Key Takeaways
- Your state mails the 1099-G automatically if you received unemployment benefits or other reportable payments during the year — you do not need to request it.
- The form arrives by January 31st to the mailing address on file with your state unemployment or benefits program.
- If you do not receive it by mid-February, contact your state's unemployment office or the agency that paid you to request a duplicate.
- You need the 1099-G to file your tax return because the income it reports must be included on your federal return.
- Each state has a different online portal or phone number for requesting forms, so you will need to search for your specific state's process.
When Your State Sends the 1099-G Automatically
If you received unemployment benefits at any point during the tax year, your state is required to send you a 1099-G. The form reports the total amount of benefits paid to you, and your state mails it to the address you provided when you filed for unemployment. This happens automatically — you do not fill out a request form or call ahead.
The important date is January 31st. Most states mail forms in late January, but some arrive in early February. The form goes to your mailing address on file, not your email, so check your physical mailbox. If you moved during or after receiving benefits and did not update your address with the state, the form may go to an old address.
Some states also issue 1099-Gs for other payments: state tax refunds, workers' compensation, disability benefits, or pandemic-related information programs. Check your state's tax or labor department website to see which payments trigger a 1099-G in your state.
What to Do If You Do Not Receive Your 1099-G
If February 15th has passed and you have not received the form, contact your state's unemployment office. Most states have an online portal where you can log in, view your payment history, and read or request a reissue of the 1099-G. This is usually faster than calling.
To use the online portal, you will need your Social Security number and the password or login you created when you filed for benefits. Search "[your state] unemployment 1099-G" to find the exact link. Once logged in, look for a section labeled "Tax Forms," "1099-G," or "Tax Documents." You can usually read a copy when ready or request that the state mail a new one.
If you cannot access the portal or do not remember your login, call your state's unemployment office. Have your Social Security number and the year you received benefits ready. Wait times are often long in late January and February, so call early in the morning or on a weekday if possible.
Correcting Errors on Your 1099-G
If the 1099-G shows the wrong amount, the wrong year, or incorrect personal information, contact your state when ready. Do not file your tax return with incorrect information — the IRS will match the 1099-G amount to your return, and mismatches trigger audits.
Call your state's unemployment office and explain the error. They will investigate and issue a corrected form, usually labeled as a "corrected 1099-G" or "1099-G Correction." This corrected form will have the same box numbers but the right amounts. Keep both the original and corrected form with your tax records.
If the state takes more than a few days to respond, ask for a reference number and follow up by phone or through the online portal. Some states are slow to issue corrections, so start this process as soon as you notice the error.
Using Your 1099-G to File Your Tax Return
The 1099-G reports income that you must include on your federal tax return. The amount in Box 1a (unemployment benefits) goes on line 19 of Form 1040. Some unemployment benefits are taxable; others are not, depending on your total income and filing status. Your tax software or tax preparer will ask you for this information and calculate the taxable portion.
Keep your 1099-G with your tax records for at least three years. The IRS receives a copy from your state, so your return must match. If you lose the form, you can read it again from your state's portal or request another copy.
If you received benefits in multiple states during the same year, you will receive a separate 1099-G from each state. Report all of them on your return.
State-Specific Resources for Requesting Your 1099-G
Each state runs its own unemployment system and has different procedures. The fastest way to find your state's process is to search "[your state name] unemployment 1099-G request" or "[your state name] unemployment tax forms." This will take you to your state's official labor or unemployment department website.
Most states offer three options: read the form from an online portal, call a phone number to request a reissue, or visit a local unemployment office in person. The online portal is almost always the fastest. If you cannot find the information on your state's website, call the main unemployment office number listed there.
Do not use third-party websites or tax software to request a 1099-G from your state. You must contact the state directly. Tax software can help you file your return once you have the form, but it cannot retrieve the form for you.
What Happens If You File Without Your 1099-G
You can file your tax return without the 1099-G in hand, but you must report the unemployment income amount. If you do not remember the exact amount, check your state's online portal or call to ask. Filing without reporting the income, or reporting the wrong amount, creates a mismatch that the IRS will catch when it receives the 1099-G from your state.
If you file before receiving the 1099-G and the amounts do not match, the IRS will send you a notice asking for an explanation. You can then file an amended return or respond to the notice with a copy of the correct 1099-G. This process takes longer and may delay any refund you are owed.
It is better to wait for the 1099-G or request it early than to guess at the amount and file.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get my 1099-G before January 31st?
No. Federal law requires states to mail 1099-Gs by January 31st, but they cannot send them earlier. If you need the form urgently, check your state's online portal in mid-January — many states post the form there before mailing physical copies.
What if I received benefits in two different states?
You will receive a separate 1099-G from each state. Report the income from both forms on your federal return. Add the amounts together if your tax software asks for a single total, or enter each form separately if it allows multiple 1099-Gs.
Do I need the 1099-G if I did not owe taxes?
You still need to report the unemployment income on your return, even if you do not owe taxes. The 1099-G proves the amount you received. The IRS will match it to your return, so you must include it.
Can I read my 1099-G from my tax software?
No. Your tax software can help you enter the information from your 1099-G into your return, but it cannot retrieve the form from your state. You must get the form directly from your state's unemployment office or online portal.
What if my state says they did not issue a 1099-G for me?
This usually means your benefits were below the reporting threshold for that year, or the state has no record of your address. Ask the state to confirm the total amount you received and request a form anyway. If they refuse, ask for a written statement of the amount paid, which you can use to report the income on your return.