Skip to main content
MGC94
Level 7
March 5, 2024
Solved

Lawsuit

  • March 5, 2024
  • 1 reply
  • 20 views

Wrongful termination 

The lawyer got $20,000

Taxpayer got $10,287.28 

There is no tax form, but the lawyer is saying to report it as income. Where would this go? Is it reportable? 

This topic has been closed for replies.
Best answer by Norman2001

From Pub 4345:

"If you receive a settlement in an employment-related lawsuit; for example, for unlawful discrimination
or involuntary termination, the portion of the proceeds that is for lost wages (i.e., severance pay, back
pay, front pay) is taxable wages and subject to the social security wage base and social security
and Medicare tax rates in effect in the year paid. These proceeds are subject to employment tax
withholding by the payer and should be reported by you as wages on Line 1a of Form 1040, U.S.
Individual Income Tax Return."

 

1 reply

sjrcpa
Level 15
March 5, 2024

yes, $30K is reportable. Other income, but it probably should have been on a W-2.

The more I know the more I don’t know.
MGC94
MGC94Author
Level 7
March 6, 2024

I'm sorry. The net settlement was $20,000 the lawyer got $7,086.98 and the net proceed distributable to taxpayer was $10, 287.28. The rest was other fees. 

If he doesn't have a w2 I just report $20,000 on Schedule 1 line Z? 

 

Level 6
March 6, 2024

From Pub 4345:

"If you receive a settlement in an employment-related lawsuit; for example, for unlawful discrimination
or involuntary termination, the portion of the proceeds that is for lost wages (i.e., severance pay, back
pay, front pay) is taxable wages and subject to the social security wage base and social security
and Medicare tax rates in effect in the year paid. These proceeds are subject to employment tax
withholding by the payer and should be reported by you as wages on Line 1a of Form 1040, U.S.
Individual Income Tax Return."