, 2020 | Kristine A. Tidgren

Update: On July 4, 2020, President Trump signed S.4116 into law. This new law allows new PPP loans to be made through August 8, 2020. The law does not allow businesses that have already obtained a loan to receive a second one.


On Friday, June 19, IRS issued Notice 2020-50, expanding the definition of “qualified individuals” eligible for coronavirus-related distributions from eligible retirement accounts. The Notice also provides detailed guidance for coronavirus-related distributions and expanded plan loans made available by the CARES Act.

On June 19, 2020, the Iowa Supreme Court ruled that the Iowa Department of Revenue rationally interpreted Iowa Code § 422.7(21)(a) to prevent a typical cash rental landlord from taking the Iowa capital gain deduction.

On June 16, the Small Business Administration and the Treasury issued guidance on forgiveness, as it applies to the self-employed, in light of the Paycheck Protection Flexibility Act enacted June 5.


On June 8, 2020, IRS and Treasury issued proposed regulations (REG-109755-19) that will (once they become final) open the door for those involved with health care sharing ministries and direct primary care arrangements to realize tax savings for the cost of these programs.

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