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Where to get my W2 from NY unemployment for tax filing?

I received NY unemployment benefits for part of 2025 and now I need to file my taxes. Do they send a W2 form or something else? I haven't received anything in the mail yet and it's already February 10th. Do I need to download it from somewhere on the NY unemployment website? I've looked around but can't find where to get my tax documents. Anyone know what I'm supposed to do?

Ruby Blake

unemployment doesnt send W2s they send 1099-G forms

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Miles Hammonds

Oh! I didn't know that. So am I supposed to get a 1099-G in the mail or do I need to download it?

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Micah Franklin

For NY unemployment, you'll receive a 1099-G form (not a W2) that shows your total benefits and any taxes withheld. You should be able to access it online through your NY.gov account. Log in, go to the Unemployment Insurance section, and look for the 1099-G tax form option. You can view and download it there. If you haven't received it by mail and can't find it online, you can request a copy by calling the NYSDOL at their 1099-G hotline: 888-209-8124. They are required to make these forms available by January 31st each year.

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Miles Hammonds

Thank you! I'll check my NY.gov account tonight. I didn't realize they'd be under the 1099-G name instead of W2.

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Ella Harper

I was in the same boat last year! Kept waiting for a W2 that never came. After wasting hours trying to get through to someone on the phone, I found out about Claimyr (claimyr.com) which helped me get through to an actual unemployment agent in about 10 minutes. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/Rdqa1gKtxuE The agent explained that unemployment sends 1099-G forms, not W2s, and helped me access mine through my online account. Saved me so much headache trying to figure out the website myself.

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PrinceJoe

is this a real service?? seems sketchy that u have to pay to talk to unemployment

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Brooklyn Knight

Just to be clear, W2 forms are what EMPLOYERS send for wage income. Since unemployment benefits are not wages from an employer, the NYSDOL sends a 1099-G form instead. The "G" stands for government payments. You can access your 1099-G by: 1. Logging into your NY.gov ID account 2. Going to My Online Services 3. Looking under Unemployment Insurance 4. Selecting "Get Your 1099-G Form" If you opted for paper forms when you first applied, you should receive it in the mail by mid-February. If you haven't received it by Feb 15, I'd suggest calling them to request it.

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Owen Devar

this is why i always choose electronic everything... no waiting for mail that gets lost half the time

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Daniel Rivera

Whats the big deal?? If you dont get a 1099g you don't have to report it lol!!!!

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Micah Franklin

This is incorrect and potentially dangerous advice. The IRS receives a copy of your 1099-G directly from the state, regardless of whether you receive your copy. Failing to report unemployment income on your tax return can result in penalties, interest charges, and even an audit. You must report all unemployment compensation received, even if you don't physically receive the 1099-G form.

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Owen Devar

i had this problem 2!! i ended up having to call like 20 times before i got thru to anyone. they said my address was wrong in the system which is why i never got my 1099g. ended up getting a late fee on my taxes cuz of their mistake smh

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Miles Hammonds

UPDATE: I found it! You guys were right - it's a 1099-G not a W2. I logged into my NY.gov account and found it under Unemployment Services > Tax Forms > 1099-G. Thanks for all the help!

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Micah Franklin

Great! Glad you were able to find it. Make sure to include that information on your tax return under income from unemployment compensation. If you had any taxes withheld throughout the year, that will be shown on the form as well and should be counted as taxes already paid.

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PrinceJoe

dont 4get u owe taxes on that unemployment $$$. i got hit with a huge bill last yr cuz i thought unemployment was tax free like during covid but its not anymore

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Brooklyn Knight

This is an important point. Unlike the special tax exemption that was in place during part of the pandemic, unemployment benefits are now fully taxable income at the federal level. Some people are surprised by this if they didn't elect to have taxes withheld from their weekly benefits. If you didn't have taxes withheld, you might want to prepare for owing taxes on that amount.

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Brooklyn Knight

If you didn't have taxes withheld from your unemployment benefits, here's what you can do now: 1. Prepare for potential tax liability when you file 2. Consider making an estimated tax payment now to reduce penalties 3. Look into payment plans with the IRS if you can't pay in full 4. Check if you qualify for any tax credits that might offset some of the liability For future reference, you can elect to have 10% of your benefits withheld for federal taxes on the NY unemployment site.

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Miles Hammonds

Thank you for this info. I'm going to start setting aside some money now so I'm prepared when I file. Next time I'll definitely have taxes withheld!

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Ruby Blake

my brother said something about unemployment being taxed different in NY state vs federal? anyone know if thats true??

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Micah Franklin

Yes, that's correct. Unemployment benefits are fully taxable at the federal level, but New York State does not tax unemployment benefits at the state level. So when you file your taxes, you'll include unemployment as income on your federal return, but you won't need to pay New York State income tax on those benefits.

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