I'm in the same boat as you, although I think I only owe about $500. The thing that bit me is that unemployment insurance is taxable and I chose not to have taxes deducted from my checks, so I have to pay it now. Of course, I'd still do it the same way, as I needed that money then more than I do now.

It does suck, though, that unemployment insurance is taxable. Maybe it's at least at a lower rate.