Tax tips for recession victims  Michelle Singletary / The
Washington Post  If you've been pounded by the recession, I
imagine the last thing you want to think about is your tax
situation.  But you'd better be thinking about it, because you
don't want to get clobbered come April. The Internal Revenue
Service has put together a very helpful list of questions and
answers for people in financial trouble. You can see the full
list of questions by going to www.irs.gov and type in the search
field "The What Ifs of an Economic Downturn."  For example, what
if you lose your job and receive a lump-sum severance? Do you
have to pay taxes on that money?  Of course you do. What if you
are paid for accumulated sick leave and unused vacation time?
Also taxable. It's important that you know this so you can set
aside enough to pay these taxes next year. However, if you
receive public assistance and food stamps, those entitlements
are not taxable.  What about unemployment benefits?
Unemployment benefits vary, depending on whe