Need NY unemployment tax advocate phone number that actually works - anyone have it?
I'm going completely INSANE trying to resolve a tax issue with my NY unemployment benefits from last year. The regular DOL number is useless - been on hold for 3+ hours multiple times and keep getting disconnected. I desperately need to speak with a Taxpayer Advocate who can actually help with UI tax issues before I file my 2025 taxes. The number I found online (877-456-4272) goes to a recording saying they're experiencing high call volume and to try again later. Has ANYONE successfully reached a live person at the Taxpayer Advocate office recently? Is there a different number or extension that actually works? This is urgent - I received a corrected 1099-G showing $3,200 more than I actually received!
19 comments
Selena Bautista
same probs here, been calling for 2 weeks straight. number never works and nobody picks up!!! typical ny unemployment bs
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Tasia Synder
It's ridiculous! Have you tried any other departments? I'm thinking about just calling random DOL numbers hoping someone will transfer me to the right person.
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Mohamed Anderson
The Taxpayer Advocate Service can definitely help, but reaching them directly is challenging right now. I'd recommend these steps: 1. Try calling early morning (7:30-8:00am) before their official opening - sometimes staff answer before the queue fills 2. Use the general NYS tax helpline (518-457-5181) and specifically request a transfer to Taxpayer Advocate 3. Submit Form DTF-911 "Request for Taxpayer Advocate Assistance" online - this creates a case 4. Document all your call attempts with dates/times for your case For your specific 1099-G issue, you need to connect with the DOL's UI tax unit, not the general TAS. The direct number is 888-209-8124, but press option 2, then 6 when prompted for tax document issues.
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Tasia Synder
Thank you so much for the detailed advice! I didn't know about Form DTF-911. I've been pressing different options each time with no luck, but I'll try your specific sequence tomorrow morning. Have you personally gotten through using these methods recently?
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Mohamed Anderson
Yes, I got through last week using the early morning technique. Just be prepared with your claim ID, SSN, and have your incorrect 1099-G ready. Also, jot down the name of whoever helps you - it's useful if you need to follow up later.
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Ellie Perry
I worked around this whole mess using Claimyr. After wasting literal DAYS trying to get through myself, I found this service that gets you connected to an agent quickly. They have a demo video at https://youtu.be/Rdqa1gKtxuE that explains how it works. I was skeptical but desperate with a similar tax issue (they messed up my withholding amounts). I got connected to someone in about 20 minutes who fixed my 1099-G problem. Their website is claimyr.com if you want to check it out. Honestly saved me so much frustration.
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Selena Bautista
sounds too good 2 be true. they actually got u thru to a REAL person??
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Ellie Perry
Yes, a real live human being who could access my account and everything. The service basically navigates the phone system and waits in the queue for you, then calls you when they have an agent on the line. I was surprised it actually worked.
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Landon Morgan
Just want to add that you need to be very specific about asking for the Taxpayer Advocate Service that handles UNEMPLOYMENT tax issues - not just any tax advocate. When I had a similar problem last month, I kept getting routed to regular NYS tax advocates who couldn't help with DOL-specific issues. Also, have you tried reaching out through your state assembly member's office? Mine helped connect me directly to someone who could help with my 1099-G issue from 2024. This might be faster than trying to get through on the phone yourself.
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Teresa Boyd
i dont think thaeres actualy a working # lol. my freind works for state (not unemployment) and he says they're SUPER understaffed right now. like 40% of normal ppl. ive heard rumors they dont even answer half the phones and just let em ring. system is broke af
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Lourdes Fox
This is completely false information. NYSDOL is required by law to maintain operational phone systems for taxpayer assistance. The issue isn't that they "don't answer half the phones" - it's that call volume is extremely high during tax season, particularly in February-April. The system isn't broken, it's overwhelmed. Please don't spread misinformation that could discourage people from trying legitimate channels for help.
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Teresa Boyd
ok whatever u say but my friend LITERALLY works there and sees the empty desks everyday lmao but sure believe what u want
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Bruno Simmons
I had to deal with a tax advocate last year and the trick is to call AT EXACTLY 7:30 AM. Not 7:29, not 7:31. Exactly 7:30. That's when their system starts accepting calls before the queue fills up. Also, try Wednesday or Thursday - for some reason those days seemed less busy for me. Good luck!!! PS: when you do get someone, be super nice even if you're frustrated. Makes a huge difference.
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Tasia Synder
Thanks for the tip about Wednesdays and Thursdays! I've been trying Mondays thinking I'd catch them fresh after the weekend, but that's probably when everyone else is calling too. Will set my alarm for exactly 7:30am tomorrow.
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Lourdes Fox
To clarify some confusion in this thread: The Taxpayer Advocate Service (TAS) is separate from the DOL's unemployment tax unit. For a 1099-G correction specifically related to unemployment benefits, you need to reach the DOL's dedicated tax document team. The most efficient process is: 1. Call the main UI number (888-209-8124) 2. Select option 1 for claimants 3. Enter your PIN when prompted 4. When you reach the main menu, select option 2 for tax forms 5. Then select option 3 for 1099-G corrections Avoid using the general TAS number for unemployment-specific tax issues - they'll just redirect you to DOL. If you continue to have trouble reaching someone, you can submit a message through your online unemployment account using the secure message center. Select "Tax Documents" as the subject and clearly explain the discrepancy. Include your current mailing address to ensure the corrected form is sent properly.
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Tasia Synder
UPDATE: I finally got through! For anyone else struggling with this, here's what worked: I used Claimyr (from the suggestion above) and got connected to an agent in about 30 minutes. The agent was able to pull up my account and see that there was indeed a calculation error on my 1099-G. They're sending me a corrected version within 10 business days. The agent also explained that the error happened because I had some weeks where benefits were adjusted retroactively, but the tax system didn't properly reconcile those adjustments. For anyone with similar issues, make sure you mention "retroactive adjustments" specifically when you get through. Thanks everyone for your help!
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Selena Bautista
wow congrats!! thx for sharing what worked!
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Aileen Rodriguez
My cousin had the same problem but with her california unemployment. She spent weeks trying to get it fixed! I told her she should move to NY because our system is actually better than most states lol. At least here you can eventually get someone on the phone! Good luck with your taxes!
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Tasia Synder
Thanks, but I'm not sure NY is any better! I spent almost 3 weeks trying before I got this resolved. Every state's system seems equally frustrating from what I've heard.
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