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Discussion: S. 155, The Unemployment Benefit Tax Suspension Act of 2009 (160 comments ↓)
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Visitor Comments 
Curt
January 20, 2009, 2:03pm (report abuse)Considering the fact that we have already lost our health insurance, and we are only earning a percentage of our original salary it only seems fair to to not add insult to injury and cut us a break for once.
nmetro
January 22, 2009, 1:51pm (report abuse)Considering the dire state of the economy, this makes sense to give those who are unemployed tax relief during this critical time. The tax savings go back into the economy for food and other living expenses.
This bill died in the previous Congress and was to cover tax years 2008 - 2009. This bill should cover 2008 - 2010, as the economy is now shedding nearly 600,000 jobs a month and will continue to do so through most of this year.
As for those who oppose this bill. Well, when you think about the Wall Street Bailout and the Stimulus Bill combined are close to $1.7 trillion and does little to help the average American, this bill will at least provide some solace to the unemployed.
Bill
January 22, 2009, 8:26pm (report abuse)This is an inhumane tax that was first imposed by the Reagan administration in 1986. For a guy who hated taxes, he didn't think much of the working man. As it turns out, most of the 2.5 million unemployed in 2008 will wind up paying the IRS interest and penalties because they won't be able to pay this tax much less put food on the table. It seems to me that if President Obama really wanted to offer some direct and immediate help to the unemployed, the suspension or elimination of this tax will become a part of his stimulus package.
russ
January 23, 2009, 8:08pm (report abuse)when president obama was campaigning he promised the 1st thing he would do is eliminate tax on unemployment will see if he has integrity and keeps to his promise
Fred
January 24, 2009, 6:56am (report abuse)Lets just get rid of unemployment and get the lazy *ssses a job. The fast food chains are always hiring.
James C Pennington
January 27, 2009, 11:26am (report abuse)Well, Obama may have promised that but he has not made any move to do it. Just about what I expected - lots of noise but little real action.
Jerry
January 27, 2009, 11:52am (report abuse)Any more news on this Bill, is it tied to the Stimulas Package?
nmetro
January 27, 2009, 5:34pm (report abuse)This bill and HR 155 is still stuck in committee. Though, the Senate has in their stimulus plan legislation to not tax the first $2,400 of unemployment for 2009 and 2010. Both houses have extended the deadline of the recently passed Emergency Unemployment Extension (the one signed into law in November, 2008) to expire on 31 December, 2009, instead of 31 March, 2009. However, it leaves intact the 3 month unemployment average of 6% to receive the 13 week extension beyon teh orginal 7 weeks provided in the legislation.
It indeed is true that President Obama promised that he would not only extend unemployment benefits, but benefits received in 2008 aqnd 2009 would not be taxed. John McCain also promised the same thing.
I suggest you contact your Senator and Congressman and tell them to get thsi passed. I woudl also go to WhiteHouse.gov and send President Obmama a message. I think it is cruel that people who receive unemployment have to be taxed, especially during this current crisis.
Bill
January 27, 2009, 8:28pm (report abuse)I'm almost certain that S. 155 will be tied in some way to the stimulus package. We're going to know a lot more about this in a few days.
Laney
January 28, 2009, 2:52am (report abuse)This Bill is part of a bi-partisan effort initially filed by members of the Senate Finance Committee and will most likely be incorporated into the stimulus once it reaches the Senate. It is not currently part of the House Bill.
Considering that two (R) co-sponsor the Bill along with a (D), there may be some incentive there. Funny, the House didn't think it was important enuugh to include.
And yes, both President Obama and Sen. McCain did promise to do so, if elected.
If this Bill isn't included in the economic stimulus, then I will truly know that legislators really have not a clue.
Jen
January 28, 2009, 7:33am (report abuse)This bill must pass. I have been unemployed 11 months out of 2008. My extension is going to expire in April of 09 - just in time to owe taxes on the Unemployment to the IRS. How can we manage that when we are barely able to survive daily? Iore jobs are being lost every day and I am not very hopeful that i will have gainful employment by that time.
Please contact your senators, representatives and President Obama to pass this immediately.
phil
January 28, 2009, 1:19pm (report abuse)eliminate the tax on unemployment benefits, or lose credibility. we promise we wont use the money for a vacation or to redecorate.
