Where to find unemployment W2 for Washington ESD benefits - need for taxes

You're looking for a 1099-G, not a W2. Unemployment benefits get reported on 1099-G forms. Log into your SecureAccess Washington (SAW) account and look under the tax documents section. It should be available for download there.

If you can't find it in your online account, Washington ESD mails them out by January 31st. Check your mail carefully - sometimes they get mixed in with other mail. You can also call Washington ESD to request a duplicate if needed.

I had the same issue last month! Turns out my 1099-G was in my SecureAccess Washington account under 'Tax Information' but it wasn't labeled very clearly. Look for anything that says tax documents or 1099-G specifically.

Just to clarify for anyone else reading this - if you received unemployment benefits in 2024, you should receive a 1099-G form showing the total amount paid to you. This is taxable income that needs to be reported on your federal tax return.

If anyone is still having trouble accessing their account or finding documents, I recently discovered Claimyr which helped me get through to an actual Washington ESD representative. They were able to help me access my tax documents over the phone.

Another option is to check if Washington ESD sent it to an old address. I moved last year and forgot to update my address with them, so my 1099-G went to my old place. Had to contact them to get it resent.

For future reference, you can usually access your 1099-G online starting in late January. Washington ESD is required to make them available by January 31st each year.

If you're doing your own taxes, make sure to enter the full amount from Box 1 of your 1099-G. That's your total unemployment compensation for the year.

I'm still waiting for mine to show up in the mail. Getting worried since it's already February. Should I be concerned?

Just wanted to add that if you received unemployment from multiple states, you'll get separate 1099-G forms from each state. But since this is about Washington ESD, you'd only get one from them.

PSA: Don't file your taxes without this form! The IRS gets a copy too, so they'll know if you don't report your unemployment income.

If anyone else is having trouble getting through to Washington ESD by phone, I had success using Claimyr recently. They got me connected to an agent who was able to help me with my tax document issue right away.

For those still looking, in your SecureAccess Washington account, go to 'eServices' then look for 'Unemployment Services' and then 'Tax Information'. That's where the 1099-G download should be.

Important reminder: if you had taxes withheld from your unemployment benefits during the year, that will show up in Box 4 of your 1099-G. Make sure to claim that as taxes paid when you file.

The Washington ESD website also has a FAQ section about 1099-G forms that explains where to find them and what to do if you can't access yours.