You Can Apply For Both Ssdi And Unemployment But Be Careful
As the jobs picture in many parts of Louisiana continues to be depressed due to COVID-19 closures and stay-at-home orders, many of my clients are filing for disability but have also applied for unemployment benefits.
In many of my hearings, my SSDI clients are being asked by judges if they have filed for unemployment benefits.
The issue for your disability case is this: when you file for state unemployment, you are asserting that you are ready, willing and able to work, but when you apply for disability you are stating that your medical condition prevents you from being able to work.
Repayment Of Employment Benefits
- For the 2020 tax year, if you received EI payments and your net income was greater than $67,750, the Canada Revenue Agency requires you to repay 30 percent of your net income over the threshold.
- However, if that amount exceeds the total amount of benefits you earned, you only need to repay the amount of benefits you received.
For example:
- If your net income was $77,750 in 2020 and you resceived EI benefits that year, you earned $10,000 over the threshold. As a result, you must repay $3,000, or 30% of $10,000.
- But if you only received $2,000 in benefits, you would only repay $2,000.
Collecting Unemployment And Social Security Disability Benefits Simultaneously
Contrary to what you might think, it is possible to collect Social Security disability insurance and unemployment benefits at the same time. Of course, it is rather difficult to qualify for both of these benefits at the same time because the eligibility criteria are fundamentally at odds. To qualify for unemployment, you must be actively looking for a job. To qualify for a disability claim with SSDI, you must be permanently and totally disabled. Only a small handful of applicants can meet both of these criteria.
If you receive unemployment benefits, the Social Security Administration will take them into account when they examine your SSDI application. It is your responsibility to prove to the SSA that thereâs no conflict between the two benefits.
The same is true for Supplemental Security Income benefits, which are paid to disabled persons. While it is theoretically possible to receive this benefit alongside unemployment benefits, the criteria for the two programs are again largely at odds with each other. Unlike receiving Social Security retirement benefits and SSDI, receiving unemployment benefits may reduce your Supplemental Security Income benefit. Claimants should consult with a qualified disability attorney in either of these cases in order to ensure that they are following the rules and receiving every benefit that they qualify for.
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Should I File An Amended Return
Although the IRS says there’s no need to file an amended return, some early filers may still need to, especially if their recalculated AGI makes them eligible for additional federal credits and deductions not already included on their original tax return.
The IRS, for example, can adjust returns for those taxpayers who claimed the earned income tax credit and, because the exemption changed their income level, may now be eligible for an increase in the tax credit amount which may result in a larger refund. That said, most taxpayers will need to file an amended return if they didn’t originally claim the tax credit, or other credits like the additional child tax credit, but now are eligible because the exclusion changed their income, according to the IRS.
There are two exceptions to this general rule. First, you don’t need to file an amended return to claim the recovery rebate credit, earned income tax credit with no qualifying children, or the premium tax credit even if it wasn’t claimed on your return. If you’re suddenly eligible for these credits when the unemployment exemption is applied, the IRS will calculate the credit for you and include it in any overpayment. Second, don’t file an amended return to claim the additional child tax credit or earned income tax credit if you reply to a notice from the IRS stating you may be eligible for one of these credits and you’re not requesting any other changes to your 2020 tax return.
Tax Deductions & Credits When Youre Unemployed
The Coronavirus has sky-rocked unemployment in the US, leaving many Americans to struggle financially. If you have recently found yourself unemployed or furloughed due to COVID-19, you may have more pressing things to worry about than your 2020 income taxes. Unfortunately, unemployment income is taxable, and that includes the extra $600 a week the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act provided. If you dont pay enough toward your income tax obligations throughout the year, you may not only be looking at a tax bill when it comes time to file your returns in 2021, but possibly penalties and interest as well.
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Planning For 2021 Taxes If Youre Still Unemployed
The tax exemption for $10,200 in unemployment benefits currently only applies to unemployment income you collected in 2020, even though the bill also extended weekly $300 federal unemployment benefits payments through September.
You should consider any unemployment benefits you receive in 2021 as fully taxable. If you can afford to do so, avoid a surprise bill and penalties next tax season by electing to have taxes withheld from your weekly benefits payments or by paying quarterly estimated taxes throughout the year.
You can elect to have 10% of your unemployment benefits withheld from your weekly check. Even if you did not select this withholding on your original claim, you can file Form W-4V with your states unemployment office to begin 10% tax withholding on future unemployment payments.
You can also forgo automatic withholding and instead pay estimated quarterly taxes on your unemployment income. Use Form 1040-ES to figure and file your quarterly payments. If you choose to pay estimated taxes on your unemployment benefits, the first payment is due April 15, 2021.
