Can't access old DEO CONNECT account for 2021 tax records - account disappeared?
Hey everyone, I'm in a frustrating situation with the DEO. I was on unemployment for about 3 months in 2021, then found steady work (thank goodness). Now I'm trying to gather my tax documents for 2021 and I CANNOT access my old CONNECT account at all! It's like it completely vanished. I've tried resetting my password, using my claimant ID, everything. The system keeps saying my information doesn't match their records. I need these 1099-G forms for my taxes and I'm getting worried because the filing deadline is approaching. I've tried calling every DEO number I can find, but it's either busy signals or automated messages that disconnect me. Has anyone else from 2021 managed to get their old tax documents? Did they purge old accounts? Any help would be greatly appreciated!
20 comments
Yuki Yamamoto
The DEO didn't eliminate accounts, but they did do a major system update in early 2024 that's caused all kinds of access problems. You need to request your 1099-G through their automated phone system instead of CONNECT. Call 1-833-FL-APPLY (1-833-352-7759) and choose the option for tax document requests. You'll need your SSN and the PIN you used when you had your account. If that doesn't work, you can request it by mail by sending a written request with your full name, address, phone number, and last 4 of your SSN to: Florida Department of Economic Opportunity, P.O. Box 5350, Tallahassee, FL 32314. Mark the envelope '1099-G Request'.
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Ethan Brown
•Thank you so much for this information! I tried the phone number you suggested but kept getting disconnected after 10 minutes on hold. I'll try the mail option, but I'm worried about timing since tax deadline is coming up. Do you know if there's any way to expedite this?
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Carmen Ortiz
im dealing with this exact same thing!!! tried logging in and says my SSN isnt in the system???? how can they just delete our info??? ive tried calling 20+ times and no one EVER picks up. this is ridiculous. let me know if u figure it out please
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Andre Rousseau
•They didn't delete anyone's information - that would be illegal since they're required to maintain tax records. The system migration just messed up the user interface. Your records are still there, but the login process changed. If you need immediate help, try calling right when they open at 7:30am. That's when I finally got through.
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Zoe Papadakis
I had the same issue last month trying to get my 2021 records. Spent WEEKS trying to get through on the phone with no luck. Finally used Claimyr.com to get past the phone system and connect with an agent in about 20 minutes. Cost a few bucks but saved me so much time and stress. They have a demo video showing how it works here: https://youtu.be/UzW_hbUy-ss?si=zORd51jeq1GX5Ldj. The agent told me they've had tons of these requests and had to manually pull my 1099-G from their system because of the upgrade issues.
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Ethan Brown
•I've never heard of this service but I'm desperate enough to try anything at this point. Did they actually email you the 1099-G or just provide the information over the phone?
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Zoe Papadakis
•They gave me the total amount over the phone immediately, then emailed the actual 1099-G form to me about 3 days later. The agent also set up temporary access to my old account so I could download other tax docs I needed.
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Jamal Carter
THE DEO IS A COMPLETE JOKE!!! I've been trying to get my 2020 AND 2021 records for THREE MONTHS!!! They keep telling me "we're processing your request" but NOTHING EVER HAPPENS! They are DELIBERATELY making it impossible to access our records because they don't want people to see how badly they screwed up during the pandemic. I filed a complaint with the state Inspector General's office and am considering a lawsuit. THIS IS OUR PERSONAL FINANCIAL DATA and they have NO RIGHT to block access!!!
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AstroAdventurer
•while i agree the deo is frustrating i think its just incompetence not a conspiracy lol. my brother in law works for the state (not deo) and says their computer systems are from like the stone age. they're probably just overwhelmed with requests before tax time
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Mei Liu
Hi there! I went through this same issue back in January. What worked for me was going in person to my local CareerSource office. A lot of people don't realize they can help with DEO issues too. The staff there has special access to the unemployment system and was able to print my 1099-G right there on the spot! I didn't even need an appointment at my location, but you might want to call ahead to check if yours requires one. Bring your ID and know your SSN. Much easier than fighting with the phone system!
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Ethan Brown
•That's brilliant! I didn't even think of CareerSource. There's one about 20 minutes from my house. I'll definitely try this option first thing tomorrow. Thanks so much for the tip!
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AstroAdventurer
you can also get ur tax info by faxing the DEO at 850-617-6504 with a request. include ur full name, last 4 of ssn and the years u need. my cousin did this and got his 1099 back in like a week. way faster than the mail option
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Carmen Ortiz
•Who even has a fax machine in 2025?? lol but thanks for the info i guess
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Yuki Yamamoto
Just wanted to add - if you absolutely can't get your 1099-G in time for filing taxes, the IRS allows you to file with your best estimate of unemployment income. Just keep documentation showing your attempts to get the official form from DEO. If you have bank statements showing the deposits, that can help you calculate the total. You can always file an amended return later if the numbers are off once you get the official 1099-G.
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Ethan Brown
•This is really helpful information, thank you! I think I have most of my deposit records in my bank statements, so I could probably piece it together that way if I have to. I'm going to try the CareerSource option first as someone suggested, but it's good to know I have options if that doesn't work out.
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Liam O'Sullivan
has anyone here actually gotten their 1099g by mail? i requested mine 6 weeks ago and still nothing
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Mei Liu
•I requested by mail initially and waited 5 weeks with no response. That's why I ended up going to CareerSource instead. If you're in a rush, I wouldn't count on the mail option.
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Ethan Brown
UPDATE: I wanted to share what ended up working for me in case others are still struggling. I took the advice about going to CareerSource and it was PERFECT. I went to the office in Broward County, showed my ID, and they were able to print my 1099-G in less than 15 minutes. The staff person there said they've been helping hundreds of people with this same issue. She also mentioned they can help with other DEO-related problems too. Definitely try this route if you're still trying to get your tax documents!
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Carmen Ortiz
•thank you SO MUCH for updating us!!! im gonna try my local careersource tomorrow!!!
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Yuki Yamamoto
•Great to hear you got it resolved! This is definitely the fastest solution for most people right now. The DEO really should make this information more widely available.
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