Walter
January 29, 2009, 6:47am (report abuse)Taxing unemployment is a joke, considering the benefit is only a fraction of the wages! ELIMINATE THIS TAX SENATORS AND CONGRESSMEN!Americans can barely pay their bills now, let alone this.
pj
January 29, 2009, 7:59pm (report abuse)On a related subject, is everyone also aware that the 27 billion dollars proposed for the continued extension of unemployment benefits just means that there is no "additional" federal extension but simply a time extension to Dec 2009 for those to receiving a regular claim to file for the up to 33 weeks of previously granted benefits. This means the group of people who need a further federal extension most will get nothing.
Steve
January 29, 2009, 11:45pm (report abuse)Taxing unemployment benefits is like taxing welfare benefits ,hitting you hardest,when youre already down,and out!!!
Local157.com
January 30, 2009, 10:18am (report abuse)The Government Accountability Office released a study in 2008 finding that 72 percent of all foreign corporations and 57 percent of domestic corporations doing business in the U.S. paid NO Federal Income Taxes for at least one year between 1998-2005. More than half of foreign companies and 42% of U.S. companies paid no U.S. income taxes for two or more years in that period the GAO study said. During that time, corporate sales in the United States totaled $2.5 trillion. Anyone that votes against this bill should have their office targeted for televised or you tubed protests and be thrown out of office at the next election cycle.
James
January 30, 2009, 1:40pm (report abuse)I’ve been unemployed since 2008. I voted for Obama with significant reservations. I made my decision in the voting booth. I was concerned that the guy promised more than he could possibly deliver.
I’m a white man. I honestly can’t say I thought about Obama’s race one way or another while in the voting booth. I did think about how Obama promised to suspend taxes on unemployment though, and generally seemed far more knowledgeable on the economy than McCain.
Suspending taxes on unemployment is Obama’s first test for me. Suspending taxes on unemployment will help lower to middle income people who are likely to spend the money. The money from this suspension that will be going to areas of the nation will be directly proportional to the job loses in that area.
By the way, I am baffled and disappointed that that this suspension of taxes on unemployment benefits did not make it into the House Stimulus, while millions to museums in the Washington DC area did.
Bill
January 30, 2009, 8:12pm (report abuse)Actually the Senate Bill 155 offers more than the house bill. It includes suspension of the tax in 2008 and 2009, whereas the house bill is for 2009-2010. DOn't give up on Obama. Some kind of suspension of this "Reagan tax," on unemployment benefits has got to be included in the reconciliation of the stimulus package now with the Senate. Yes, Reagan is responsible for this inhumane tax. Prior to 1986, there never was a tax on unemployment benefits. Reagan pushed for it twice. He failed in 1982, but got it shoved through in 1986 or 1987. Republicans are great at lowering taxes for the rich,but shove it to the Middle class every chance they get....all of this is a matter of record, and if you doubt me, check the legislative history of the unemployment benefit tax.
Steve
January 31, 2009, 8:36am (report abuse)Like we dont have enough to worry about,after losing our jobs!! Now we have to face a large tax bill for unemployment!! How about "bailing-out" deserving people,instead of the banks and the "fat cats who who hoard the money and re-decorate their offices !!!
Frank
February 2, 2009, 12:04pm (report abuse)that will be the peanut that will be tossed to those of us unemployed instead of making sure that food will be on the table through an extension
Rose
February 2, 2009, 2:41pm (report abuse)This is just suspending the tax, not eliminating it. Being unemployed I'm worried about where I'll get the money to pay it back. It just seems like one more loan, why can't it just be eliminated? I've been paying UI for 30 years and am only having to use it for the first time now it doesn't seem right that it's taxable.
Rachel
February 2, 2009, 3:40pm (report abuse)Business owners are actually the ones paying for UI (although employees do pay indirectly for the benefit). In any case, we don't have to pay tax on our medical insurance claims when they are paid out, so why should we have to pay for unemployment insurance benefits? It might be a required benefit, but it IS a benefit. My mother cried when Reagan was re-elected. I was too young to understand it then, but I do now. This tax should be obliterated. If Obama is a president of the people as he claims, he needs to ensure this happens. The first lady wearing J. Crew (instead of couture fashions) and decorating the White House with Pottery Barn decor is not enough to convince me so far.
nmetro
February 2, 2009, 3:57pm (report abuse)Bill,
President Reagan may have pushed for the tax, but a Democratic Congress put it into law; same goes for taxing Social Security Benefits. I am not defending Reagan, but the Congress writes the legislation and the president signs it into law. The Democrats redid the tax code, but added this provision, as the unemployed would be few in number to complain. Well, when the unemployed start to exceed 10 million people; there will be a lot of screaming.
