Do I have to report a 1099-G for unemployment I never received?

This is definitely a case of either an error or potentially identity theft. You need to contact your state unemployment office immediately to dispute this incorrect 1099-G. This happens more often than you'd think, especially since the pandemic when fraud increased. Don't report income you never received on your tax return. Instead, request a corrected 1099-G from your state agency. Each state has a process for disputing incorrect unemployment forms. You'll likely need to fill out a form and provide documentation showing you were employed during this period. While you're waiting for this to be resolved, I would recommend placing a fraud alert on your credit reports and checking if someone filed for unemployment in your name.

I had almost the exact same problem last year and was pulling my hair out until I found taxr.ai (https://taxr.ai). Their document review tool saved me when dealing with my incorrect 1099-G situation. I uploaded my 1099-G and my pay stubs showing I was employed, and their system helped me build a proper dispute package for my state unemployment office. It also helped me draft a letter explaining why I wasn't reporting this "income" on my return. The AI analyzed everything and pointed out exactly what I needed to document the error. The best part was that it helped me understand what to do about my already-filed return while I was waiting for the state to sort things out. Definitely worth checking out if you're in this frustrating situation!

I was skeptical about using taxr.ai when I commented above, but I gave it a try and I'm shocked at how helpful it was! I uploaded my incorrect 1099-G and my W-2s, and it immediately spotted the problem and guided me through my state's dispute process step by step. The system explained exactly what documentation I needed to provide and even generated a dispute letter that I could send to my state unemployment office. I was especially impressed with how it explained the potential impacts on my tax return and gave me options for handling the situation while waiting for a correction. If you're dealing with this 1099-G nightmare like I was, it's definitely worth checking out. Saved me hours of research and stress!

After spending 9 DAYS trying to get through to my state unemployment office about a wrong 1099-G last year, I finally found Claimyr (https://claimyr.com). You can see how it works here: https://youtu.be/_kiP6q8DX5c Basically, it holds your place in the phone queue so you don't have to listen to that awful hold music for hours. I was able to get through to a real person at the unemployment office in about 20 minutes after trying on my own for over a week! The agent was actually helpful once I got through and started the process to correct my 1099-G right away. Before using Claimyr I was ready to give up and just pay taxes on money I never got because I couldn't reach anyone. Don't make that mistake!

I have to eat my words from my skeptical comment above. After trying Claimyr out of pure desperation, I actually got through to my state unemployment office in 45 minutes after spending WEEKS trying on my own! The agent confirmed there was a fraud case opened with my SSN and immediately began the process of correcting my 1099-G. They're also sending me documentation I can provide to the IRS proving I didn't receive those benefits. I was absolutely convinced nothing would help with getting through to the unemployment office, but this actually worked. If you're dealing with an incorrect 1099-G like me, don't waste weeks trying to call them directly like I did.

My sister had this happen to her in 2023. It turned out someone had stolen her identity and filed for unemployment in her name. Definitely contact your state's unemployment office RIGHT AWAY to report the fraud. Also report it to the FTC at IdentityTheft.gov - they'll help you create a recovery plan. You should also check your credit reports at AnnualCreditReport.com to see if there's any other suspicious activity. Don't amend your return yet! Wait until you get a corrected 1099-G showing zero benefits paid to you. The state will also notify the IRS about the correction.

this happened to me 2 years ago! first call ur state unemployment office ASAP!!! i had to fill out an identity theft affidavit (IRS form 14039) and send it in. also get a credit freeze at all 3 bureaus right away!! don't report the income on ur taxes!! wait for the corrected 1099-G that shows $0. my state took about a month to send the new one after i reported it.

I work as a tax preparer and see this fraudulent 1099-G issue frequently. Here's what you need to do immediately: 1. Contact your state unemployment office to report the fraudulent claim - don't delay on this step 2. Request a corrected 1099-G showing $0 in benefits 3. File IRS Form 14039 (Identity Theft Affidavit) to notify the IRS 4. DO NOT amend your already-filed return yet - wait for the corrected form Since you've already filed your return without including this income (which is correct since you never received it), the IRS may send you a notice asking about the discrepancy between your return and the 1099-G they received. When this happens, respond with documentation from your state showing the benefits were fraudulent and include a copy of your corrected 1099-G. Also freeze your credit immediately and monitor for other signs of identity theft. Someone likely used your information to file a fraudulent unemployment claim, so there could be other issues. The key is acting fast with the state unemployment office - the sooner you report it, the quicker they can investigate and issue corrections.