jamiegmayes,
(1) maternity compensation, being taxable in France ( even though it is an insurance that is paid for by the employee and the employee), available only to emplyees and effectively replacing wages--- leads me to believe that this is disability payment equivalent ( in the USA). This would therefore be taxable in the USA as wages till the retirement age and then as pension. So you would need to report this amount as wages --- obviously you would have social Security and Medicare implication but this is no different than when you get a wage from your employer for the work that you perform. Also therefore this amount should be part of earned income exclusion eligibility.
(2) the parenatl leave compensation could be looked up as a employee benefit and not connected with your actual work -- i.e. all employees are eligible for it , if needed. This is like sick leave and therefore I would propose that it is not taxable or recognizable for US tax purposes. The employer is essentially giving you extra paid leave -- you are nopt getting extra money but you are getting without being present at your station of work. So no reporting required
(3) this benefit is for the child -- it is like providing free meals at school for the benefit of all children ( the future of the country concerned ). Therefore this is not a taxable item. Furhtemore it is being given to the parent in respect/ for the child -- who has no income anyways. It is like a counrty providing cleaner air ( and spending money in the process ) for all its inhabitants -- not a taxable benefit -- you did not have to do anything to get it ( perhaps a gift from the govt. -- still not your income ).
I hope this helps you --- if you need more help, consider adding to this thread --pk
