Unemployment Benefits
With the passage of the CARES Act stimulus package earlier this year, the federal government added $600 to the normal state weekly unemployment benefits and increased the number of benefit weeks to a total of 39.
In many cases, workers are receiving unemployment benefits for the first time in their lives, and they may not be aware that the benefits are fully taxable for federal purposes. Potentially making matters worse is that most states also tax unemployment benefits. This may come as a surprise with a potentially unpleasant outcome for many when it comes time to file their 2020 tax return next year.
Those who received unemployment benefits will be sent a Form 1099-G (Certain Government Payments) from the state that paid the help. This tax form shows the amount of the benefits received and the amount of tax withheld, if any.
There are several states where unemployment benefits are not taxable. Seven states do not have a state income tax, so obviously, the advantage are not taxable in those states, which are:
- Alaska
- Florida
- Nevada
- South Dakota
- Texas
- Washington
- Wyoming
Seven states have state income tax, but do not tax unemployment benefits. They include:
- California
- Montana
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Tennessee
- Virginia
Two states exempt 50% of amounts above $12,000 (single taxpayer) or $18,000 (married taxpayers). They are:
- Indiana
- Wisconsin
If you’ve collected the same compensation this year, your benefits’ impact on your tax bill will depend on a number of factors, including the amount of the advantages received, what other income you have, whether you are single or married (and, if married, whether you and your spouse are both receiving this advantage), and whether you had or are having income tax withheld from benefit payments.
