Second Job – Unemployment
Hi Terry: Before the pandemic struct last year I worked two jobs. A brand new one as a property manager and a second job as a musician. When everything was shut down in March it turns out that I was an essential worker as a property manager. I’ve worked every day since the pandemic began and I continue to receive a paycheck from that job. My second job shut down completely. My gig work and regular church job (1099)all disappeared after March 1. So in 2020 I’ve lost a significant amount of money without unemployment compensation. My question is can I claim the loss on my schedule A for 2020? Also, would I have been eligible for unemployment for the loss of the regular church gig?
Terry Says
You can’t claim a loss for income you “would have had”! But if you had significant self-employment income you could file for the PUA self-employment claim. BUT the catch is you must first be turned down for regular unemployment, which you will be because you continue to work. Then the state will consider lost income under PUA. If you live in Illinois, it could take forever for a decision!