By teh way, do not wait to file your taxes, as the chance of this passing is very small; especially to cover 2008. Chalk this up to a broken promise by Barack Obama. By the way, John McCain would have broken it, too. Hey, they have to get the money from somewhere to bail out Wall Street and the banks.
bill
February 3, 2009, 10:49am (report abuse)Everyone in D.C. claim they are thinking of the middle class, in this "messed-up" economy,well now is their chance to prove it!! Do away with this tax on unemployment!!
Bill
February 3, 2009, 1:21pm (report abuse)Taxing unemployment benefits is ridiculous. Yes both Obama and McCain sais the would eliminate the tax for years 2008 & 2009.
Vx
February 3, 2009, 9:07pm (report abuse)Outlawing taxes on unemployment needs to be enacted. It is tough enough but to have to face a tax burden ;while the institutions that caused this are gifted with billions of tax money. The money should have been spent on the citizens.
Scott
February 4, 2009, 1:41pm (report abuse)I haven't been able to find a job of any kind. With last benefit running out in March nothing left to help out. We need a third extension for long term unemployed trying to find job with thousands lost each week
Bill
February 4, 2009, 7:18pm (report abuse)Senator Olympia Snowe of Maine met with the President today, February 5. Thi is important because she is one of the cosponsors of Senate Bill 155, a bill which would suspend taxes on unemployment benefits for 2008 and 2009. I can't believe one of the co-sponsors would meet with the President and not bring the subject up. All of us should send an Email to Senator Snowe, and ask her about the meeting and whether the subject was brought up. You can email her simply by googling her name......and you don't have to be from Maine to do it. I sent two messasges to her--I hope you guys are doing the same thing...do it today. There real;y is strength in numbers.......
Bill
February 4, 2009, 7:27pm (report abuse)Someone asked about "paying back" a suspended tax. The Answer is no, a suspended tax does not have to be repaid. It simply is a waiver of the tax for the time specified.
Debbie
February 4, 2009, 8:49pm (report abuse)I get laid off in the winter months and I have Xtra taken out while I'm working that hurt's alot. Looking at my employer income I make. My company is paying 125.00 per month Over what I'm able to collect. I don't mind helping others out that are unemployed with that Xtra 100.00 per month but it would be nice not to get taxed when I'm most in need of the pay check to get thu.
darlenesmal
February 5, 2009, 10:09am (report abuse)I find it hard to believe that anybody would not be in favor of this bill. In today's economy no one can guarantee that they will not be affected by unemployment. I myself felt that it would never happen to me, I was working for a AAA rated company that was in business for over 100 years; and I had 20+ years experience; however, that meant nothing and I found myself on unemployment. I would have done anything in order to avoid being on unemployment, even part-time at minimum wage - no work to be found. Unfortunately, when I tried them, I found out how bad the economy really is - I found senior citizens working that should be enjoying their retirement.
I feel that the tax on these benefits should not only be suspended, but REMOVED all togehter.
Santos
February 5, 2009, 12:09pm (report abuse)I can not believe that this crazy tax has not been eliminatd and at the very least suspended for now. WHO CARES FOR LOW INCOME OR MIDDLE CLASS PEOPLE ? WE ARE A MAJORITY
phil
February 5, 2009, 1:18pm (report abuse)Hey...I'm out of work...my car died,but thats ok. I'll take the bus to interviews,comforted by the fact that some government employee will be motoring to his house in the hamptons in his new hybrid,paid for by my unemployment benefits income tax.