Tax Deductions And Credits When Youre Unemployed
You may be required to file a tax return when youre unemployed, depending on your situation and doing so can have benefits. If youre eligible for any refundable tax credits, the only way to get them is to file a tax return. And itemizing deductions may allow you to recoup certain expenses incurred while you were unemployed.
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How Does Unemployment Affect My Taxes
Unemployment benefits are generally taxable. Most states do not withhold taxes from unemployment benefits voluntarily, but you can request they withhold taxes. If you are receiving unemployment benefits, check with your state about voluntary withholding to help cover your income taxes when you file your tax return. Make sure you include the full amount of benefits received, and any withholdings, on your tax return.
Unemployment Federal Tax Break
The latest COVID-19 relief bill , gives a federal tax break on unemployment benefits. This means that you dont have to pay federal tax on the first $10,200 of your unemployment benefits if your adjusted gross income is less than $150,000 in 2020. The $150,000 income limit is the same whether you are filing single or married.
For paper filers, the IRS published instructions on how to claim the unemployment tax break: New Exclusion of up to $10,200 of Unemployment Compensation. For online filers, the IRS has stated that tax software companies have updated their systems to reflect the unemployment federal tax break. If you file your taxes online and havent filed for 2020 yet, you may want to make sure your tax software is updated before filing your tax return.
If you filed your 2020 tax return before this new law change, the IRS is asking you not to file an amended return and not to take any additional steps. The IRS will automatically issue refunds starting in May and into the summer to those who qualify. If you claimed tax credits such as the Earned Income Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit , the IRS will also automatically issue refunds if you qualify for a higher amount because the tax break changed your income level.
If your state decides to give you a state tax break and you already filed your state return, you should check to see if you are newly eligible for any state tax credits.
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Unemployment Benefits Impact On Social Security & Vice Versa
As mentioned previously, the state of Minnesota is the only state in the union that currently offsets the unemployment benefits of those who are already receiving Social Security income. If you live in this state, your unemployment benefits may be reduced by an amount equal to half of your Social Security benefits.
But, collecting unemployment benefits never has any type of impact on the amount of Social Security you receive. If you take Social Security at age 62 and are still working, then your earned income can reduce your Social Security benefit, but because unemployment benefits are considered to be unearned income, there is no impact.
Get Advice If You Need It
Being unemployed can be upsetting or even scary. There have been so many changes to taxes and relief in response to Coronavirus and it will continue to evolve as the year goes on. Its confusing and hard to stay on top of all the information. But you dont need to do it alone.
Jones Tax is here to help. We can help you figure out exactly how to budget for these changes and what benefits you will likely qualify for based on your situation. We can help assure that you are paying enough income taxes on your unemployment now to avoid penalties in the future. If you have any questions or need any help with your taxes, give us a call at 327-8409 today to talk to Tyler Jones or send us a question online for a no-obligation consultation.
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When Should I Receive My Unemployment Tax Form
Go the website of your states labor department. Navigate to the page that provides information on unemployment claims. This page should explain your states time frame to mail 1099-Gs to residents who received unemployment benefits during the tax year in question. In most cases, 1099-Gs for the previous year are mailed on or before January 31. For example, if you collected unemployment in 2018, the 1099-G should have been mailed by January 31, 2019. While on your states website, copy the contact information so you can contact the office directly if necessary.
Which Turbotax Is Best For You
Figuring out all these specifics can be stressful. But doing your income taxes doesnt need to be, when you use TurboTax Online.
However, if you do feel a bit overwhelmed, consider TurboTax Live Assist & Review and get unlimited help and advice from a real person as you do your taxes. Plus, theres a final review before you file. Or, choose TurboTax Live Full Service and have one of our tax experts do you return from start to finish.
With more than 20 years experience helping Canadians file their taxes confidently and get all the money they deserve, TurboTax products, including TurboTax Free, are available at www.turbotax.ca.
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Other Types Of Benefits And Programs For The Unemployed
Educational Help
Federal agencies offer many unemployment education and training programs. They are generally free or low cost to the unemployed.
Self-Employment Help
Self-employment assistance programs help unemployed workers start their own small businesses. Delaware, Mississippi, New Hampshire, New York, and Oregon offer this program.
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The Unemployment Tax Waiver Could Save You Thousands Of Dollars
This tax break could provide a tax savings of thousands of dollars depending on your tax situation.
With current individual tax rates ranging from 10% to 37%, the potential tax savings can vary from $1,020 to $3,825, Johnson says. The amount, of course, depends on the taxpayers filing status, income and other factors, such as deductions claimed on the tax return.
