Tax preparers warn unemployment recipients could owe IRS

The Hill ^ | 8/06/20 | Naomi Jagoda

[Libloather]

Tax preparers are concerned that many of the millions of Americans receiving unemployment benefits due to the pandemic are unaware that they might owe money to the IRS next year.

Jobless benefits are subject to federal income taxes, as well as state income taxes in most parts of the country.

But workers who are collecting benefits for the first time may not be aware of those tax implications, or they might opt against having taxes withheld from their benefit payments. People who do not have enough money withheld during the year could end up with smaller refunds or balances due to the IRS when they file their 2020 tax returns.

“It’s a bigger issue now because the volume of people who are unemployed is higher than usual,” said Cari Weston, director for tax practice and ethics at the American Institute of CPAs.

**SNIP**

Recipients of unemployment benefits have to pay federal income taxes on them, but not payroll taxes. Additionally, most states require people to pay state taxes on their unemployment benefits. Alabama, California, Montana, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Virginia don’t tax the benefits, along with states that don’t tax any wage income.

[markman46]

nice try but not true, the state unemployment amount is taxable, the extended benefit of 600 is not taxable. how do i know, i am collecting unemployment,my job position was eliminated as of july 17.

[GrandJediMasterYoda]

It’s NOT taxable? Are you serious? I had no idea about that

[markman46]

yes i am serious, just got my first unemployment “check” on a debit card no less!! $450 is max in California $45 was taken in fed tax, extra 600 nothing was taken from that.