Forgot to include unemployment on my 2020 return, can i just add it when i file my 2021 return?

[Allyrhiannxo]

My unemployment earnings were over the 10,200 amount. And I did not have any taxes taken out, can I just include that on my 2021 return or do I need to amend my 2020 return?

[JohnW152]

By law, you have to include it on the tax return for the year in which it was received.  You'll need to amend your 2020 return to include your 2020 unemployment.  

[Mike9241]

the good news is that some of that UC may be tax-exempt (up to $10,200) in 2020. as of now, it would be fully taxable in 2021