I’m not sure why Uncle Sam waited so long to publish his tax guide for the newly unemployed.  The US unemployment has been above 5% for over a year.  We really could have used this last winter when the rate of new claims was at its peak.

And a note about manners, Uncle Sam.  I don’t expect you to be overly touchy-feely, but after all, the people reading this document will have just suffered a traumatic life event.  Couldn’t you have started a little gently?  Perhaps, something like “the economy is going through difficult times, and many individuals like yourself have temporarily lost employment.”    But nooooh.  Your opening line is:  “Severance pay and unemployment compensation are taxable.”  Ouch.  Harsh. Continue Reading »