Unemployment Insurance Is Taxable

2011 unemployment insurance benefits are taxable

Millions of Americans are without regular work despite a steadily dropping nationwide jobless rate. Being in this unenviable situation inheres a major tax implication: Unless federal income tax withholding was previously requested by the payee, unemployment insurance benefit recipients face an unwelcome surprise when calculating their 2012 taxes.

Previous Congressional exemption of the first $2,400 in unemployment insurance payments no longer exists. Although all 2011 unemployment benefits are taxable, other allowable deductions are available to offset out-of-work taxpayers’ public pecuniary obligations.

The Earned Income Tax (“EIT”) credit may be claimed by taxpayers whose … Read the rest