Bill
February 5, 2009, 5:49pm (report abuse)Don't give up on this. we don't know what is going on behind closed doors even as we debate this issue. Also, the stimulus bill has to be reconciled with the House bill. No, I would not file your income tax returns now. Suspension of the unemployment tax for 2008 is still a real possibility...I know of many instances of retroactive legislation, and if taxpayers have already paid on a tax that is supended, they'll get a rebate.I'm not counting on relief from the tax, but there's a good chance a portion of the tax will be suspended, if not the whole thing. I may be dreaming...but let's see.
shanha
February 6, 2009, 12:14am (report abuse)Why in the world would anyone not be FOR S.155? Taxes on unemployment benefits have always been absurd. Unemployment is ALL that some ppl have now and it won't last for long. This is being paid to ppl who have WORKED and EARNED the benefit. It is NOT a handout and or a way of life, unlike some other government programs. These taxes only further punish people who have already paid a price, during this awful economic period. You are only eligible for unemployment if it is shown that you lost your job through no fault of your own. I pray our government leaders show more compassion and intelligence than those who would vote against this bill and SOON.
Shaun
February 6, 2009, 2:12am (report abuse)Hasn't President Obama repeatedly said that" he's trying to help those people who need the help the most"? Well,aren't the people who are out of a job,through no fault of their own,the ones who need help the most?Well then Mr. Obama,live up to your words,and suspend this INSANE TAX BURDEN!
Jim
February 6, 2009, 1:35pm (report abuse)I just called Charles Rangel, Chairman of the House Committee on Ways and Means. I was able to speak to one of his staff and asked what the committee was doing for the long-term unemployed. I told him I have read H.R. 1 and all it does is move EUC tier 2 benefits from 3/09 to 12/09 and increases the benefit amount by $25 per week. It does nothing for over 3 million American who have lost their jobs and been unable to find work. If anyone wants to get mad please call or email this committee. I have posted the correct link or contact information. Although this employed person was sympathetic, currently those of us who have been hurt by this economy the longest are currently expendable surplus as part of this Stimulus Bill.
http://waysandmeans.house.gov/contact.asp
Committee on Ways & Means
U.S. House of Representatives
1102 Longworth House Office Building
Washington D.C. 20515
Phone: (202) 225-3625
Fax: (202) 225-2610
James
February 6, 2009, 4:42pm (report abuse)Obama needs to realize the following....in its present form....
2009 Stimulus = President Huckabee in 2012!
Obama must get the following thru congress:
1.Suspension or elimination of the unemployment tax starting in 2008.
2.Elimination of capital gains on start-ups and small businesses.
3.Temporary Penalty withdrawels from 401k and Pension to help those who would otherwise be in bankruptcy court.
He promised he'd do all of this in his campaign.
If you don't have these tax cuts, we will have a tepid recovery at best and a sane, reasonably intelligent republican under the age of 70 will win without a problem in 2012.
Scott
February 6, 2009, 11:32pm (report abuse)This is to the gentlemen that posted a comment that read let do away with unemployement and they can get off of their lazy asses and get a job. WELL LET ME TELL YOU SOMETHING BUDDY I AM 42 YEARS OLD AND HAVE WORKED SINCE I WAS 13 AND I AM UNEMPLOYED AT THIS POINT AND USING MY SAVINGS AS WELL AS MY UNEMPLOYEMENT TO LIVE AND TAKE CARE OF MY FAMILY AND I AM LOOKING FOR A JOB AND THERE ARE NOT ANY COMPANYS HIRING AT THIS POINT SO WE REALLY ARE GOING TO NEED A EXTENTION ON OUR BENEFITS. AND YOU CAN PERSONALLY KISS MY ASS YOU **** **** YOU MUST BE A RICH REPUBLICAN.
bonniegurl
February 7, 2009, 12:42am (report abuse)my husband and i have both been laid off since a year ago march from the auto industry. we have worked that industry for 20 years. we are in our mid 40s and have now lost our home and one of our cars. i cant find a waitress job to fall back on since no-one is hiring. i landed a retail job this december and it ended up being circuit city who now laid me off again. our unemployment is running out in a few weeks. i have 4 australian shepherds and although my children are grown, they can no longer depend on me for any type of assistance. my son has a new baby and my daughter has been laid off. my husbands 2 boys got laids off 2 weeks age. all of our kid are in their early 20s. i couldnt offer them a dime if they needed it. we no longer have medical insurance or auto insurance.
