Finance news

When Uncle Sam comes calling, not even the jobless are exempt.

Unemployment aid is taxed as regular income for the federal government and most states, said Mark Steber, vice president of tax resources at Jackson Hewitt Tax Service Inc. If you don’t choose to withhold taxes from your check, you could have a balance due on April 15, even as you struggle to pay the bills.

"Unfortunately, it’s a surprise in many cases," Steber said.

But those on the job hunt have recourse to some tax breaks on these expenses:
— Mileage costs during trips to interviews and the unemployment office. In the first half of last year, you can claim 50.5 cents on the mile; in the second half, 58.5 cents.

— Mailing and printing costs for r