Discrimination EEOC Settlement

[msjrice]

How do I report a settlement from an EEOC case with charges of hostile work environment, harassment (non-sexual), discrimination based on race, religion and disability to pay zero, or the least amount of taxes?  Employer admitted no fault, of course, and is making lump sum payment without withholding taxes...not W2 income.

[LarryL20]

Per IRS Publication 525 , amounts received from lawsuits such as for unlawful discrimination are considered income due to personal injury and not a physical injury.  Emotional distress itself isn't a physical injury or physical sickness, but damages you receive for emotional distress due to a physical injury or sickness are treated as received for the physical injury or sickness (which are not taxable).  If the emotional distress is due to a personal injury that isn't due to a physical injury or sickness (for example, unlawful discrimination or injury to reputation), you must include the damages in your income, except for any damages you receive for medical care due to that emotional distress. Emotional distress includes physical symptoms that result from emotional distress, such as headaches, insomnia, and stomach disorders.

You may be able to deduct attorney fees and court costs paid to recover a judgment or settlement for a claim of unlawful discrimination under various provisions of federal, state, and local law listed in section 62(e), a claim against the U.S. Government, or a claim under section 1862(b)(3)(A) of the Social Security Act. You can claim this deduction as an adjustment to income on Schedule 1 (Form 1040), line 24h. The following rules apply.

• The attorney fees and court costs may be paid by you or on your behalf in connection with the claim for unlawful discrimination, the claim against the U.S. Government, or the claim under section 1862(b)(3)(A) of the Social Security Act.

• The deduction you're claiming can't be more than the amount of the judgment or settlement you're including in income for the tax year.

• The judgment or settlement to which your attorney fees and court costs apply must occur after October 22, 2004.

Deducting the attorney's fee, if you are eligible, would reduce the amount of the taxable income.

The amount of the settlement that you received should be reported to you on Form 1099-MISC (Miscellaneous Income) in early 2023 for your 2022 tax return (if the settlement is actually received in 2022).