JW
February 7, 2009, 10:11am (report abuse)This is to the gentlemen that posted a comment that read let do away with unemployement and they can get off of their lazy asses and get a job. I hope you wake up tomarrow find a pink slip and quarter in your hand, and your butt is red!
SA
February 7, 2009, 10:41am (report abuse)I just sent an E-mail to above address for House Ways and Means Hope it helps!
bl
February 7, 2009, 12:02pm (report abuse)guys, you need to send your comments to the Senate Committee on Finance as S.155 is a Senate bill. The House bill H.R.155 would do nothing for those who were unemployed in 2008 as it proposes to suspend taxes starting in 2009, not 2008. Under the House bill those who lost their jobs last year (and probably still haven't found another one) would still have to have come up with this onerous tax. We need S.155, not H.R. 155. Max Baucus heads the Committee on Finance. Go to http://finance.senate.gov/sitepages/committee.htm for all the members. Olympia Snowe, who introduced S.155, also sits on this committee.
Bill
February 7, 2009, 8:07pm (report abuse)The plain truth of the matter is, our interests, the interest of Middle Classs working Americans are not represented in Congress. No union, no lobbyist represents are group, and accordingly we do not speak with one voice, a voice that could deny greed-driven members of Congress our vote. No attention is being paid to this issue because we ourselves have no power, no authority to end the career of undeserving memebers of Congress. We are divided in our political views, and our political support is diverse and tentative. We are not represent by the AFL-CIO, we are represented by no one. Maybe its time to organize and speak with one voice, not only on this single issue of suspension of taxes on unemployment benefits, but on the influence of money and campaign contributions in the goverance of our country. It's time to organize and speak with one voice.
Shhhh
February 8, 2009, 12:15am (report abuse)Has it caught anyone's attention yet,that not one of the cable news networks including CNN,nor FOX NEWS have even brought up the subject of suspending or eliminating the tax on unemployment? Neither has Obama or any other politician who have talked on camera? I find that really strange,it's almost like they're all being told not to talk about it!
Roxanne
February 8, 2009, 9:56am (report abuse)I have tax withheld from my unemployment benefits. What happens to people who have already paid this tax?
Bill
February 8, 2009, 4:18pm (report abuse)In answer to Roxanne's question. If there is a suspension of this tax for 2008, you will get a refund. That's how it has worked with retroactive tax breaks in the past. In the meantime I would recommend that everyone hold back filng for now. And incdentially, according to my tax guy, it's always best to file on April 15 and get lost in the millions of filings, regardless of what you've heard to the contrary. File early and your return sticks out like a sore thumb--a foolish thing to do.
James
February 8, 2009, 6:31pm (report abuse)I agree it is strange nobody has talked about suspension of unemployment tax. Could be anyone of the following reasons why...
1.Could be the congress wants it in a seperate bill from the stimulus, since it will get support from both parties. Mostly, republicans have sponsered it in the house and senate. I gives Obama a chance to say he was bipartisan.
2.Could be the congress despartely need the money for 2008.
3.Could be that it is not the democrat philosophy. The dems think the unemployment extension, raise in benifits, and subsidized health care for unemployed is good enough.
On the latter (3). If this suspension is not in the democrat's philosophy, Obama should not have run on it. Also, loads of people lost thier jobs(like me) in 2008. They should be helped. Suspending the unemployment tax will directly help them in a huge way.
Kate
February 8, 2009, 9:12pm (report abuse)The Senate Finance Committee web address (listed by "bl"...thank you!) worked great...just emailed my request to push S.155 through. My big question is why we (the unemployed) have become invisible. Yes, the politicians and media talk about the "numbers" of jobs lost, the "numbers" of new claims for unemployment benefits, and the "number" of weeks granted for emergency benefits...but nobody is looking, seeing, reporting or speaking about what it's really like to be desperately searching for fulltime work, applying for job after job after job with nothing to show for it, knowing your weeks of unempolyment benefits are numbered, not being able to pay your bills barely able to cover bare necessities (if your lucky). I'm not a statistic. I'm a person, a good American, who worked hard all my life, who also worked hard to help get Obama elected President. If he fails us now...my own "crisis of confidence" may just do me in.
