Do I Need a W-2 From Unemployment Before I File My Taxes?

When you receive unemployment benefits for the tax year, you are responsible for claiming the amount of benefits on your federal and state taxes using the correct form. It is important that you know what the correct form is and how to enter the information on your federal tax return.

W-2 Form

The W-2 form is used by employers to report gross wages and tax deductions withheld from employees. The W-2 is not used to report your unemployment compensation, but only to report earned wages. The form is mailed or given to you by January 31 following the end of the tax year.

1099-G Form

Unemployment compensation is reported on the 1099-G form by the state unemployment agency. The form reports the amount benefits received, any amounts repaid to the agency and any other payments or taxes withheld. The form is mailed by January 31 for the previous tax year.

Federal Tax Forms

The unemployment amount from the 1099-G form is entered on line 19 of the 1040 form and line 13 of the 1040A form. The W-2 wages are entered on line 7 of the 1040 and 1040A forms.

References

• W-2 Form
• 1099-G Form
• 1040 Form