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Are Penalties Taxable Income?

Posted: Fri Dec 03, 2010 10:09 am
by Jim Frame
My firm has a contract with a California state agency. Due to California's budget mess, some of my invoices weren't paid in a timely manner as defined in the state's Prompt Payment Act. My agency project manager told me yesterday that I'll be getting a check for penalties as prescribed by the Act. Are these penalties taxable income?

P.S. I'm seeking answers from some more pertinent resources, and thought I'd ask here in case any of you has had direct experience with this.

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Posted: Fri Dec 03, 2010 2:51 pm
by E_Page
Almost anything considered to be an "accession to wealth" is considered to be income by the FTB. But ask your accountant for a definitive answer.

Posted: Fri Dec 03, 2010 11:18 pm
by Jim Frame
The consensus is that it's taxable. I was just hoping...

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Posted: Mon Dec 13, 2010 11:38 am
by Stephen Johnson
Jim

Nearly 40 years ago, when the IRS paid me some interest, the next year they sent a form listing it as income I needed to declare on my 1040. And they only paid me $6.00.