Steve
February 9, 2009, 2:25pm (report abuse)Im telling you they are keeping the subject of suspension of unemployment tax a"taboo " to talk about. I am very suspicious of why the President,all other politicians,the cable news networks are not even bringing the subject up. I myself hsve E-mailed CNN and fox news asking them why no one is talking about this,and yet they are still not bringing it up,maybe if everyone asks them to talk about it,maybe they will!
RUSS
February 9, 2009, 7:37pm (report abuse)ME AGAIN HE DID NOT MENTION THIS IN ELKHART INDIANA TODAY OTHER THAN INCREASING THE WEEKLY BENEFIT BY 25.00 WEEK I GUESS THAT IS TO OFFSET THE TAX THAT IS GIVING US NOTHING BUT THE RUN AROUND.HOW IS THAT HELPING THOSE IN NEED IN THESE TIMES.TALK THE TALK OR WALK THE WALK!HE PROMISED RELIEF TO THE MIDDLE CLASS WE ARE THE BACKBONE OF THIS COUNTRY.WITHOUT US THERE IS NO ECONOMY.ECONOMICS 101 PUT THE MONEY IN THE HANDS THAT NEED IT AND HAVE TO SPEND IT THAT IS THE BEST WAY TOO STIMULATE THE ECONOMY AND THE BILL IS TEMPORARY.WONT KEEP A BURDEN ON TAXPAYERS FOR GENERATIONS TO COME.I HAVE SERVED MY COUNTRY IN THE NAVY. I AM A TRUE TAXPAYING AMERICAN CITIZEN WORKED OVER 25YRS AND SHOULD HAVE A VOICE WHERE MY MONEY GOES.JUST LOOKING OUT FOR MY RETIREMENT ARE CHILDREN.
Ken
February 9, 2009, 11:31pm (report abuse)yeah,I was waiting to see if someone was going to ask him about it,but SURPRISE! No one did,almost makes you wonder if the audience was instructed ahead of time not to ask about certain subjects,doesn't it??
kate
February 10, 2009, 12:32pm (report abuse)I am so disheartened that the subject of taxing the unemployed on their benefits was not raised. I continue to hope and pray this is so basically decent, moral and obvious that it is a non-negotiable element of the recovery bill already, and that is why it's not being discussed. Am I naive? If so, my awakening will be rude beyond comprehension. I put my faith in Obama until he proves otherwise.
kate
February 10, 2009, 3:19pm (report abuse)Yea, OK, so I'm naive. Looks like maybe only the first $2400.00 of unemployment benefits will be tax exempt. WhoopDeeDoo!...Still leaves me with a $900.00 tax bill I can't afford.
There's no tax on welfare benefits, and no tax on disaster relief benefits. What the hell do you call the current state of the economy, if not a "disaster"???? God help us all.
Bill
February 10, 2009, 3:50pm (report abuse)Let's not put all the blame on Obama. Republicans were ready to bring in the cots, sleep on the Senate floor and fillibuster the stmulus bill even though the Democrats have a majority. What bothers me is that the three Republicans that co-sponsored S. 155 failed to speak up.
Keep in mind that bill will be looked at again in a reconcilliation meeting between the house and the Senate. And one more thing--S.155 is still alive. There's a good chance the sponsors are waiting until the stimulus bill is behind them, and then they can bring up S. 155. Who's going to vote against it if it stands by itself. Let's wait and see! Incidentially, does anyone know if the $1,000 tax credit is for the tax year 2008 or 2009? At least we could use this tax credit to pay off taxes owed on the unemployment benefit tax.
Steve
February 10, 2009, 3:51pm (report abuse)Good points Kate!! But,Politicians only react to mass phone calls or E-mails!"The squeaky wheel gets the grease"! We ALL need to do that to get their attention! Hound them!!I have been up till 2 or 3 in the morning for the past week, calling and E-mailing the Politicians,and the news networks! But,they wont even consider it unless they get flooded with calls and E-mails!
phil
February 10, 2009, 4:45pm (report abuse)Where is Ron Paul? Isnt he signed on for this bill? Isnt he republican? Has'nt he spoken to this over and over and over and over and over.........
I guess it's more important for Pres. Obama to talk to Bill O'Reilly. That gets him on tv.
