Hi guys,

Been browsing along, and am quite acquainted with the tax system and tax returns, but could not find anything relating to unemployment benefits and tax returns.

I was unemployed for a few months during 2010, and received some benefits, then I started working.

My question is, do I add the unemployment benefits to my salary and declare the income in full in the Einkommen field? I am asking beacuse on the tax booklet, it says: "Arbeitslosenhilfe sind nicht steuerbar", which I understand as unemployment benefits are not subject to tax.

Thanks

I would say they still have to be declared, as such. If they aren't taxable, you won't pay tax on them. Declaring them avoids any misunderstanding.

that is what I thought.

Forgot to mention, Quellensteur was deducted at source, and this got me scratching my head

From what I understand, unemployment benefits are taxed exactly as employment income. No difference. They even deduct AHV as normal from your unemployment benefits.

I agree with Dino. Money from ORP / RAV is taxed as normal.

But Arbeitslosenhilfe, ie Social Security is not taxed, but is still entered on the tax form to show you have enough legal income.

If you do not declare enough salary they will ask you to explain how you manage to live on your income, and they assume you have undeclared "black" income.

Definitely taxable! On the ZH tax form, enter amount in 3.3
"Erwerbsausfallentschädigungen aus Arbeitslosenversicherung"