Anyone talking about a "tax cut" for the long-term unemployed? Shouldn't we be???

[stlsaxman]

Topic 418 - Unemployment Compensation

"Unemployment compensation is includible in gross income. You must report unemployment compensation on line 19 of Form 1040, line 13 of Form 1040A, or line 3 of Form 1040EZ. However, for 2009, the first $2,400 of unemployment compensation is excluded from income and should be excluded from the amount reported on your tax return."

http://www.irs.gov/taxtopics/tc418.html

Even with the 2400 buck exemption, lots of folks are gonna be owing a LOT in Fed/FICA/State/Local taxes. Since they're talking tax-breaks for the "haves"- shouldn't allow a temporary moratorium on all unemployment compensation?

ON EDIT: These people are gonna become "criminals" through no fault of their own if they have to pay taxes on compensation...

(i know i hope i never have to get those benefits- i can't afford it)

[WingDinger]

1. Wrote a song about it, and it goes like this

http://journals.democraticunderground.com/WingDinger/25

[geckosfeet]

2. Unemployment insurance compensation was not always taxable income.

I forget when/how it was decided that it should be taxable, within the last 25-30 years, but I would bet my bottom dollar that the idea came from a republican.

[area51]

3. Someone on another thread mentioned it was under Reagan

that unemployment bennies started being taxed.

[geckosfeet]

4. Wouldn't suprise me at all. Cut taxes for the rich, add taxes for the down and out.