Val
February 10, 2009, 7:11pm (report abuse)Really hoping suspension of unemployment passes for 2008. Currently, I owe for taxes and it would be nice to get a refund instead. How can we get access to emails addresses so we can write them regarding this topic? Is it possible that the House and Senate will negotiate and change the year (from 09 to 08) on the stimulus bill? Or does S.155 have to go through? If so how long could that take? I've been trying to follow this all and learn as I go....
bl
February 10, 2009, 8:42pm (report abuse)For Val: go to the top right-hand of this site. Click on "Write Your Representative in Congress" (Under "Take Action"/"Speak Out"). This will list all the Senators or you can choose which ones you want to contact. Be sure to contact all the Senators in the Finance Committee as that's where this bill is stuck in. Max Baucus heads this committee. But for a complete list of the Finance Committee members, go to http://finance.senate.gov/sitepages/committee.htm and don't forget to write to your senator. You want your rep to vote for it if it ever gets out of committee!
PM
February 10, 2009, 10:05pm (report abuse)tax relief on unemployment would help people who have lost jobs, lack funds to pay tax on the lesser of income than working a regular job. for two years to help this country massive job losses. People who are on unemployment suffer enough till they find jobs. HELP THE UNEMPLOYED WITH FEDERAL TAX RELIEF FOR TWO YEARS. SINCE UNEMPLOYMENT NUMBERS ARE SO HIGH.
Jill - Illinois
February 11, 2009, 8:33am (report abuse)OMG they opened the site back up. OK, So now what. I have been off 1 year ago today. I will exhaust ALL benefits in April. I was a severed employee in 2008 (Feb) So I did work for a month and a few days in 2008 and paid taxes out of my 10 week severance. NO DAMN JOB AROUND. What are they going to do? We are going to be homeless... Are they extending again, or can I open a new claim since I did work some in 2008 ( I know they go by quarters) Help anyone??
Val
February 11, 2009, 1:14pm (report abuse)Anyone have any suggestions as to what how I should contact them? Email, letter, or phone? Any suggestions as to what I should say?
JeffFL
February 11, 2009, 4:36pm (report abuse)Taxing the unemployed is like giving water to a drowning man.
nmetro
February 11, 2009, 6:48pm (report abuse)Considering where things stand right now (11 February, 2009 5:00 PM MDT), it looks like $2400 exemption for 2009 unemployment will be all the tax relief the unemployed will get.
By the way, I send messages to my congresswoman, my two state senators, Senator Snow of Maine and President Obama; no response from anyone. I put away money for the taxes, but I sure rather use it for food, utilities, mortgage, etc., as opposed to subsidizing those who may have to pay AMT, who get EIC, every worker who will get a tax credit, etc. Pretty sad state of affairs when you think about it.
Chris
February 11, 2009, 7:30pm (report abuse)So if my tier one and tier two benefits run out...is there anything in this stimulus package to give me an extension after that? They are running out in about 4 weeks for me!!
Bill
February 12, 2009, 9:44am (report abuse)Chris - No additional extension after the 33(13 + 7 + 13 for unemployment above 6% for three months) weeks that was signed by Pres Bush is in the stimulus package. The stimulus package only extends the timeline to file extedned benefits until the end of 2009. Oh yea, you will get an extra $25 bucks in your check until you run out but will still have to pay tax on all but some of your benefits.
nmetro
February 12, 2009, 12:20pm (report abuse)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.
Jill Illinois
February 13, 2009, 6:15pm (report abuse)Ok so my unemployment is running out in April that is the 26 weeks the 13 the 7 and the 13. What will we do if there are no jobs? I seen in the paper today they are talking about extending unemployment again? Anyone hear that? I have applied to places that I dont even have any exp. doing, but NOTHING. Illinois is BAD like many other states. Companies are going down left and right....
Neal Benari
February 14, 2009, 8:50am (report abuse)Please let it be so. It is so mean spirited to tax people living on a shoe-string.
nmetro
February 14, 2009, 12:51pm (report abuse)Jill Illinois . From what I understand, the only extension made to unemployment was t o change the ending qualification date from 31 March, 2009 to 31 December, 2009 on the bill signed by George Bush in November, 2008.
