Personal taxes - Single filer and unemployment related

[APK01]

Hi - 

Got laid off in March (3 months of work in FY24, fully employed in FY23 and before years). AT the present still looking for jobs. Usually filing single and claiming no exemptions so i get a refund every year after filing the fed and state (CA) taxes.

Q1. This year what tax breaks are available for unemployment - anything to reduce my taxable income??

Q2. What if I am unemployed for a longer period i.e. 3-6 months or greater than 6 months, how would those vary? 

Q3. If i get another job soon, then this year there will be 2 W-2 forms to file right?

Thanks,

Arun.

[xmasbaby0]

No, there are no specific tax breaks for being unemployed. 

Unemployment is taxable income on your federal tax return.  And there are some states that tax unemployment--so whether your state taxes it depends on the tax laws in your state.   You will receive a 1099G from the state which must be entered on your tax return.  Sometimes they mail it to you; more often you have to go to the state's unemployment website to get your 1099G.    CA does not tax unemployment.

Any other income you receive during the tax year must also be entered on your tax return, whether that income is on a W-2 or some other tax document.