How to Get Your 1099-G Form From Your State

Where to request your 1099-G and what to expect

Your state's unemployment or benefit agency mails 1099-G forms directly to you by January 31st each year if you received unemployment benefits, Pandemic Unemployment information (PUA), or certain other state benefits during the previous tax year. You do not request it — the agency sends it automatically to the address on file. If you have not received it by early February, you can contact your state agency to request a copy or view it online through your account.

Most states now let you read your 1099-G from your unemployment account portal without waiting for the paper copy to arrive. This is often faster than calling, and you get proof when ready that you have the form. The portal login uses the same credentials you used to file for benefits.

If you moved since you filed for benefits, the form may have gone to your old address. Update your address with your state's unemployment office as soon as you notice, and ask them to remail the form or confirm they have your current address on file for next year.

Key Takeaways

• Your state mails 1099-G forms by January 31st to whoever received unemployment or PUA benefits in the previous year — you do not have to request it unless you did not receive it.
• Most states let you log into your unemployment account online and read your 1099-G when ready without waiting for the paper copy.
• If you moved, update your address with your state's unemployment office right away so the form reaches you or so they have the correct address for future years.
• If you received benefits in multiple states during the same year, you will receive a separate 1099-G from each state.

Logging in to your state's unemployment portal

Each state runs its own unemployment system with a different name and login process. Search "[your state] unemployment benefits portal" or "[your state] unemployment account" to find the official login page. Common names include "UI Online" (used by multiple states), "BEACON" (Massachusetts), "SIDES" (some states), or the state's labor department website.

Use the same username and password you created when you filed for benefits. If you forgot your password, the portal has a reset option — use your email address or Social Security number to recover access. Once logged in, look for a section labeled "Tax Documents," "1099-G," "Tax Information," or "Forms." The exact wording varies by state.

If you cannot find the form in your account or your state does not have an online portal, call your state's unemployment office directly. Have your Social Security number and the year you are asking about ready. Wait times are often long in January and February, so calling in early morning or mid-week may be faster.

What to do if you did not receive your 1099-G by early February

If the form did not arrive by February 10th, first check your spam or junk email folder — some states email a copy or a link to read it. Then log into your state's unemployment account and look for the form there. Many people find it online before the paper copy arrives in the mail.

If it is not in your account and you did not receive it by mail, contact your state's unemployment office. Explain that you received benefits in the previous year and did not get your 1099-G. Provide your Social Security number and the dates you received benefits if you have them. Ask whether they can email you a copy, mail a replacement, or confirm the form was sent to the address they have on file.

Some states issue replacement 1099-G forms by mail within one to two weeks. Others can email a PDF when ready. A few states require you to wait until mid-February before they will issue a replacement, so ask what their timeline is.

Receiving 1099-G forms from multiple states

If you lived in or worked in more than one state during the year and received unemployment benefits from each, you will receive a separate 1099-G from each state. Each form reports only the benefits that state paid you. When you file your tax return, you report the total from all 1099-G forms combined on your federal return.

Request copies from each state's unemployment office using the same process — log into each state's portal or call each state's office. Keep all the forms together so you have them when you file. The IRS also receives copies of all your 1099-G forms, so the total on your return must match the total the IRS has on record.

Understanding the information on your 1099-G

Your 1099-G shows the total amount of benefits you received in Box 1a (Unemployment Insurance Benefits). Box 1b shows any portion that was taxable — some states do not tax unemployment, so this box may be zero or lower than Box 1a. Other boxes may show PUA, Extended Benefits, or other program payments if you received them.

The form also lists your state's tax withholding if you chose to have taxes withheld from your benefits when you filed. This appears in Box 4. If you did not choose withholding, Box 4 will be blank, and you may owe taxes when you file your return.

Do not assume the 1099-G is correct just because it came from the state. Check it against your own records — the total should match what you received. If it does not, contact your state's unemployment office and ask them to investigate. Errors do happen, and the state can issue a corrected form (called a 1099-G-C) if needed.

What happens if you lost your 1099-G or need a copy later

You can request a copy of your 1099-G at any time, not just during tax season. Log into your state's unemployment account and read it, or call your state's unemployment office and ask them to mail or email a copy. Keep a copy for your records — you may need it if the IRS questions your return or if you need to prove your income for a loan or housing process.

The IRS also keeps a record of every 1099-G issued to you. If you file your return without the form and later realize you needed it, you can still amend your return. The IRS will have the information on file from the copy your state sent them.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need my 1099-G to file my taxes?

Yes, you need it to report your unemployment benefits on your federal tax return. If you did not receive it by the time you are ready to file, you can file using the amount you received (which you should have records of), but having the official form is better. You can also wait to file until you have the form.

What if the amount on my 1099-G is wrong?

Contact your state's unemployment office and tell them the amount does not match what you received. Provide dates and amounts if you have them. The state will investigate and issue a corrected 1099-G-C if an error is found. This corrected form replaces the original one for tax purposes.

Can I file my taxes before I get my 1099-G?

You can file using the amount you know you received, but the IRS will match it against the 1099-G your state sends them. If the amounts do not match, the IRS will contact you. It is safer to wait for the form or read it from your state's portal first.

Will I owe taxes on my unemployment benefits?

That depends on your total income for the year and whether you chose tax withholding when you filed for benefits. Your 1099-G shows what the state considers taxable. A tax professional or tax software can tell you whether you owe based on your full situation.

What if I moved and my state mailed the form to my old address?

Update your address with your state's unemployment office right away. Ask them to remail the form to your new address or confirm they have the correct address for future years. You can also log into your account online and read the form when ready without waiting for the mail.