Only my 2nd year of doing taxes and covid has made it only more complicated. Where would I get this from or even learn if I've already payed it off. (It was so long ago so I'm sure I did but i dunno where to find this out...) The unemployment site I used for getting it in the first place just has it under "1099 Information", no specified letter but probably would be 1099-G, but it only has the amount gained listed. It doesn't have Fed or State tax withheld information. Would I have gotten mail from the government or employer for such a form?
If you received unemployment compensation in 2020 then you should have gotten a 1099G from the state, and you should have entered it on your 2020 tax return. Some states mail them out but in many cases you have to go to the state's unemployment web site and use the same user ID and password, etc. that you used to certify for your weekly benefits so that you can get the 1099G.
The tax law that changed for 2020 waived federal tax on the first $10,200 of unemployment you received in 2020, but you are still required to enter it on your tax return.If you had tax withheld from your unemployment then you might be able to get a refund for tax that was withheld. No matter what---it was supposed to be entered on your 2020 return.
If you filed a 2020 return and did not include it, you need to amend your 2020 return and enter your 1099G. That income was reported to the IRS so eventually you are going to get a letter from the IRS for not reporting all of your 2020 income.
Select your tax year for amending instructions:
You will have to enter a 1099G that is issued by your state.
Some states will mail out the 1099G. Or you might need to go to your state’s unemployment website and use the password, etc. that you have been using to certify for weekly benefits to get your 1099G from the state’s site.
Enter your 1099G in Federal>Wages & Income>Unemployment
Go through the screens very carefully, making sure to enter any federal/state tax you had withheld from the unemployment.
If you received unemployment compensation in 2020 then you should have gotten a 1099G from the state, and you should have entered it on your 2020 tax return. Some states mail them out but in many cases you have to go to the state's unemployment web site and use the same user ID and password, etc. that you used to certify for your weekly benefits so that you can get the 1099G.
The tax law that changed for 2020 waived federal tax on the first $10,200 of unemployment you received in 2020, but you are still required to enter it on your tax return.If you had tax withheld from your unemployment then you might be able to get a refund for tax that was withheld. No matter what---it was supposed to be entered on your 2020 return.
If you filed a 2020 return and did not include it, you need to amend your 2020 return and enter your 1099G. That income was reported to the IRS so eventually you are going to get a letter from the IRS for not reporting all of your 2020 income.
Select your tax year for amending instructions:
You will have to enter a 1099G that is issued by your state.
Some states will mail out the 1099G. Or you might need to go to your state’s unemployment website and use the password, etc. that you have been using to certify for weekly benefits to get your 1099G from the state’s site.
Enter your 1099G in Federal>Wages & Income>Unemployment
Go through the screens very carefully, making sure to enter any federal/state tax you had withheld from the unemployment.
I did some frantic digging around the house and manage to find my 1099-G form! But, I'm about 73% sure I payed what I needed back for it already. My main source of concern now is where so I find out this information because, well, obviously a piece of paper wouldn't update if I did pay it,, Would this information only be on the unemployment site or would I have gotten something for it in the mail?
Your answer is very informative and helpful! Unfortunately (or fortunately?), I forgot to file my taxes this year so I don't think I need to amend mt 2020 yet.
Thank you for the reply!
Not sure what you mean by "paid what I needed back for it" --- did you receive more unemployment than you were eligible to receive? Did the state say you have to pay some of it back?
If you have not prepared your 2020 tax return:
Online preparation and e-filing for 2018 and 2019 and 2020 is permanently closed.
To file a return for a prior tax year
If you need to prepare a return for 2018, 2019 or 2020 you can purchase and download desktop software to do it, then print, sign, and mail the return(s)
https://turbotax.intuit.com/personal-taxes/past-years-products/
You may also want to explore purchasing the software from various retailers such as Amazon, Costco, Best Buy, Walmart, Sam’s, etc.
Remember to prepare your state return as well—if you live in a state that has a state income tax.
When you mail a tax return, you need to attach any documents showing tax withheld, such as your W-2’s or any 1099’s. Use a mailing service that will track it, such as UPS or certified mail so you will know the IRS/state received the return.
Federal and state returns must be in separate envelopes and they are mailed to different addresses. Read the mailing instructions that print with your tax return carefully so you mail them to the right addresses.
Note: The desktop software you need to prepare the prior year return must be installed/downloaded to a full PC or Mac. It cannot be used on a mobile device.
If you are getting a refund, there is not a penalty for filing past the deadline. If you owe taxes, the interest/penalties will be calculated by the IRS based on how much you owe and when they receive your return and payment. The IRS will bill you for this; it will not be calculated by TurboTax.
Since you are filing a late 2020 return, the IRS will not have a 2020 AGI in the system for you. When the 2021 software asks for your 2020 AGI so that you can e-file 2021, use “zero.” If you cannot e-file by using zero then you will have to print, sign and mail your 2021 return.
You've no idea how much this helped! 🙏
I was wondering why the state section wouldn't let me file aha. So I guess I have to look up how to file my taxes manually with paper and pen this year. Or, I guess, see just how well the downloadable programs are from Turbo.
Thank you so much for the help! 😌
If you paid for TurboTax online and e-Filed 1040, contact Support,
they will give you the program so you can read in your 1040 and then do your state taxes for an additional cost of the state program.
First check your state website to see what you can do online there, (during off-season for taxes, or in - season).
OR, do it all manually as you mentioned.
I'm trying to input the dates from which I had received unemployment in 2020 I have the 1099G but there no dates that are asked of me to input beginning and ending dates so how do I get those dates
Why and where are you doing this? Are you trying to enter this on your 2024 return?
You would not include the 2020 1099G on your 2024 return. Income is to be reported only on the return for the year in which the income was received.
Also, in 2020, unemployment up to $10,200 was not taxable income. So if your 1099-G is less than that, you would not need to include it on your return.