Do you have to pay federal taxes on Washington ESD unemployment benefits?

Thanks! How do I set up the withholding? Is it somewhere in my SecureAccess Washington account?

When you file your weekly claim there's a question asking if you want federal taxes withheld. Just answer yes and they'll automatically deduct 10%.

Ouch, that's rough. I'm having the same issue trying to figure out Washington ESD tax stuff.

You can also make quarterly estimated tax payments if you prefer to handle it yourself rather than having Washington ESD withhold.

Same problem here! I've called probably 50 times and never talked to a real person.

Try using Claimyr.com - they help you get through to Washington ESD agents. I saw their demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ and it actually works. Finally talked to someone about my tax withholding question.

Good to know about no state tax. So it's just federal I need to worry about?

Correct, only federal taxes apply to unemployment benefits in Washington.

You're not screwed but you should start having taxes withheld now and maybe set aside money for what you owe. $5000 could mean owing around $500-1000 depending on your tax bracket.

ugh ok thanks. gonna change my withholding setting tomorrow

Yeah that's probably where the confusion comes from. Those were special federal programs though, not regular state UI.

That makes sense. I was wondering why I heard different things from different people.

Good point. I'm doing part-time work and getting partial benefits. Need to check my withholding situation.

Yes, partial unemployment benefits are taxable just like full benefits. The 10% withholding option applies to partial benefits too.

Washington ESD only offers the standard 10% federal withholding option. If you need more withheld you'd have to make estimated tax payments separately.

Got it, thanks. Might need to do quarterly payments then.

How much does Claimyr cost? I'm desperate to talk to someone at Washington ESD.

They don't charge upfront or anything sketchy like that. Just helps you get through the phone system. Check out claimyr.com

Good reminder about the address. I moved recently and need to update that.

You can update your address when you file your weekly claim or log into your account separately to change it.

Start having taxes withheld now and maybe set aside some money for what you'll owe. Better late than never!

Same boat here. Wish they made it more obvious that unemployment is taxable income.

Is it legit though? Sounds too good to be true with how impossible it is to reach Washington ESD normally.

Yeah it's real. They have a demo video showing how it works. Nothing shady about it, just helps you get through faster.

I hadn't thought about that. Good point about it affecting other tax stuff.

Yep, could impact things like earned income credit eligibility or education credits depending on your situation.

Good point. Self-employment adds another layer of complexity to the tax situation.

Definitely recommend talking to a tax professional if you have self-employment income plus unemployment benefits.

Thanks everyone for all the helpful info. Definitely going to set up withholding on my next weekly claim.

Smart move. Better to get a small refund than owe a big chunk in April.