When does Washington ESD send out 1099-G forms for unemployment benefits?

Thanks! I didn't know I could access it online. I'll check my SAW account right now.

Yes the online version is available usually a few days before the mailed copies go out. Very convenient for early tax filers.

At least I'm not the only one waiting! I was starting to think something was wrong with my address or something.

Same here, still waiting. I called Washington ESD to ask about it but couldn't get through to anyone. The phone lines are always so busy.

Interesting, I've never heard of that service. Does it actually work better than calling directly?

Yeah it worked for me. I was able to get through and verify some information about my claim that I couldn't figure out online. Way better than sitting on hold for hours.

I'll have to check that out. I've been trying to reach Washington ESD for weeks about a different issue.

Good point! I did move in November. I should double-check that my address is updated in my account.

How do you update your address with Washington ESD? Through the same SAW account?

Yes, you can update it through your SAW account or by calling them, though calling is usually more difficult.

Wait, I thought unemployment wasn't taxable? This is news to me.

It's definitely taxable federally. A lot of people don't realize this and get surprised at tax time. If you didn't have taxes withheld from your benefits, you might owe money.

That's correct. You can elect to have taxes withheld from your weekly benefits when you file your claims, but many people choose not to and then deal with it at tax time.

It shows the gross amount - the total benefits you received before any withholding. If you had taxes withheld, that will be shown separately on the form.

Thanks, that makes sense. I had 10% withheld so I wanted to make sure I understood what number to use.

I feel you! I'm always anxious about getting all my documents in time to file early.

At least Washington ESD is usually pretty good about meeting the January 31st deadline. Some other agencies are worse.

Yes, you'll receive a 1099-G regardless of how long you received benefits. Even if it was just for a few weeks, Washington ESD will send you the form.

Good to know, thanks! I was only on unemployment for about 6 weeks so I wasn't sure.

That's encouraging! I'll keep watching for mine.

Good to hear they're actually being sent out. I was starting to worry.

That's frustrating! Did they send it out quickly once you called?

It took about a week after I called, but getting through to someone was the hard part. That's why I might try that Claimyr service someone mentioned earlier if I have issues this year.

Good to know there's a specific timeframe to wait. I'll mark my calendar.

Yeah, don't wait too long or it'll delay your tax filing. Better to call sooner rather than later.

Perfect! I just checked and mine is there too. Thanks for the heads up!

Mine's online too! This is so much better than waiting for the mail.

Great tip! I'll go check my account right now instead of waiting for the mail.

How would you know if there's an error? Do you just compare it to your payment history?

Exactly - check it against your payment history in your SAW account. The amounts should match up with what you actually received.

Glad it helped! I was in the same boat when I posted this question.

Good point! I moved to Washington from Oregon mid-year so I'll need to watch for forms from both states.

Yes, exactly. Each state handles their own 1099-G forms separately.

This community is always so helpful with these kinds of questions. Glad you got the answers you needed!

Agreed! I'm glad I asked here instead of just worrying about it.