Will ESD send a W-2 or 1099-G form for unemployment tax reporting?
Quick tax question - I've been collecting unemployment benefits since October and just realized tax season is coming up. Will ESD automatically mail me a W-2 form showing what I've received, or do I need to request something? Never had to deal with unemployment taxes before and don't want to mess up my return. Thanks!
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AstroAlpha
ESD doesn't send a W-2 for unemployment benefits. They'll send you a 1099-G form by the end of January that shows all the benefits paid to you during the tax year and any taxes withheld. You can also access it electronically through your eServices account under the 'View my 1099-G forms' option starting in February. Make sure your mailing address is current in the system so you receive it.
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Connor Gallagher
•Oh that makes sense! So it's a 1099-G not a W-2. Thank you for clearing that up. Do you know if unemployment benefits are taxed at the state level in Washington or just federal?
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Yara Khoury
they dont send W2s for unemployment its a different form. my sister got hers late last year and almost missed filing it!!
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Connor Gallagher
•Thanks for the heads up! Do you remember what form it was? And did she get it in the mail or have to download it?
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Keisha Taylor
It's called a 1099-G form, not a W-2. You should receive it by January 31st both in the mail and electronically in your eServices account. Washington State doesn't have income tax, so you only need to report unemployment benefits on your federal taxes. If you elected to have taxes withheld from your benefits (10%), that will be shown on the form too. Keep an eye out for it, and if you don't receive it by early February, you can request a duplicate through your online account or by calling ESD.
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Connor Gallagher
•Thank you for the detailed info! Good to know about no state taxes on it. I didn't elect to have any taxes withheld when I applied... hope that doesn't come back to bite me at tax time.
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Paolo Longo
I had the WORST time trying to get my 1099-G last year. ESD never mailed it, then their website kept crashing when I tried to download it. By the time I finally got through to someone, it was mid-April and I had to file an extension!!! Make sure you check your eServices account early and don't wait until the last minute like I did.
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Keisha Taylor
•That's unfortunate you had such trouble. For anyone reading this thread, if you have issues accessing your 1099-G, I recommend trying to call ESD directly. While their phone lines can be backed up, using Claimyr (claimyr.com) has helped many people get through quickly. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3. Much better than waiting until the last minute and having to file an extension.
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Amina Bah
did u elect to have taxes withhled when u first applied? if not ur gonna owe $ to irs when u file just fyi
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Connor Gallagher
•No I didn't... ugh. Do you know roughly how much they take? I've been getting about $850 a week.
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Oliver Becker
everybody saying 1099-G is right. I just want to add they DO NOT mail them automatically anymore in some cases!! I waited last year and nothing came, finally logged into eservices and it was just sitting there waiting for me to download. Don't wait for mail that might never come!
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CosmicCowboy
•Just to clarify - Washington ESD still mails paper 1099-G forms to MOST claimants, but they strongly encourage everyone to access them online through eServices. If you opted for paperless communication when you first filed (many people do without realizing), you will NOT receive a paper copy. Either way, the online version is available earlier (usually by late January) and is the most reliable method to get your tax documents. You can print it or download a PDF for your records.
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AstroAlpha
Since you mentioned not having taxes withheld, be prepared that unemployment benefits are fully taxable at the federal level. At $850/week, that could be a significant amount depending on your tax bracket. You might want to set aside some money or make an estimated tax payment if possible to avoid a surprise tax bill in April. The 1099-G will show the total amount you received in 2025 that you'll need to report on your federal return.
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Connor Gallagher
•Thank you for this warning - definitely going to start setting some money aside now. Is it too late to change my withholding preference for future payments?
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Keisha Taylor
It's not too late to change your tax withholding preference. Log into your eServices account, go to your claim summary, and look for the option to update your tax withholding preference. The standard withholding is 10% for federal taxes (WA has no income tax). Making this change won't affect what you've already received, but it will help reduce your tax liability for future payments.
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Connor Gallagher
•Perfect! Just updated it. 10% less each week will be tight but better than a huge tax bill. Thanks for all the help everyone!
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