The folks working at The Internal Revenue Service are also people just like you and me. While I don’t have any direct evidence, I’m sure they have friends and family, and know that many people are unemployed. Unfortunately, unemployment does not break the gripes of the tax man (or woman).
Here are a few answers to What if I lose my job and other job related questions:
What if I lose my job?
The loss of a job may create new tax issues. Severance pay and unemployment compensation are taxable. Payments for any accumulated vacation or sick time also are taxable.
You should ensure that enough taxes are withheld from these payments or make estimated tax payments to avoid a big bill at tax time. Public assistance and food stamps are not taxable.
For more information, see Publication 4128, Tax Impact of Job Loss and the Tax Center to Assist Unemployed Taxpayers.
What if I receive unemployment compensation?
Unemployment compensation you received under the unemployment compensation laws of the United States or of a state must be included in your income. It is taxable income.
If you received unemployment compensation, you should receive Form 1099-G showing the amount you were paid and any federal income tax you elected to have withheld.
For more information, see Publication 525, Taxable and Nontaxable Income.
What if my income declines?
There are many tax credits that are subject to income limitations. If you had a reduction in income this year you may be eligible for some credits or deductions.
For example, the Earned Income Tax Credit is available for working families and individuals. Eligibility is determined by income and family size. You must file an income tax return in order to claim EITC.
See 1040 Central for more information on EITC, other tax credits and tax law changes.
What if I am searching for a job?
You may be able to deduct certain expenses you incur while looking for a new job, even if you do not get a new job. Expenses may include travel, resume and outplacement agency fees. Moving costs for a new job at least 50 miles away from your home may also be deductible.
For more information, see Publication 529, Miscellaneous Deductions.
What if my employer goes out of business?
Your employer must provide you with a Form W-2 showing your wages and withholdings for the year by Jan. 31 of the following year.
For example, if you were employed during 2012, your employer should provide you with a W-2 for 2012 by Jan. 31, 2013. You should keep up-to-date records or pay stubs until you receive your Form W-2. If your employer or its representatives fails to provide you with a Form W-2, contact the IRS and we can help by providing you with a substitute Form W-2. If your employer is liquidating your 401(k) plan, you have 60 days to roll it over to another qualified retirement plan or IRA.
For more information, see Publication 4128, Tax Impact of Job Loss.
What if I close my own business?
If your business is no longer operating, you still are responsible for filing all required tax returns for your business by the due dates.
In addition, if you had employees, you must file all required employment tax returns, including Forms 940, 941, 943 or 944. Both business and employment taxes should be paid when due. But, if you are not able to pay in full, contact the IRS immediately to discuss your options.
For more information, see Starting, Operating or Closing a Business.
What if I withdraw money from my IRA?
Generally, early withdrawal from an Individual Retirement Account (IRA) prior to age 59½ is subject to being included in gross income plus a 10 percent additional tax penalty.
There are exceptions to the 10 percent penalty, such as using IRA funds to pay your medical insurance premium after a job loss.
For more information, see Publication 590, Individual Retirement Accounts.
What if my 401(k) drops in value?
Generally, you can not claim a capital gains loss on your retirement accounts that already are receiving favorable tax treatment. The only time you would have a loss is when you receive a distribution that had previously been taxed.
For more information, see Publication 575, Pension and Annuity Income.
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