How to claim unemployment on taxes - NYS Department of Labor benefits reporting questions
I received unemployment benefits from NYS Department of Labor last year and now I'm completely lost on how to handle this on my tax return. I got some form in the mail but honestly have no idea what I'm supposed to do with it. Do I need to report all the unemployment money I received? Is there something special I need to fill out? This is my first time dealing with unemployment benefits and taxes together and I'm really confused about the whole process.
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Tasia Synder
You should have received a 1099-G form from NYS Department of Labor showing the total unemployment benefits paid to you in 2024. This amount needs to be reported as income on your federal tax return. You'll enter it in the 'Other Income' section if you're using tax software, or on Schedule 1 if filing manually. The unemployment income is fully taxable at the federal level.
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Natalia Stone
•I think I got that form but threw it away thinking it was junk mail! Can I get another copy from NYS Department of Labor somehow?
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Selena Bautista
Yes you can get a duplicate 1099-G online through your my.ny.gov account where you filed your weekly claims. Just log in and look for tax documents section. Also remember that if you had taxes withheld from your unemployment payments, that will show up on the 1099-G too and can be used as a credit on your return.
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Mohamed Anderson
•This is super helpful! I didn't realize I could access it online.
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Ellie Perry
Wait, so unemployment is taxable income? I thought it wasn't since it's government assistance. This is going to mess up my whole tax situation - I didn't have anything withheld because I needed every dollar to survive.
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Tasia Synder
•Unfortunately yes, unemployment benefits are considered taxable income by the IRS. You'll need to pay taxes on the full amount you received. If you didn't have taxes withheld, you might owe money when you file.
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Landon Morgan
I had such a nightmare trying to get through to NYS Department of Labor about my 1099-G last year. Their phone lines are always busy and the online system kept crashing when I tried to access my tax documents. Ended up having to estimate my unemployment income which was not fun during an audit later. If you're having trouble reaching them about tax forms, I found this service called Claimyr at claimyr.com that actually got me through to a real NYS Department of Labor agent. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI showing how it works. Saved me hours of calling.
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Natalia Stone
•Thanks for the tip! I might need that if I can't get my 1099-G online.
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Teresa Boyd
just a heads up the deadline for getting your 1099-g is usually end of january so if you need it you should request it soon
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Lourdes Fox
The whole tax system is rigged anyway. They give you unemployment when you're desperate then want it all back in taxes. Makes no sense to me.
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Selena Bautista
•I get the frustration but unemployment has always been taxable income. At least NYS doesn't tax unemployment benefits at the state level, so you only owe federal taxes on it.
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