I am still waiting for the 1099G. Should I file for extension?

[SweetieJean]

If it's for unemployment comp, you can probably pull it from your state's UE website.  If for a state tax refund, try the state's tax website.

[Annie_1]

Thank you for your reply. It is for unemployment benefits for last year. I called them, they said for regular unemployment I can not check it from online, but have to wait for the actual letter, but it's already there 7th today. 

[ToddL99]

You have two options:

1. Request an extension and keep trying to get a copy of your 1099-G - as @SweetieJean pointed out, many states only provide the 1099-G online. "Regular unemployment" and "unemployment compensation " are the same thing, so if your state has an "Unemployment" website, you should be able to get a copy.

2. File now, without the 1099-G. It is likely that your unemployment compensation is not taxable, so a "missing" 1099-G probably won't affect your federal tax calculation anyhow. See New Exclusion of up to $10,200 of Unemployment Compensation.

Option 2 has the benefit of speeding up any refund you may have coming. If your unemployment qualifies for the recent tax-exemption, then the "missing" 1099-G won't change anything on your federal tax, anyhow. 

If your state is still taxing unemployment income, they'll take note of the missing 1099-G and send you an adjusted tax bill later in the year.

They will calculate the tax due (plus interest and penalties) and you can send them a check. 

The IRS and the states use this simplified procedure since It is extremely common to omit reporting a Form 1099. You file before they arrive, they get lost in the mail, get lost in your house or get tossed along with junk mail.  

[Annie_1]

Thank you ToddL for the detailed reply! The form I need unfortunately not available online. I have received one paper from them awhile back but it doesn't seem like to have detailed infos like turbotax asking for. So what happens if I don't do my tax return right, will the IRS send me a letter to correct it or something? Not everything makes sense to me on turbotax. I've requested another 1099G but who knows how long it will take. Thanks again.

[ToddL99]

Do your tax return now, without the missing 1099-G (see option #2, above). 

If the IRS got the form and it changed your taxes, they will send you an automated notice (not an audit). They will calculate any tax due (plus interest and penalties) and you can send them a check. They will also send a pre-addressed envelope and payment voucher, for you convenience. 

The IRS uses this simplified procedure since It is extremely common to omit reporting a Form 1099. You file before they arrive, they get lost in the mail, get lost in your house or get tossed along with junk mail. 

@Annie_1