INFORMEDdebate
YES
from members:
Deborah Gilchriest
Deer Park, NY
Unemployment benefits should benefit the
worker, not the state. By
taxing benefits, it adds
additional hardship for
the unemployed worker.
Cornelius Winesherry
Lakewood, WA
The more money you
have in your pocket, the
more you can spend.
PHOTODISC
Should we remove
Daniel Walters
Manassas, VA
People who are receiving
unemployment benefits
are experiencing enough
difficulties. Taxing these
benefits is just adding
insult to injury.
the income tax on
unemployment
NO
from members:
insurance benefits?
UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE (UI) BENEFITS have been taxable
by the federal government since 1987. During the presidential campaign
both candidates were in favor of removing this tax. According to President
Obama’s new stimulus plan, those receiving unemployment benefits this
year wouldn’t pay any federal income taxes on the first $2,400 they receive.
Those who favor removing the income tax from UI benefits say that it
would stimulate the economy by putting more money in the pockets of
unemployed workers.
Critics argue that removing the tax plays favorites over other taxpayers
and that there are other ways to provide relief to unemployed workers.
What do you think?
Sidney Jain
Geneva, IL
If you remove tax on
unemployment income,
is it fair to tax others
who are working for their
income? I don’t think so.
Circe Woessner
Albuquerque, NM
I have heard that the
tax collected goes
back into the unemployment insurance
pool, which would
help more unemployed people.
Find out more about this topic on the Web:
• www.cbpp.org/12-7-01ui.htm
• www.nelp.org/page/-/UI/Federal%20Income%20Taxation%20of%20
Unemployment%20Insurance.pdf
• http://ideas.repec.org/a/kap/itaxpf/v7y2000i4p521-546.html
Kimberly Slaughter
Pearland, TX
Persons should still contribute to taxes. This will
motivate them to not
accept unemployment as
a long-term option.
14 The Costco Connection APRIL 2009
