Do you file unemployment on taxes - Washington ESD benefits taxable?

I haven't gotten any 1099-G form yet, should I be worried? When do they usually send those out?

They should be mailed by January 31st. You can also access your 1099-G online through your Washington ESD account if you haven't received it yet.

Unemployment is definitely taxable income. You might not have owed anything if your total income was low enough, but you still need to report it on your return.

oh crap... I better check if I need to file an amended return then

That's helpful, thank you! So I report the full $8,200 on my federal taxes but nothing on state?

Exactly! Washington doesn't have a state income tax anyway, so you only need to worry about federal.

I had the same problem getting through to Washington ESD! I ended up using Claimyr (claimyr.com) and they got me connected to an agent within like 20 minutes. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. Saved me hours of calling.

Really? I've never heard of that service. Does it actually work for getting 1099-G forms?

Yeah, it connects you to actual Washington ESD agents, so they can help with 1099-G issues, claim status, or whatever you need. Way better than trying to call on your own.

I didn't know that was an option! Is it too late to change that for benefits I already received?

You can't change it retroactively, but you can set it up for any future benefits. It's in your Washington ESD account settings somewhere.

It's 10% federal withholding if you choose that option. Not a bad idea if you don't want a big tax bill later.

Depending on your other income, you might not owe much. Unemployment benefits are taxed as ordinary income, so it depends on your total tax situation.

i didnt work much else last year so maybe ill be ok

Good point! I kept track of my weekly benefit amounts so I can verify when I get the form.

Smart! If there are any discrepancies, you'll need to contact Washington ESD to get a corrected 1099-G.

Wait so if I had 10% withheld, I still report the full amount? Not just 90%?

Correct - you report the full gross amount you received. The withholding shows up separately as taxes paid, just like with regular employment.

Not specifically for being unemployed, but you might qualify for things like the Earned Income Tax Credit if your total income was low enough. Also job search expenses might be deductible in some cases.

I'll look into that, thanks! Every little bit helps.

That's reassuring! I was worried it would be complicated to figure out where to put it.

Yeah it's pretty straightforward once you have the 1099-G form. The software walks you through it.

Yes, you report it on your federal return regardless of which state you lived in when you received it. For state taxes, it depends on the rules of whatever state you're filing in now.

Makes sense, thanks! Federal is federal no matter where you live.

Yes, any amount of unemployment benefits is taxable income that needs to be reported. Even if it's just a few hundred dollars.

okay good to know, better safe than sorry

The 1099-G usually shows the gross amount you received, not adjusted for repayments. You may be able to claim a deduction for amounts you repaid, but you should probably consult a tax professional for that situation.

Ugh that's annoying but makes sense. I'll see if I can find more info about the repayment deduction.

The Washington ESD website can be really glitchy. If you need help accessing your account or getting forms, I'd recommend trying Claimyr again - they can help with account access issues too.

I might have to try that if I can't get it working. I need my 1099-G to finish my taxes.

That's good to know! I was worried I couldn't file without the actual form.

Right, the form is helpful but not required. Just make sure your numbers are accurate based on what you actually received.

Good point! Some people get confused about this, especially with delayed payments or appeals that result in back pay.

Exactly. The 1099-G will show the year the payments were made, which is what matters for taxes.

Same here! This thread was really helpful. Good luck with your taxes everyone.

Glad we could help! Tax season is stressful enough without having to guess about this stuff.

I ended up trying Claimyr too and it worked great! So much easier than trying to call Washington ESD directly.

Right? I wish I had known about it sooner. Would have saved me weeks of frustration.