Paying taxes is forever, even when you are unemployed. If you thought the only silver lining on unemployment is not to have to worry about preparing your tax return, think again. All unemployment benefits are taxable and must be declared in your tax return to your state and the Internal Revenue Service.

This is not news to most of our readers. However, some have asked about how to go about requesting forms and the documents they need to fill in their tax returns. Take for instance this question from Daniel Thomas: “How would I go about getting a copy of a form 1099-G from PA Unemployment?”. Excellent question Daniel. In fact there are many tax-related questions we have received from our readers lately so we have prepared a special article on unemployment and taxes. I know, combining taxes with unemployment regulations is probably the most dull theme on the web, but when you are on unemployment benefits and every dollar counts it is important to know where you stand with the taxman. Click here for a direct link to the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry or read below for a summary of the subject of taxes and your Pennsylvania benefits.

1. How do I obtain a Form UC-1099G?

Click to access the Taxation of UC Benefits page and follow instructions.

2. What if I receive a Form UC-1099G with an incorrect amount in "Total Payment" or "Tax Withheld" areas of the form?

For income tax purposes, UC benefits are reported in the calendar year in which they are paid, regardless of when the application or claim for benefits was filed.

If you believe the "Total Payment" or "Tax Withheld" on Form UC-1099G is incorrect, please contact a UC Service Center 7 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and Sundays 7 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. or the Claims Information Center at (717) 783-3140, Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. All payments made to you and amounts withheld will be recalculated and compared to the amount on your Form UC-1099G. If the amount is incorrect, an amended Form UC-1099G will be issued.

3. What happens if UC benefit checks were returned and re-deposited into my account after the original Form UC-1099G was mailed to me?

An amended Form UC-1099G must be issued. You may contact a UC Service Center 7 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and Sundays 7 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., or the Claims Information Center at (717) 783-3140, Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Your social security number and mailing address will be verified before an amended Form UC-1099G will be issued.

4. What if I receive a Form UC-1099G after I have filed my federal income tax return with the IRS?

Any questions concerning any adjustments that need to be made on your federal income tax return should be directed to the IRS at 1-800-829-1040.

5. What if I received an overpayment of benefits in one year and I repaid any of it in the same or subsequent calendar year?

Note: The "total payment" section on your UC-1099G form includes all benefits paid to you during the calendar year, including benefits that were applied to an overpayment.

For more information on how to report your repayment of UC benefits on your tax return, see Unemployment Benefits and Repayments in IRS Pub. 525 or contact the IRS directly at 1-800-829-1040.

6. What do I do if I believe the UC benefit check(s) were not cashed by me, or were cashed without my permission?

To start an investigation, contact a UC Service Center 7 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and Sundays 7 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., or the Claims Information Center at (717) 783-3140, Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

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