OLYMPIA – Employment Security Department (ESD) Commissioner Suzi LeVine shared this statement regarding 2020 tax forms being sent to unemployment claimants this week:

“As tax filing season begins, it’s important to remember that unemployment benefits are taxable. Over 1 million workers received unemployment benefits from ESD in 2020. This week we began the annual process we conduct of sending customers a tax form, called a 1099-G, that they’ll need when filing with the IRS. Claimants can learn more about unemployment benefits and 1099-G forms at esd.wa.gov/1099.

“While experiencing unprecedented levels of unemployment in 2020, we were one of many states that was hit with a nationwide unemployment imposter fraud attack. The team has worked diligently to ensure that none of the victims we confirmed with fraudulent claims filed in their name before Jan. 1, 2021 will receive a 1099-G for benefits.

“However, we continue to receive fraud reports and must thoroughly investigate each one in turn. People who’ve already reported fraud to us but get a 1099-G should not submit another report. Instead, they’ll get a corrected 1099-G when we’ve finished our investigation and confirmed fraud. To learn more, please visit our website to get tax info for fraud victims.

“We also expect that, for some people, receiving a 1099-G for unemployment benefits could be their first indication of imposter fraud. People who believe they’re victims of fraud should also visit our website for next steps and get tax info for fraud victims.”