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i had same problem last month. whats worked for me was calling exactly at 8:01 am (not 8:00, not 8:05) and press options 1, then 5, then 2, then 1 again when prompted. got thru to someone in like 15 mins this way. good luck!!
UPDATE: I got through!!! Used the 518-485-8589 number at exactly 7:30am and only waited 22 minutes. The agent was actually super helpful and fixed my pending payments. They said there was a "verification flag" on my account that needed to be removed. Should get all my backpay within 3 business days! Thanks everyone for your help!
my sister works for NY unemployment and she says they get this question all the time!! the stimulus was from federal govt not from unemployment and its not taxed. but your unemployment benefits are 100% taxable so make sure you budget for that next time maybe?
Update: I went back to my tax preparer with all this info and they admitted they made a mistake! They're redoing my taxes for free. Turns out I DO owe taxes on my unemployment income (about $870) but nothing on the stimulus. Thanks everyone for saving me from paying money I didn't need to!
Great outcome! For future reference, you can always select to have taxes withheld from your NY unemployment payments (it's about 10% for federal and a small amount for state). It makes filing taxes much less stressful since you won't have a surprise tax bill.
Great news! This is exactly why speaking to an agent is so important - they can resolve these issues quickly once you get through. Be very careful with that misconduct questionnaire and answer everything truthfully but completely. Make sure to note that you received no written warnings if that's the case.
i still cant get thru to nyone at the tax dept about my problem... been trying for DAYS!!!!! this is y everyone hates dealing with the govt!!!!
Try calling right when they open at 8:30am. That's usually when it's easiest to get through. If that doesn't work, seriously check out that Claimyr service I mentioned. It was worth it to not waste hours on hold.
Just checked my mail n i got mine 2day!!! says i dont owe tax on $10,200. but im confused do i need 2 do anything with this letter or just keep it for my records?
Just keep the letter for your records. If you already filed your taxes without claiming the exemption, the IRS will automatically adjust your return and send any additional refund you're entitled to. You don't need to take any action unless your lower AGI makes you eligible for additional credits or deductions.
Christian Bierman
i heard somthing about a special tax break for unemployment in 2025?? anybody know if thats real or just a rumor
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Emma Olsen
•There is no special tax break specifically for unemployment in 2025. You might be thinking of the exclusion that was available during the pandemic years, but that was temporary and hasn't been renewed for the current tax year. All unemployment benefits are fully taxable for 2025 at both federal and NY state levels.
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Christian Bierman
•oh man that sucks!! thx for clearing that up
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Makayla Shoemaker
Thanks everyone for the helpful responses! I checked my tax return and 1099-G and it looks like my accountant did handle everything correctly. The withholding from my unemployment was included in my regular tax calculations, and I'm getting a refund that was just approved yesterday. I was making this way more complicated than it needed to be! I'm relieved I don't need to file anything else or take any additional steps. I really appreciate all the clarification!
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Anita George
•Glad it worked out! 👍
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