Here is the easy part: If your modified adjusted gross income is less than $150,000, you don’t have to pay federal income tax on the first $10,200 in unemployment benefits you received last year.
But like anything else involving taxes, there are difficult parts to all this.
What if both you and your spouse received unemployment payments? What sort of tax do you have to pay if your income goes above the limit? And how do you explain all this to the government on the tax form?
With the help of Perry Ghilarducci, a certified public accountant in Sacramento, Calif., California Employment Development Department media staff and the Internal Revenue Service, we try to answer some of the questions readers have posed to us.
Q: How do I know how much I received in unemployment compensation last year?
A: You should have received a 1099G form from the state. If you have questions about the form, call the numbers or the contact information on the EDD site, edd.ca.gov.
Q: Do I have to pay federal income tax on those benefits?
A: Yes, though you can exclude the first $10,200 of benefits if your modified adjusted gross income last year was less than $150,000.
Q: How do I know if I can exclude that amount?
A: The IRS has a worksheet to help you calculate the benefit, but be warned: It’s complicated. You may need to consult a tax professional.
Q: Both my spouse and I received unemployment benefits last year. Can we both claim the tax break?
A: Yes. If you both received $10,200, for instance, and qualify for the break, you can subtract $20,400 from your taxable income, assuming your modified adjusted gross income is less than $150,000.
Q: If I earn more than $150,000, how much tax do I pay on the unemployment benefit?
A: You are taxed at the regular rate that applies to your ordinary income if your modified adjusted gross income is over $150,000 by even $1.
Q: Could I wind up with a refund?
A: Possibly. The IRS said it will “take steps in the spring and summer to make the appropriate change to their return, which may result in a refund.” First refunds are expected in May and probably continue during the summer.
IRS advises that for those who already filed returns, it will figure the proper amount of unemployment compensation and tax.
The recalculations will occur in two phases. First up will be people eligible for the up to $10,200 break. Next will be married filing joint filers who are eligible for the up to $20,400 exclusion and people with “more complex” returns.