Confused about NY unemployment tax documentation requirements - applied in 2020 but they need different docs?

I had to deal with this exact headache about 3 months ago. You're right about the timeline - since you applied in May 2020, you only need to send your 2020 tax return. I sent both my 2019 and 2020 just to be safe though and they accepted it. Make sure you include ALL pages of your return, even the blank ones! They rejected my first submission because I only sent the relevant pages 🙄

After weeks of trying to reach ny unemployment about a similar issue, I finally tried a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) and got a callback with a real agent in about 45 minutes! Talking to someone directly got my documentation issues fixed in one call. The agent confirmed that for May 2020 claims, you need 2020 docs or employer verification. Best money I ever spent to get this resolved instead of waiting forever. Check out this video if you're curious how it works: https://youtu.be/Rdqa1gKtxuE

Hey, so I work for an accountant who deals with this stuff all day. The rule is: application date before April 1, 2020 = 2019 taxes. Application date April 1, 2020 or later = 2020 taxes OR Schedule C OR employer verification. Since you applied in May, you're definitely in the 2020 group. But honestly, send everything you possibly can. The more documentation the better with these people.

The whole NY unemployment system is a dumpster fire 🔥 I sent in exactly what they asked for and they still denied me saying I sent the wrong forms. Had to appeal and wait another 8 weeks. My advice is send BOTH years and also any W2s, paystubs, or employment letters you can find. Better to overwhelm them with proof than have them reject you for missing something.

Literally going through the same thing right now with ny unemployment. Applied June 2020 and they're asking for all this documentation NOW?? Almost 3 years later??? I sent my 2020 tax return + a letter from my old boss and that seemed to work. Got my benefits continued last week.

I've been dealing with ny unemployment for what feels like my entire adult life at this point and here's what I've learned: The stated rules and the actual practice are completely different things. Always over-document. Always keep copies. Always follow up. And most importantly, ALWAYS CALL THEM if you get a confusing notice. Don't try to guess what they want because half the time they don't even know what they want.

Went through this exact situation in april. Since you filed in May 2020, you need 2020 tax docs. But here's the stupid part - they're asking for 2020 tax returns which weren't even DUE until April 2021, so how could anyone have filed them in May 2020?? 🤡 The system is broken. I ended up sending my 2019 return AND 2020 return AND employment verification letter. Got approved eventually.

This whole thing is a mess but here's EXACTLY what you need to do: 1) Gather both your 2019 AND 2020 tax returns, complete with ALL pages 2) Get any W2s you have from both years 3) If you have any letters from your employer about being laid off, add those 4) Make a cover letter explaining EXACTLY when you applied and what documentation you're providing 5) Send it all in AND upload to website AND if possible hand deliver a copy to a local office. Yes it's ridiculous but this is how I finally got mine resolved after 7 months of back and forth. And if you're having trouble reaching anyone by phone (like everyone else), I finally had success with a service called claimyr.com that got me through to a real person. They charge a fee but it saved me weeks of trying to call myself. When you're dealing with thousands in benefits, it's worth it.

lmfao welcome to the ny unemployment circus 🎪 where the rules are made up and the requirements don't matter! seriously tho - they sent me the same notice 3 different times, each asking for different docs. i literally sent them my entire life history just to cover all bases.

just a heads up, theres an audit going on right now. they're asking almost everyone for these docs, even people who've been getting benefits for years. don't panic. just send what they ask for and keep a copy of everything. i think they're trying to catch fraud cases but it's causing a huge backlog for legitimate claims too.

Pro tip from someone who's been through the unemployment wringer: Always include a cover letter that clearly states 1) Your full name 2) Your claimant ID number 3) Your SSN 4) The date you applied 5) A list of all documents you're sending. Basically spoon-feed them everything so there's no room for confusion. And ALWAYS send by certified mail so you have proof they received it. BTW they're super backed up right now processing these verifications. Mine took 6 weeks to clear even though I sent exactly what they asked for.

anyone else think it's weird that they're asking for this stuff now?? like years after the fact?? my conspiracy theory is they're trying to find ways to deny claims retroactively and claw back money. my brother got hit with a $7800 overpayment notice last month because they suddenly decided his documentation from 2020 wasn't sufficient 😡

So I work as a tax preparer and deal with this all the time. Since you filed in May 2020, you actually have a few options: - 2020 tax return (even though it would have been filed in 2021) - 2019 tax return (most people use this) - Schedule C if you were self-employed - W-2s from 2019 - Employment verification letter The most straightforward is just sending your 2019 tax return since that's what most people would have used to establish their claim in May 2020. But sending multiple forms of proof never hurts. If you're having trouble getting through on the phone (and who isn't), I've had multiple clients use Claimyr (claimyr.com) to get a callback. It costs money but saves hours or days of frustration, and when you're dealing with potentially thousands in benefits, it can be worth it.

this happened to me and i lost my benefits for 2 months because i didn't respond fast enough. don't make my mistake. send the docs ASAP even if you're not sure which ones they need. they'll reject what they don't want.

Has anyone actually gotten through to a human being on the phone to ask about this? I've been trying to call NY unemployment for 3 weeks and can't get past the automated system. It's driving me insane.