For example, if you qualify for the $10,200 tax break, youre single and are in the 22% tax bracket, you may qualify for a tax savings of $2,244. And if you are married and both you and your spouse qualify for the tax break, you may be able to save $4,488.
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Paying For Taxes You Cant Afford
So you file taxes and owe the IRS money, but youre unemployed and dont have the funds. Better to ignore the IRS, right?
Wrong. It is never a good idea to avoid the IRSeither by not filing taxes or ignoring tax debt. It eventually catches up to you and could lead to serious consequences like tax liens and seizures. Thankfully, the IRS does help people who are struggling to pay off debt. They offer payment plans and other solutions for those in financial need.
About The Unemployment Compensation Exemption
The American Rescue Plan Act, which was enacted in March, exempts up to $10,200 of unemployment benefits received in 2020 from federal income tax for households reporting an adjusted gross income less than $150,000 on their 2020 tax return. If you received more than $10,200 in unemployment compensation last year, any amount over $10,200 is still taxable.
The IRS has identified over 10 million people who filed their tax returns before the plan became law and is reviewing those returns to determine the correct amount of tax on their unemployment compensation. For those affected, this could result in a refund, a reduced tax bill, or no change at all.
The IRS started recalculating impacted tax returns with returns from single taxpayers who had relatively simple returns, such as those filed by people who didn’t claim children as dependents or any refundable tax credits. The tax agency then shifted to joint returns filed by married couples who are eligible for an exemption up to $20,400 and others with more complex returns.
Remember, though, that the tax exemption only applies to unemployment benefits received in 2020. So, if you receive unemployment compensation in 2021 or beyond, expect to pay federal tax on the amount you get.
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Penalties For Not Paying Your Taxes
Even if you file an extension to submit your tax return, you must pay any estimated tax you owe by April 15, 2022. If you do not pay your taxes, you will be charged a penalty and owe interest on any unpaid balance.
The penalty for failing to pay your taxes by the due date is 0.5 percent of your unpaid tax for each month or part of a month that your return is late. This penalty is capped at 25 percent of late unpaid taxes. If you file your return on time and request to pay by an installment agreement, the penalty drops to 0.25 percent for each month or part of a month of the installment agreement.
Youre also charged interest on the unpaid balance, which compounds daily. The rate is set each quarter and is based on the federal short-term rate, plus an additional 3 percent.
If you owe taxes and dont file your return on time, youll be charged a penalty for failing to file. This is usually 5 percent of the tax owed for each month or part of a month your return is late. This penalty is also capped at 25 percent.
Stimulus Checks And Expanded Unemployment Benefits
The COVID-19 pandemic has led to severe economic hardship, with millions of Americans losing their jobs. As a response, Congress passed three key legislation that expanded unemployment benefits and delivered direct stimulus payments to provide economic relief. As more and more people about 20 million people since November 2020 are claiming unemployment benefits, these are the key things to know:
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Are You Required To File A Tax Return Even When Unemployed
You may be required to file a tax return even when youre unemployed, depending on your situation. If your total income for the entire year, including wages earned before unemployment, any unemployment benefits, interest you have earned, retirement distributions, or anything else that counts as income, is less than the standard deduction for your filing status, you may not be required to file a tax return. If your total income exceeds that amount, then it is likely that you will need to file and pay taxes on that income.
However, filing for taxes, especially when unemployed, may have its benefits. With a decreased income, there may be refundable tax credits or additional deductions for which you are now eligible and the only way to get them is by filing a tax return. Further itemizing your deductions may even allow you to recover certain expenses you paid while unemployed.
A Eligibility For California Unemployment Insurance Benefits For Employees
1. What are the requirements to be able to file a claim for unemployment insurance benefits in California as a laid off employee?
To receive Unemployment Insurance benefit payments in California, you must meet all eligibility requirements when filing a claim and when certifying for benefits .
When filing for UI benefits in California, you must have earned enough wages during the base period to establish a claim, and be:
- Totally or partially unemployed
- Available for work
- Ready and willing to accept work immediately
A base period is a specific 12-month term the EDD uses to see if you earned enough wages to establish a UI claim. To learn how EDD determines your base period, review How Unemployment Insurance Benefits are Computed.
Your weekly benefit amount ranges from $40 to $450, plus $600 a week in PUA benefits if you are eligible. To get an estimate of what you will receive, use the UI Benefit Calculator.
For more information about how the EDD calculates a UI claim, review the following resources:
2. What are the weekly certification requirements for unemployment benefits in California?
To receive Unemployment Insurance benefits, you must provide the EDD eligibility information every two weeks. This is known as certifying for benefits. You must also meet all weekly eligibility requirements.
For help answering the certification questions, review this EDD page:
Submit your certification using one of the following:
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