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Thanks everyone for the helpful responses! I'll definitely be checking my NY.gov account for that 1099-G next month. Sounds like I need to prepare for owing some federal taxes but at least I won't owe anything to NY state. I'll look into the payment plan options with the IRS since there's no way I can pay a large bill all at once right now. Really appreciate all the advice!
I'm in almost exactly the same boat as you! Lost my job last March, on unemployment until August, and didn't withhold taxes either. Just putting together tax stuff now and realizing I might be in trouble. Following this thread closely for advice...
This happens at least once every quarter with KeyBank in my experience. When I was on UI last year, I eventually set up text alerts for deposits so I wouldn't panic. Glad your money came through! For future reference, these delays almost always resolve within the same business day.
For anyone following this thread with similar issues: NY unemployment benefit payments typically post to accounts within 1-2 business days after being released. Occasional delays can happen due to: - Bank processing times (especially with KeyBank) - System maintenance - High volume processing periods (like month-end) - Weekend/holiday processing schedules If your payment doesn't appear after 3 business days from release, that's when you should contact NYSDOL directly.
I work at a community legal aid office, and we see this issue frequently. In addition to the great advice already given, I strongly recommend you contact your state representative's office. They have dedicated staff who can escalate unemployment issues and often get results much faster than going through normal channels. Just google "NY state assembly member [your neighborhood]" to find your rep. Good luck!
That's a great idea I hadn't thought of! I'll look up my state assembly member right now. Thank you so much for this tip. Should I call or email their office?
Either works, but I've found calling is usually faster. Ask specifically for their "constituent services" person who handles unemployment issues. They'll likely have you fill out a release form so they can inquire about your case. We've seen cases resolved in 1-2 weeks this way versus months through standard channels.
UPDATE: I wanted to thank everyone for their helpful advice! I've taken several steps: 1. Filed the FP-74 fraud form 2. Set up a fraud alert with credit bureaus 3. Left a detailed message through my NY.gov account 4. Called my state assembly member's office (they were super helpful!) 5. Successfully used Claimyr to reach an agent who put a hold on the compromised account The agent I spoke with said this happens more often than people realize. They're sending me a new KeyBank card to my CURRENT address and started the fraud investigation. They said I should expect to wait about 30-45 days for the investigation, but at least new benefits will be protected. I'll update again when I know more!
UPDATE: I FINALLY got through!!! Used a combination of the advice here. Called the appeals number at 7:56am, mentioned the "economic hardship expedite request" specifically, and they transferred me to someone who could help! My claim was stuck because of a verification issue with my last employer. They're releasing the payments within 3-5 business days. THANK YOU all for the help - would still be stuck without these tips!
Great to hear! The expedited hardship flag makes a big difference in the current backlog. For anyone else reading this with similar issues, remember to check your message center regularly after requesting assistance, as some departments will send follow-up questions there rather than calling.
Theodore Nelson
To summarize for everyone confused about this topic: 1. For 2025 taxes, unemployment benefits ARE taxable income both federally and in NY state 2. There is no special March 26 deadline that affects your refund eligibility 3. File by April 15th to avoid late penalties (unless the IRS announces an extension) 4. Your tax software or preparer should automatically calculate the correct tax treatment for your unemployment benefits 5. If you need specific guidance for your situation, speak with a tax professional or try to reach the NY tax department directly Hope this helps clear things up!
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Carmella Fromis
•This is super helpful - thank you for breaking it down so clearly! I think I was confusing this with some special covid rule from previous years.
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Ellie Simpson
WAIT ONE MORE THING!! Make sure you opted to have taxes withheld from your weekly unemployment payments!!! I didn't realize I needed to select this when I first applied and ended up owing a BUNCH at tax time last year. It was a total nightmare!!!!
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Carmella Fromis
•Yikes, thanks for the warning! I did select the withholding option when I applied, so hopefully I'm covered there. Sorry you had to learn that the hard way!
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