S2997.01T

To amend chapter 288, RSMo, by adding thereto one new section relating to the withholding of income taxes from unemployment compensation benefits.

Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of Missouri, as follows:

Section A. Chapter 288, RSMo, is amended by adding thereto one new section, to be known as section 288.379, to read as follows:

288.379. 1. Beginning January 1, 1997, an individual filing a new or renewed unemployment compensation claim shall, at the time of filing such claim, be advised that:

(1) Unemployment compensation is subject to federal, state and local income tax;

(2) Requirements exist pertaining to estimated tax payments;

(3) The individual may elect to have federal income tax deducted and withheld from the individual's payment of unemployment compensation at the amount specified in the federal Internal Revenue Code; and

(4) The individual shall be permitted to change a previously elected withholding status.

2. Amounts deducted and withheld from unemployment compensation shall remain in the unemployment compensation trust fund until transferred to the federal, state or local taxing authority as a payment of income tax.

3. The division shall follow all procedures specified by the United States Department of Labor and the federal Internal Revenue Service pertaining to the deducting and withholding of income tax.

4. Amounts shall be deducted and withheld under this section only after amounts are deducted and withheld for any overpayments of unemployment compensation, child support obligations, food stamp overissuances or any other amounts required to be deducted and withheld under this chapter.