Will I get NY unemployment tax refund if I filed using 2019 income instead of unemployment income?

The unemployment tax refund applies to unemployment benefits that were taxed on your federal return. If you didn't report your unemployment income on your tax return (because you used 2019 income instead), then there's no unemployment tax that was paid to be refunded. The refund is specifically for people who paid taxes on unemployment benefits before the American Tax Relief Plan made a portion of those benefits tax-free.

u probably wont get it. my cousin did the same thing and didnt get anything back cuz he didnt actually pay tax on unemployment benefits in the first place. can't refund something you didnt pay!

I'm really confused about this whole thing too. Are you saying you filed a 2025 tax return but somehow used 2019 income numbers? Or did you use the lookback provision where you can use your 2019 income to calculate tax credits? Those are completely different things and would affect whether you get a refund or not. ALSO what unemployment tax refund are you referring to exactly? There isn't a NY-specific refund program happening right now that I know of???

There seems to be some confusion here. Let me clarify: 1) The 2020-2021 federal unemployment tax exclusion (where $10,200 of benefits were tax-free) no longer exists in 2025. 2) The "lookback provision" allows you to use your 2019 income ONLY for calculating certain tax credits (like Earned Income Credit) - it doesn't replace reporting your actual 2025 income and unemployment benefits. 3) If your tax preparer didn't include your unemployment benefits on your tax return at all, that's potentially a serious filing error that could result in an audit. You should check your actual tax return (Form 1040) to see if your unemployment compensation is listed. If it isn't, you may need to file an amended return.

MY SISTER HAD THE SAME ISSUE!!! The NY unemployment system is SUCH A MESS with these tax things! She had to call them 45 times before getting through to someone who could actually explain what was going on with her account. Total nightmare!!!

To give you a definitive answer: If your tax preparer used the lookback provision correctly, your tax return would show: 1. All your actual 2025 income including unemployment benefits 2. The proper tax calculated on that income 3. Tax credits (like EITC) calculated using your 2019 income If this is how your return was prepared, and you paid taxes on unemployment benefits, you could be eligible if a new tax exclusion is passed. However, no such exclusion exists for 2025 taxes at this moment. If your return does NOT show your unemployment income at all, you need to consult with a different tax professional immediately to determine if an amended return is needed.

Another important point: If you're waiting for a refund related to unemployment taxes but can't access your transcript online, you can request it by mail using Form 4506-T. It's free and will show if the IRS has processed any adjustments to your account. Takes about 10 business days to arrive.

Wait I'm still confused about something... are you talking about a NEW unemployment tax refund for 2025? Or are you still trying to get the old one from 2020-2021? Because those are totally different things and I haven't heard about any new unemployment tax exemption for 2025???