Is this for the year 2008?? We need this to pass desperately…How can those that have been unemployed in these times and for so long, afford to pay taxes on this??

Yes, this does need to pass. In NY the unemployment payment is $405 and $25. If deducting taxes, I would not make it. I’m not making it now. Ironically, it’s the IRS that is understanding and has put me on “hold.” So, for those that owe federal taxes on unemployment, call the IRS and explain. They may put your account on hold. Good luck with your state though. The state is bleeding me. It’s ridiculous that someone receiving a benefit that is the equivalent of “insurance”, and is paid for by the employer, should be then taxed to the unemployed individual when he claims the benefit during a time for which he/she has no work. They giveth and taketh away.

This bill is written for tax years 2009 and 2010. It does not address benefits received in tax year 2008. This helps no one who collected unemployment in 2008.

Call your Congressman!! This bill is so short-sighted it won’t provide any help to those of us who have received extended benefits in 2008 and will be hit with a tax bill in April. Any stimulus effect from suspending such taxes wouldn’t even be in effect til April of 2010—what idiot wrote this bill anyway?

Oh, wait, two Republicans, figures. No awareness of what people on the ground are going through right now.

I plan on emailing the following language:

Regarding HR 155

“Suspension of Federal Income Tax on Unemployment Benefits Act of 2009.
To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to suspend the taxation of unemployment compensation for 2 years.”

This bill is written for tax years 2009 and 2010. It does not address benefits received in tax year 2008. This helps no one who collected unemployment in 2008.

Please consider addressing the tax consequences of those who collected unemployment benefits in 2008. For thousands, this tax bill is due in April.

Thank you for your assistance.

FYI…Senate Bill 155 covers tax years 2008 and 2009

No, it doesn’t. It covers only tax years AFTER Dec 2008. That’s the way it’s written on Thomas. If you have a link that gives different information on this, please post and I’ll shut up about this. But I just now got off the phone with Ron Paul’s office (!—I’m not even his constituent) to complain that the bill as written so far makes no sense for immediate relief and stimulus if it doesn’t include tax year 2008. Click the link on Open Congress’s page on this bill and it will take you to the Thomas wording. I HOPE there is a typo, but so far I don’t see that is the case.

wisegirlz: I apologize PROFUSELY, and you are right—SENATE bill 155 does cover taxable year 2008, but not HR 155. Thank god! And now we can try to push for the Senate version. Sorry I read your post to quickly.

Here’s the proposed Senate version (from Thomas):

(a) In General- Section 85 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (relating to unemployment compensation) is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection: `© Temporary Suspension- Subsection (a) shall not apply to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2007, and before January 1, 2010.’.

No problem! Very confusing!

Seems like the long term unemployed are getting screwed. Missing out on most of the extra weekly money and having to pay taxes. The newer unemployed will get the extra money for longer and not have to pay taxes on most of it. I guess the long term unemployed now qualify as poor so nobody wants to help them.

We all need to push Senate Bill 155 which suspends taxation on benefits received in tax years 2008 and 2009.

Absolutely! I called both Florida Senators and my House rep about support for what’s in S. 155. And I even called the two Republican congressmen who co-sponsored HR 155 (the silly bill) to point out the error of their ways.

Thank goodness I have nationwide calling with Vonage!

The chronically unemployed need tax relief NOW, that means amending this bill or supporing SENATE BILL 155 which would retroactively eliminate ANY tax liability for those who were unemployed in 2008 and 2009. Urge your elected officials to support passage of SENATE BILL 155 as opposed to HOUSE RESOLUTION 155. We know that 2008 was horrible year for the working class and 2009 is starting out just as bad considering the 10’s of thousands of jobs lost in the first two month alone. We know it can’t get better until at least 2010. So urge your representatives to amend HR 155 to include the 2008 and 2009 tax years or urge them to push for pasage of SB 155 as a realistic alternative. Taxing unemployment benefits during these recessionary times is just wrong, heartless and shows a total lack of respect for work-class people trying to just make ends meet.

Spread the word about this pending legislation and urge others to post their comments on this site.

Apparently, because of the Budget Policy Institute, they convinced Congress that $25 a week extra is more stimulative than suspending income tax on unemployment benefits. Therefore, the chances of tax relief for 2008 is nil. Considering the Democrats are against any more tax cuts, also reduces the chances of any passage. Even though President Obama and John McCain promised they would do this. It goes to show that politicians will say anything to get elected.

They take out taxes on that one, too!!!! No sh Want to see the “paystub?”

Support this bill – it’s still alive! Contact McHugh now!

Check out this forum for the unemployed.

http://unemployed-friends.forumotion.com

all the american citizens on unemployment insurance are desparately waiting and hoping for this bill to be enacted. Paying back ‘08 taxes was/has been hard enough, especially the penalties/fees accumulated after April 15th. I honestly don’t know how anyone can afford to pay back the taxes from unemp. insurance, certainly tough for me & come next april will be big problem for thousands upon thousands of the unemployed.

This needs to pass ASAP. The extra $25 a week is just getting eaten up by taxes!