1099 Forms What is Form 1099-G? Government Payments Reporting Explained

At a Glance
Form 1099-G reports certain government payments including unemployment compensation, state and local income tax refunds, and agricultural payments. State unemployment agencies, state and local governments, and federal agencies that make taxable grants or subsidies file this form. Unemployment compensation is fully taxable and must be reported on the recipient"s federal income tax return.

Understanding IRS Form 1099-G

Form 1099-G (Certain Government Payments) is used to report certain payments made by government agencies. The most common use is reporting unemployment compensation, but it also covers state and local income tax refunds, agricultural payments, and other government payments.

Who Must File Form 1099-G?

Form 1099-G must be filed by:

  • State unemployment agencies reporting unemployment compensation
  • State and local governments reporting income tax refunds
  • Federal, state, and local agencies making agricultural payments
  • Government agencies making taxable grants or subsidies

Form 1099-G Box Breakdown

Box Description
1 Unemployment compensation
2 State or local income tax refunds, credits, or offsets
3 Box 2 amount is for tax year
4 Federal income tax withheld
5 RTAA payments
6 Taxable grants
7 Agriculture payments
8 Checkbox if Box 2 is trade or business income
9 Market gain
10a-b State information
11 State income tax withheld

Unemployment Compensation (Box 1)

Unemployment compensation is taxable and must be reported on the recipient's federal income tax return. This includes:

  • State unemployment insurance benefits
  • Federal unemployment compensation
  • Extended unemployment benefits
  • Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA)

For more details, see our 1099-G Unemployment guide.

State Tax Refunds (Box 2)

State and local income tax refunds are reported in Box 2. These may be taxable if the recipient itemized deductions and deducted state taxes in the prior year.

E-File Form 1099-G with BoomTax

E-file your Form 1099-G with the IRS using BoomTax. Our platform handles bulk filing for government agencies.

Import Your Form 1099-G Data

You can import your data as Excel, XML, or use files from popular payroll providers like QuickBooks, UKG, ADP, and many more.

Step-By-Step Wizard

We walk you through the process with no complicated jargon. You can also live chat with a real person as you work on your filing for hands-on help.

E-File & Mail Employee Copies

Once your data is loaded, you can e-file and distribute employee copies in minutes.

Filing Deadlines

  • Recipient copy: January 31
  • IRS filing (paper): February 28
  • IRS filing (electronic): March 31

External Resources

Ken Ham
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Ken Ham
Founder at BoomTax
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