How to change PA UC tax withholding from 'none' to having taxes withheld?

same boat. i looked everywhere online. you gotta call them directly to change it. good luck getting thru tho lol

I had this exact problem last year! The option to change tax withholding is NOT available online, which is completely ridiculous in 2025. You have to call and speak to a live agent to have them make the change. When I finally got through, the process itself took literally 2 minutes - the agent just toggles a setting in their system. The hard part is actually reaching someone. I recommend calling exactly at 8:00 AM when they open. That's how I finally got through after trying for over a week. Also, set aside funds for the taxes you'll owe on what you've already received if you can. I got hit HARD at tax time before I made the change.

you can also try sending a message through the uc portal message center! just explain that u want to change ur withholding status. sometimes they actually respond to those. took like 5 days for me but better than nothing

After having the exact same issue, I finally got through to PA UC by using Claimyr. It's a service that basically keeps calling for you and then connects you when they get through. I was skeptical at first, but after trying to get through on my own for two weeks, I gave it a shot. Got connected to an agent in about 20 minutes who changed my tax withholding status immediately. You can see how it works here: https://youtu.be/CEPETxZdo9E?si=WL1ZzVZWG3KiHrg2 and their website is claimyr.com. The agent I spoke to said they get this request all the time, and it's a very quick fix once you actually reach someone.

To make sure everyone has the correct information: 1. Tax withholding changes CANNOT be made online in the PA UC system 2. You must contact an agent to make this change (phone or possibly through the message center) 3. The standard options are: no withholding, 10% federal withholding, or 10% federal + PA state withholding 4. The change will only apply to FUTURE payments (not retroactive) 5. For any benefits already received without withholding, you'll need to plan for taxes due If you're unable to get through on the phone, you can also try contacting your state representative's office. Many have staff dedicated to helping constituents with unemployment issues, and they often have direct channels to UC offices.

anybody know how much they take out when u do change it? trying to figure out how much less my payments will be

I had this same issue last year and actually gave up trying to change it after calling for weeks. Just a heads up - you might want to set aside about 10-15% of what you're getting now for taxes. I ended up using TurboTax and there's a specific section for unemployment income where you enter the total from your 1099-G form. It was painful but at least I was prepared for it.

I went through this exact same nightmare! After weeks of trying to call, I finally got through using the callback feature on the PA UC website - you can request a callback instead of waiting on hold. It took about 3 days for them to call me back, but when they did, the agent changed my tax withholding in under 5 minutes. Just a heads up though - they can only change it going forward, so I still had to deal with owing taxes on the first few months of benefits I'd already received. I ended up having to do quarterly estimated tax payments to avoid penalties. The whole system is so frustrating, but at least once you get it changed, you don't have to worry about it anymore!