NY unemployment won't let me access my tax forms - paper W2 options?

You gotta request it specifically. They don't automatically mail paper copies anymore. Call the tax document department directly at 888-209-8124 and press options for tax documents. Took me 3 tries but eventually got through and they sent it within a week.

I was having the EXACT same issue last month! That stupid error message kept popping up every single time. After struggling for weeks, I finally got through to someone using a callback service called Claimyr (claimyr.com). They waited on hold for me and when I finally talked to an agent, they not only fixed my account access but also mailed me all my tax forms. It was the only way I could actually talk to a live agent after trying for days. Check out how it works here: https://youtu.be/Rdqa1gKtxuE - talking to an agent got my tax forms sent out the next day!

Check your physical mail! After being locked out for 3 weeks, I randomly got my tax forms in the mail even though I never requested them. Apparently they automatically mail copies if your online access has been restricted for a certain period. Worth checking if they maybe already sent it.

Listen, the ny unemployment system is a COMPLETE DISASTER right now. My brother-in-law works in IT there and says they're dealing with major system issues after a failed upgrade. Their advice is to submit a formal written request for your documents by fax (yes, fax in 2023 🤦‍♀️) to 518-457-9378 with your full name, last 4 of SSN, and current address. Apparently the fax requests get priority because hardly anyone uses that method anymore.

They honestly need to fix there website. I couldnt log in for almost 5 months last year! Turns out they were doing some "updates" that broke everything. You should call the appeals department instead of regular customer service. For some reason they answer faster and can actually help with tax documents. 800-833-3000 is there number.

I had this same issue and FINALLY got it resolved. Here's what you need to do: 1. First, don't waste time with the regular phone lines. You'll never get through. 2. Instead, send an email to taxdocuments@labor.ny.gov with your full name, last 4 of SSN, and mailing address. Put "URGENT TAX DOCUMENT REQUEST" in the subject line. 3. If that doesn't work after 7 days, try contacting your local state representative. I called my assemblyman's office and they have special liaisons who can cut through the red tape. 4. As a last resort, use claimyr.com - they'll wait on hold for you and connect you directly to a live person when they pick up. This is what finally worked for me after 3 weeks of trying everything else. 5. When you finally speak to someone, ask them to both fix your online access AND mail physical copies as backup. The system is completely overloaded right now with tax season. The tech issues they're having aren't going to be fixed anytime soon, so you need to be persistent. Good luck!

Pro tip: go to your local NY Dept of Labor career center in person! They can print your tax docs right there. I went to the one in Brooklyn and was in and out in 30 min. Avoid the phone nightmare completely.

did u try the website at different times? sometimes the system is down during peak hours but works fine early morning (like 5-6am) or late night (after 11pm). thats how i finally got in after dealing with the same error for days

Call the fraud department (888-598-2077) and tell them you're worried someone hacked your account since you can't access it. They take those calls seriously and usually pick up within 15-20 minutes. Once you get them on the phone, explain your actual situation and they can help with tax docs too. Worked for me!

You can actually file for a tax extension while you sort this out. Form 4868 gives you until October to file. That's what I'm doing because I'm in the same boat with ny unemployment not giving me my docs.

This whole tax document situation with ny unemployment is CRIMINAL. They need to be investigated for how poorly this is being handled. I filed a complaint with the state attorney general's office about not being able to access my documents. Everyone should do the same - maybe if enough of us complain they'll fix the system.

Try logging in using a completely different browser or device. The site was giving me errors in Chrome but worked fine in Firefox. Also clear your cookies/cache before trying again. Fixed it for me!

worst case scenario - you can file your taxes without the W-2 by estimating the numbers and then file an amended return later when you get the actual document. IRS understands there are delays with government agencies. i had to do this last year.

Can't believe nobody mentioned this yet - but the IRS actually gets a copy of your 1099-G from unemployment directly. If you create an account on IRS.gov you can view your wage and income transcript which shows what was reported to them. Not as good as the actual form, but at least gives you the numbers you need for filing!