Thus, all you get is 26 + 13 + 7 + 13 or 59 weeks. With that said, some newspaper accounts mentioned 33 weeks extension of unemployment. Some here, and I, are assuming it meant the 33 weeks which were already granted in 2008 and the new 33 weeks only apply to people who joined the unemployment rolls in late 2008 and early 20009.
Information will start flowing from state unemployment sites next week which will clarify this. The bill is just took large to find out what is going on in this regards.
As for taxes. For 2008, you have to pay income tax on benefits. For 2009, the first $2400 is free from taxes. $25 extra a week for whatever unemployment benefits you have left.
JILL-ILLINOIS
February 14, 2009, 3:31pm (report abuse)So basically we are really in trouble. There are companies closing everyday. I have had a few intereviews and NO calls back. this is scary. Oh boy.
bl
February 14, 2009, 3:57pm (report abuse)It seems like those unemployed early on are the ones who will take it on the chin. I think nmetro is correct about just extending the filing deadline, not that benefits are extended. I was using my benefits and savings to offset my COBRA. The stimulus package won't help me at all cuz the COBRA relief in that plan are only for those that lost their jobs after 09/08. It looks like the only thing that will be stimulated will be the welfare rolls. Jill, at least you got some interviews. I can't even get anyone to respond except for the auto reply of "Thank You for you submission." Supposely this plan will create jobs but I can't see what kind of jobs will be available for females over 55. It's like we're invisible. I'm still hoping that S155 is alive. I wrote to Sen Snowe but no response yet.
Jill-Illinois
February 14, 2009, 4:14pm (report abuse)Great. I was laid off from a bank in 2/08 that sold to another bank. I did work Jan and part of Feb 2008 so I guess I cant reopen a claim then? I dont know what to do. I am ok for now, but once the benefits stop im in REAL trouble. How do they expect us that were laid off in the beginning of 2008 to find a job with the way things are? I know the people that were laid off or let go later are definatley entitled but we are still in trouble. It has been a year for me. UGHH>> :(
nmetro
February 15, 2009, 5:40pm (report abuse)Jill-Illinois,
From what I was told from the unemployment office. If your worked anytime during the time you received unemployment or after, and your total wages received totalled 6 times your weekly benefit check, you would be eligible to file a new claim. However, it would be for reduced benefits (number of weeks/amount because of how the calculate benefits), but then you would be again eligible for the 20 weeks extension a second time around; once the new claim payments end.
For example, if your old benefits were $300/week; you needed to earn $1800. If you were out fro a year, you would get about 13 weeks of unemployment + the extension of another 20 weeks (from what they told me). The problem; getting any job temporary or otherwise.
Of course is what is irking about the stimulus is that people who quit their job fro a family illness can now collect benefits, including $15 extra a week per child. Now you know where your taxes are going.
Ken
February 16, 2009, 12:01am (report abuse)Isn't it comforting to know that during this lousy economy,that Wal-Mart stores are still doing great,of course 85% of the crap in their stores comes from China,or Tai Wan!
kate
February 16, 2009, 10:16am (report abuse)Fed. Tax instructions: "If you cannot afford to pay" will allow up to 60 months to pay off your tax bill (with penalties, fees, and interest, of course). It also suggests it may be less expensive to pay your taxes with a credit card or by taking out a bank loan.
Bill
February 16, 2009, 9:10pm (report abuse)Middle Class America always takes it on the chin regardless of what party is in power. I guess the only way to reduce your taxes is to take a job as a self employed independant contractor, which would enable you to file a schedule C, and claim all kinds of deductions. These people,(realtors for example)make out like bandits. If you're a W-2 worker, and unable to Itemize deductions, or deduct interest payments on a mortgage, because you rent rather than own a house, you'll get screwed everytime. I'm one of you--so I'm really kicking myself as well. When thngs get better I'll be looking for a sales job that pays on commission. It's the only way to go.
kate
February 17, 2009, 4:34pm (report abuse)The only solution is to declare yourself "a bank"...love to have the feds buy up all MY bad debt! My attitude (faith in this new administration)is rapidly deteriorating.
Jill-Illinois
February 18, 2009, 8:25am (report abuse)So basically we are all screwed if we cant get a job soon. my benefits are UP in April. This is going to be a LOOONNG fun ride. UGH>> They said everyday 20,000 jobs are being lost statewide. NICE
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