How to Get Your 1099-G Form From the IRS

Where to request your 1099-G and what to expect

You can request a copy of your 1099-G form directly from the IRS by mail, phone, or through your online IRS account. The IRS mails 1099-G forms to the address on file by January 31 each year if you received unemployment benefits, state income tax refunds, or other taxable payments during the previous year. If you did not receive your form by early February, or if you need a duplicate copy, you have three main routes to get one.

The fastest method is to check your IRS online account at irs.gov. You can create a login using your Social Security number, date of birth, and filing status, then view and read your 1099-G directly. This works if the form has already been processed by the IRS, which usually happens by mid-February. You can print it when ready or save it as a PDF.

If you do not have online access or prefer to call, you can reach the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 during business hours. Have your Social Security number ready. The IRS representative can confirm whether your 1099-G has been filed and can mail a paper copy to you, which typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days.

Key Takeaways

• The IRS mails 1099-G forms by January 31 each year to anyone who received taxable payments like unemployment or tax refunds.
• You can view and read your 1099-G through your IRS online account at irs.gov if the form has been processed.
• Calling the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 will get you a mailed copy within 7 to 10 business days if you cannot access your online account.
• If you received a 1099-G but the information is wrong, you must contact the issuing agency (such as your state unemployment office) to request a corrected form, not the IRS.

Requesting a replacement 1099-G by mail

You can also request a duplicate 1099-G by mail using Form 4506-C, Request for Copy of Tax Return. However, this form is typically used for tax returns themselves, not individual information forms. A simpler approach is to write a letter to the IRS requesting a duplicate 1099-G and include your name, Social Security number, the tax year you need, and the type of payment (unemployment, tax refund, etc.).

Mail your letter to the IRS address for your state. You can find the correct mailing address on irs.gov under "Where to File." Include a copy of your driver's license or other ID for verification. The IRS will process your request and mail the form to you, though this method takes longer than calling or using your online account—typically 30 days or more.

What to do if your 1099-G shows incorrect information

If the amount, dates, or other details on your 1099-G are wrong, you cannot correct it through the IRS. Instead, you must contact the agency that issued the form. For unemployment benefits, that is your state's unemployment insurance office. For state income tax refunds, contact your state tax department. For other payments, identify which government body sent you the money and reach out to them.

When you contact the issuing agency, explain what information is incorrect and provide documentation if you have it (such as your unemployment claim records or tax return confirmation). The agency will issue a corrected 1099-G form, usually marked as a "corrected" or "amended" form. This corrected version will be sent to you and to the IRS. You may need to file an amended tax return if the correction changes your tax liability.

Timing: When the IRS sends 1099-G forms

The IRS requires all 1099-G forms to be mailed by January 31 of the year following the tax year in which you received the payment. For example, if you received unemployment in 2023, your 1099-G for that income should arrive by January 31, 2024. The IRS also files copies electronically, and these are usually processed and available in your online account by mid-February.

If you do not receive your 1099-G by mid-February, it may mean the form has not been filed yet, your address on file is incorrect, or the form was lost in the mail. This is why checking your online IRS account first is the most reliable step—you can see whether the IRS has received the form before requesting a replacement.

Using your 1099-G to file your tax return

You need your 1099-G to report the income on your federal tax return. The form shows the gross amount of the payment you received, and you report this on the appropriate line of your return depending on the type of payment. For unemployment benefits, this goes on Schedule 1 (Form 1040). For state income tax refunds, the amount may or may not be taxable depending on whether you itemized deductions in the year you paid the tax.

You should have your 1099-G in hand before you file, but if you do not, you can file your return using the information you have and then file an amended return once you receive the form. However, this creates extra work and delays any refund you are owed. Requesting your 1099-G early—as soon as you know you will need it—prevents this problem.

What if you never received a 1099-G but think you should have

If you received a payment from a government agency that should have generated a 1099-G but you never got the form, start by contacting that agency directly. They can tell you whether they filed a 1099-G with the IRS and confirm the address where it was sent. If the address is wrong, they can file a corrected form.

If the agency confirms they filed the form but you still have not received it after mid-February, contact the IRS. You can call 1-800-829-1040 or check your online account to see if the IRS has a record of the form. If the IRS has the form on file but you never received it in the mail, request a duplicate copy. If the IRS has no record of the form, ask them to contact the issuing agency to investigate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I file my taxes without my 1099-G?

You can file without it if you know the exact amount of the payment you received, but you will need the 1099-G information to report it correctly. If you file without the form and the amount you report does not match what the IRS receives from the issuing agency, the IRS may send you a notice. It is better to wait for the form or request a copy before filing.

Do I need an original 1099-G or can I use a copy?

A copy is fine for filing your tax return. You can use a printed copy from your IRS online account, a photocopy of the original, or a duplicate the IRS mails to you. The IRS does not require the original form itself.

How long does it take to get a 1099-G if I call the IRS?

If you call the IRS and request a mailed copy, it typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days. Using your online IRS account is faster—you can read it when ready if the form has been processed.

What if the 1099-G was sent to my old address?

Contact the issuing agency (your state unemployment office, state tax department, etc.) and give them your current address. They can file a corrected 1099-G. You can also check your IRS online account to see if the IRS has the form on file, and if so, request a copy mailed to your current address.

Is there a fee to get a copy of my 1099-G?

No. The IRS does not charge for copies of 1099-G forms or for accessing them through your online account. Be cautious of third-party websites that claim to charge a fee to retrieve your form—you can always get it directly from the IRS for free.