Should I file for an extension if my NJ Unemployment Benefits have been stuck on hold? I received $9k but am owed much more than that, waiting for claims specialist

[velarkm]

I was unemployed all of 2020. I was eligible and approved for UEB extensions through the work program to go to school. Corona hit and UEB was flooded with people filing.

I was paid $9k in UEB, with about $4k more owed to me before my account supposedly had the "anniversary glitch" and froze, saying my claims are unpayable. I am awaiting a NJ claims specialist for over 8 months now and multiple escalations to fix it. According to the first tier operator, I am eligible and owed for the many extensions and CAREs act payments, so I am expecting to receive much more UEB payments whenever they get around to fixing my account.

I have $9k filed with $910 tax withheld currently. Should I request an extension and hope they fix this before October, or should I file now and amend later?

[rjs · Accepted solution]

You should not file an extension. You should file your tax return now. You will not have to amend it. You report unemployment in the year that you actually receive it, regardless of whether it's delayed or not. Any payments that you receive in 2021 will be reported on your 2021 tax return, even if they are delayed payments that you should have received in 2020.

[velarkm]

Thank you for answering and being so clear