Tag Archives: unemployment taxes

IRS Updates Mid- December

2020 Unemployment Exclusion FAQ Update

The IRS has updated the frequently asked questions (FAQs) for the 2020 unemployment compensation exclusion. The updates can be found in Fact Sheet 2022-39, and include questions regarding Form 1040-X; Impact to Income, Credits, and Deductions; Receiving a Refund, Letter, or Notice; and Finding the Unemployment Compensation Amount. 

New for 2023 Filing

Taxpayers are urged to note important changes to tax laws to be better prepared for filing their 2022 federal tax returns. Key changes include:

  • The reporting rules for Form 1099-K. Taxpayers should receive the form if they received third party payments (via Paypal, Venmo, CashApp, for instance) for goods and services that exceeded $600. Taxability of income has not changed, but while the Form was issued only for accounts that had a total of 200 transactions and totaled $20,000 or more for the year, the American Rescue Plan Act has significantly lowered that reporting threshold. 
  • Several Tax Credits return to 2019 levels. The Child Tax Credit of $3000 and $3600 per dependent in 2021 will be $2000; the Earned Income Tax Credit for eligible taxpayers with no children returns to $500 from $1500; the Child and Dependent Care Credit returns to a maximum of $2100 from $8000. 
  • No above-the-line charitable deductions. During COOVID, taxpayers could take up to a $600 charitable donation tax deduction, but for 2022 that is not available.
  • Eligibility rules for the clean vehicle tax credit have changed, thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act. 

More on the “Get Ready” page.

IRA, Retirement Withdrawals for Those Age 72+

The IRS reminds those born in 1950 or earlier that funds in their retirement plans and individual retirement arrangements (IRAs) have upcoming deadlines for required minimum distributions (RMDs) to avoid penalties. RMDs are minimum amounts that many plans and IRA account owners must generally withdraw after age 72. Account holders reaching age 72 in 2022 must take their first RMD by April 1, 2023 (and the second by December 31, 2023, and each year thereafter). In many workplace retirement plans the first RMD is due by April 1 of the year after they turn 72, or the participant is no longer employed. RMDs are taxable and may be subject to penalties if not taken on time. Not taking a required distribution, or not withdrawing enough, could mean a 50% excise tax on the amount not distributed.

Tax Updates July 29

Advance Child Tax Payments Begin

The first batch of advance monthly child tax payments, totaling about $15 billion, went out on July 15. The vast majority were sent by direct deposit. Payments will continue monthly through the end of the year, and the IRS continues to “urge people who normally aren’t required to file a tax return” to sign up for these payments as well as Economic Impact Payments and other credits they may be eligible to receive. The IRS is even holding weekend events in cities around the nation to “support eligible families.” The events are hosted by the IRS and partner groups, and employees and volunteers assist individuals and families to file tax returns and register for the advance payments. Additionally, the IRS has launched a new Spanish language version of its online Child Tax Credit Eligibility Assistant tool, and urges community groups to help share this and other benefit information.

Unemployment Tax Refunds Continue

The IRS continues to issue refunds to taxpayers who overpaid their taxes on employment compensation received last year. Up to $10,200 in 2020 unemployment payments were excluded from taxable income calculations, but this exclusion didn’t happen until the American Rescue Plan Act was passed in March, so many taxpayers had already filed and paid taxes under the old rules. Most taxpayers need not take any action, unless they need to amend their 2020 return.

Protect Against Identity Theft

The IRS is spreading the word about their IP PIN Opt-In Program. An Identity Protection PIN is available to anyone who can verify their identity, and prevents someone else from filing a tax return using the taxpayer’s Social Security number. Tax professionals cannot obtain an IP PIN on behalf of clients, but clients should share their IP PIN only with their trusted tax preparer. The program is voluntary and the IRS will never call, email, or text a request for the IP PIN, which can be obtained at the online tool.