When does Washington ESD send out W2 forms for unemployment benefits?

Oh right, 1099-G not W2. Thanks for the correction! Do you know if there's a specific section in the SAW portal where I can find it?

Yes, log into your SAW account and look for the tax documents section. It should be under your unemployment services dashboard once they're available.

Good point about the address. I moved last year so I better check that my address is updated in the system.

You can update your address through the SAW portal in your profile settings. Just make sure to do it soon since they'll be preparing to mail these out.

I had the same problem last year. If you're having trouble reaching Washington ESD by phone, you might want to try Claimyr (claimyr.com). They help you get through to ESD agents without all the busy signals and hold times. There's a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works.

Never heard of that before. Does it actually work? I'm so frustrated with trying to call ESD directly.

Yeah it worked for me when I had an adjudication issue. They basically handle the calling for you and connect you when an agent is available. Saved me hours of redialing.

Wait, unemployment is taxable? I thought it wasn't because it's benefits not wages.

Yes, unemployment compensation is taxable income. You should have had the option to have taxes withheld from your weekly benefits, but if you didn't, you'll owe taxes on the full amount when you file.

Oh no, I didn't have taxes withheld. This is going to be a big tax bill.

Yes, they'll send it to whatever mailing address you have on file with Washington ESD, including PO boxes. Just make sure your address is current in the system.

thanks! i'll double check my address is right

No, the adjudication delays won't affect your 1099-G. It will show all unemployment compensation you actually received in 2024, regardless of when the payments were processed or if there were delays.

That's a relief. I was worried I'd have to wait longer or something.

That's smart! I want to file early this year so I'll definitely check online first.

Same here. The online version is usually available a few days before they mail them out.

Your 'friend' should update their address in the SAW portal ASAP and then contact Washington ESD to request a duplicate 1099-G be sent to the correct address. You can also access it online once it's available.

thanks, i'll tell my friend 😅

Just enter the amount from the 1099-G as income on your tax return. It goes on the same line as other unemployment compensation. If you had taxes withheld from your benefits, that will also be shown on the 1099-G.

Thanks! I did have taxes withheld so hopefully I won't owe much.

Yikes! Did you ever figure out what happened? Did Washington ESD not send it or was it a mail issue?

Turned out my address was wrong in their system. I had moved and forgot to update it. Took forever to get it sorted out.

Good to know! I'll start checking my mail around January 25th then.

Same, I usually get mine the last week of January.

It will show all unemployment compensation you received during calendar year 2024, regardless of when your claim started. The 1099-G is based on calendar year, not benefit year.

Perfect, that's what I thought but wanted to make sure. Thanks!

I tried calling last year but could never get through. The hold times are insane. That's actually when I discovered Claimyr - they help you get connected to ESD agents without the endless busy signals.

Really? How does that work?

You basically give them your info and they handle calling ESD for you. When they get an agent on the line, they connect you. Way better than sitting on hold for hours. Check out claimyr.com if you're interested.

Good catch! I definitely want to make sure I don't miss that. The withholding amount is in a separate box on the form, right?

yeah it's in box 4 i think. double check when you get yours

That's helpful to know! I'll mark my calendar to follow up if I don't get it by mid-February.

As a tax professional, do you recommend waiting for the 1099-G or is it safe to use the online version?

The online version is just as valid as the paper copy. I tell my clients to use whichever they get first if they want to file early.

Exactly! I'm feeling much better about the timeline now too.

Same here. I was worried I'd have to wait until March or something.