Hi everyone and welcome back to Money Girls Quick and Dirty Tips for a richer life.

I'm Laura Adams. With the unemployment rate currently at 10%, it's likely that you or a friend or family member may be looking for work.

This week's post is about tax breaks related to being unemployed or

hunting for a new job. Now let's get back to the topic and see if you can take

advantage of any of the following six tax tips.

Tip number one, a portion of unemployment compensation is tax-free.

Normally, unemployment benefits are taxable income, but there's a brand new benefit that makes the first $2,400 of unemployment that you received

in 2009 tax-free.

For example, if you received $3,000 in unemployment, you'll only be taxed on $600 of it.

The benefit applies to each taxpayer, so if you're married and file a joint return,

you can each exclude the first $2,400 of your unemployment from tax.

This break is only for 2009.

Benefits you receive in 2010 are fully taxable again,

unless the law changes.

However, you can choose to have income tax withheld from unemployment payments.

That way you won't be surprised by a year-end tax liability.

Tip number two, some of your job search expenses may be tax deductible.

Today's job market is one of the most competitive in history.

You'll probably need to spend some money to create a top-notch resume

or even get some career counseling.

The money you spend on your job search can add up,

but the good news is that many of your expenses may qualify for a tax deduction,

...