DWD Communications, 608-266-2722
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MADISON – The Department of Workforce Development (DWD) is reminding state residents who received Unemployment Insurance (UI) benefits last year that they must report UI benefits as taxable income on their 2015 tax returns, and that their 1099-G income tax statements for the year are easily accessible through UI’s secure and confidential online system.
UI benefits are considered taxable income for both federal and state income taxes, and the 1099-G form shows the amount in UI benefits a claimant received during the previous year.
To access 1099-G tax statements, claimants can go to http://dwd.wisconsin.gov/uiben/1099.htm and then follow a few easy steps to obtain an electronic copy of their 2015 benefit payment records. Claimants can also sign up to receive an email alert when future 1099-G forms are available online.
In response to customer service trends toward the convenience of online self-service, DWD intends to phase out the mass mailing of 1099-G forms starting in January 2017, when 2016 statements will be available through UI’s secure and confidential online system. In addition, claimants who have logged onto UI’s online benefits services system since October 1, 2015, are being notified their 1099-G statements for 2015 will be accessible online and that they should not expect to be mailed paper copies. DWD will continue to mail paper copies upon request.
The transition from paper mailings to e-copies of 1099-G forms will save tens of thousands of dollars every year in processing, printing and mailing expenses.
By accessing UI’s secure, confidential online benefit system and obtaining 1099-G’s electronically, claimants will also have immediate access to their tax information for UI.
DWD securely stores 1099-G forms online for all claimants to access and print for their records. Claimants’ statements are available online for the past six years, which is helpful if claimants have to file amended tax returns. The UI Division is required to send 1099-G information to the Internal Revenue Service and the Wisconsin Department of Revenue.
For more information: http://unemployment.wisconsin.gov or http://dwd.wisconsin.gov/uiben
