Question

If I received an overpayment of unemployment benefits and have to make an unemployment repayment, do I have to claim my unemployment?

Answer

If you repaid the overpayment of unemployment benefits in the same year you received them — Subtract the amount of unemployment repayment from the total taxable amount you received. Report the difference as unemployment compensation.

If you didn’t repay overpayment of unemployment benefits in the same year — Include the benefits in income for the year they were paid.

If the amount of unemployment repayment is $3,000 or less, deduct it on Schedule A in the year you repaid. The deduction is subject to the limit of 2% of your adjusted gross income (AGI).

If the amount of unemployment repayment is more than $3,000, calculate the tax under both of the following methods. Compare the results and use the method (deduction or credit) that results in less tax:

  • Repayment claimed as a deduction — Deduct the repayment on Schedule A in the year you repaid it. The deduction isn’t limited to 2% of your AGI.
  • Repayment as a credit:
    1. Figure the tax for the year of repayment without deducting the repaid amount.
    2. Refigure the tax from the earlier year without including in income the amount repaid in the current tax year.
    3. Subtract the tax in step 2 from the tax shown on the return for the earlier year tax. This is the credit amount.
    4. Subtract the answer in step 3 from the tax for the current tax year figured without the deduction (step 1).

 

Related Topics

Related Resources

Garage Sale Money and Capital Gains: What You Should Report to the IRS

Do capital gains apply to garage sale money? The answer depends on a number of factors. Learn more at H&R Block.

For Pro Golfers, Tough Taxes Are Par for the Course

Professional golfer taxes can be complicated and confusing. Learn more about tricky golfer tax issues like travel deductions and residency rules with H&R Block.

How Renting Out Your Extra Bedrooms Affects Your Taxes

Thinking about renting out a room in your home? Learn more about the potential tax implications with the experts at H&R Block.

How do I calculate taxable income?

Finding your taxable income is an important part of filing taxes. Learn how to calculate your taxable income with help from the experts at H&R Block.