Accessing EDD tax forms from Europe - need urgent help before tax deadline

You need to use a reliable VPN service that has servers in California specifically. I was in a similar situation last year when I was working in Spain for 3 months. Most free VPNs won't work because EDD has gotten better at detecting them. I used ExpressVPN and was able to login to my account without issues. Make sure you're connecting to a California server specifically, as some other US servers might still trigger their security system.

cant u just call them?? my cousin moved 2 japan and she just called edd and they mailed the tax forms to her parents house. then her parents scanned it and emailed it 2 her. simple fix!

You actually have a few options here: 1. Use a VPN with California servers as suggested (ExpressVPN or NordVPN with proper configuration) 2. Request your 1099-G by phone. If you can't get through using the regular EDD number, try the dedicated 1099-G request line: 1-866-401-2849 3. Designate an authorized representative in the US to access your information. You'll need to complete a DE 1093 form and mail it to EDD before they can help you 4. Contact the Taxpayer Advocate Service if you're running out of time As for the phone issue - if you're having trouble getting through to EDD due to the 'maximum callers reached' message, you might want to try Claimyr (claimyr.com). They have a service that helps connect you with an EDD representative without the endless redials. They have a video demo showing how it works: https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km I used them when I was dealing with an identity verification issue and was able to get through within about 25 minutes instead of spending days redialing.

I moved to London 2 years ago and had the EXACT same problem!!! The geo-blocking is SO annoying. Honestly the EDD system is ridiculous with all these restrictions. Like hello?? Americans travel and move abroad sometimes!! Anyway I ended up having to get my mom to login to my account from California and download everything for me because NOTHING else worked. VPNs, calling, nothing. The EDD website would literally just say "access denied" even with a VPN!!

Has anyone tried contacting the IRS directly instead of EDD? I know they can provide transcripts of all tax documents filed under your SSN including 1099-Gs. I had to do this once when I never received my 1099-G in the mail. You can request tax transcripts online or by mail using Form 4506-T. Might be easier than dealing with EDD's website restrictions.

I used Claimyr last month when I was desperate to talk to someone at EDD about my disqualification. It actually worked! I was skeptical at first but they got me connected in about 30 minutes after spending 3 days trying on my own. Their website is claimyr.com and they have a video showing how it works too. Might be worth it if you're calling internationally since those fees add up fast! Just sharing since it helped me.

Let me clear up a few things about accessing tax documents from abroad: 1. The EDD website geo-blocking is intentional for security reasons and most basic VPNs won't work because they use known VPN IP ranges that EDD automatically blocks. 2. The most reliable method is completing form DE 1093 (Authorization for Release of Information) and designating someone in the US as your representative. This is the officially supported method. 3. For tax year 2024, your 1099-G will be available by January 31, 2025. You can file IRS Form 4852 (Substitute for Form 1099-G) if you absolutely cannot obtain the original form. 4. If you're using a VPN, you need one with residential IP addresses in California, not commercial data center IPs that are easily flagged. 5. The 1099-G telephone self-service option (1-866-401-2849) can still work internationally, but you'll need your full SSN, the exact amount of benefits received, and California mailing address on file. Hope this helps navigate your options more clearly.

wait why dont u just use ur friends address in the US for taxes anyway?? thats what my brother does and hes been living in Thailand for like 3 years lol

Update on my earlier VPN advice: I just double-checked with a friend who works in cybersecurity, and he says EDD has gotten much more sophisticated with their VPN detection in the past year. You need a VPN that offers dedicated IP addresses (sometimes called static IPs) in California specifically, not just shared California servers. The dedicated IP costs a bit extra but won't be flagged as a VPN because you're the only one using it. NordVPN, ExpressVPN, and Surfshark all offer this option. This might explain why your previous attempt didn't work.

I went through something similar when I moved to Canada last year! Here's what worked for me: I called the EDD customer service line early in the morning California time (around 8 AM PST) using Skype credit instead of international calling - much cheaper than regular international rates. When I finally got through, I explained I was living abroad and needed my tax documents mailed to a US address. They were actually pretty understanding and sent my 1099-G to my brother's address in Los Angeles within about 10 days. The key is being persistent with the calling - I used an auto-redial app to keep trying until I got through. Also, make sure you have all your info ready (SSN, claim number, exact dates of benefits) because they'll verify everything before helping you.

I'm dealing with a similar situation right now! I moved to Amsterdam last year and needed my 1099-G from 2023. What ended up working for me was a combination approach: I used a VPN with a dedicated California IP (like others mentioned) AND called during off-peak hours using Google Voice instead of Skype - the call quality was better and rates were cheaper. The trick was calling around 2 PM PST when most people are at lunch, so the lines weren't as busy. I also found that having my EDD customer account number ready (not just SSN) helped speed up the verification process. If the VPN route doesn't work, definitely go with the authorized representative form - that's the most reliable method according to everything I've read. Good luck with the tax deadline!

I'm currently in a very similar situation - moved to Berlin in January and completely panicked when I realized I couldn't access my EDD account! After reading through all these responses, I wanted to share what's working for me so far. I tried the NordVPN dedicated IP approach that @Jamal Wilson suggested and it actually worked! The key was specifically requesting a residential IP in California (not just any US server) and it cost an extra $70/year but totally worth it for peace of mind. I was able to log in and download my 1099-G yesterday without any security issues. For anyone else reading this, make sure when you contact NordVPN support you specifically ask for a "dedicated residential IP in California" - the regular dedicated IP might still get flagged. Also, clear your browser cache completely before trying to access EDD with the new IP. Hope this helps other expats dealing with the same nightmare!