Self-Employed Texans - American Rescue Plan Act

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TWC is Mailing 1099-G Forms

Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) has mailed the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Form 1099-G, Certain Government Payments, to all claimants who received Unemployment Insurance (UI) benefits in 2020.

Claimants can obtain their 1099-G information online by logging onto ui.texasworkforce.org, and selecting View IRS 1099-G Information, or by calling Tele-Serv at 800-558-8321 and selecting Option 2.

You must report all unemployment benefits you received to the IRS on your federal tax return. The 1099-G provides all of the information you need to report your benefits.

For more information, visit: Federal Income Taxes & Your Unemployment Benefits

What is an IRS Form 1099-G, Certain Government Payments?

IRS Form 1099-G is a federal tax form that lists the total amount of unemployment benefits TWC paid you in one calendar year. The 1099-G form includes:

  • Unemployment benefits (includes child support payments deducted from your benefits, if any)
  • Federal income tax withheld from unemployment benefits, if any
  • Alternative Trade Adjustment Assistance (ATAA) and Reemployment Trade Adjustment Assistance (RTAA) payments, if any

To which address did TWC mail the IRS Form 1099-G?

TWC uses the address on file as of December 31, 2020, to mail your 1099-G. If you made an address change after December 31, 2020, we will not be able to change the address where TWC mails your 1099-G because the address change was made after the forms were printed.

What if I disagree with the amount of unemployment benefits TWC reported on the 1099-G?

TWC must report the total amount of benefits paid in the prior year. You may review your payment history on ui.texasworkforce.org to compare your list of payments.

For more information, see: If Your 1099-G Amount is Different than you Expect

What if I had an overpayment?

The amount we list on your 1099-G includes any overpaid benefits. We report the total amount of benefits we paid you in the previous calendar year, regardless of whether you repaid an overpayment. If you repaid part or all of an overpayment, the IRS allows you to deduct the repaid amounts on your tax return.

For more information on deducting an overpayment on your tax return, see the IRS instructions or contact the IRS or a tax professional.

How can I access my 1099-G on Tele-Serv or order a duplicate?

You can call Tele-Serv at 800-558-8321 and select Option 2 to find the total amount of benefits TWC reported to the IRS or order a duplicate.

How can I access my 1099-G on Unemployment Benefits Services?

You can log on to ui.texasworkforce.org and select IRS Tax Information from the Quick Links menu to find the total amount of benefits TWC reported to the IRS. You can view any 1099-G from any previous year in which you received benefits by selecting Select Another Year at the bottom of the IRS Tax Information page. The IRS 1099-G Details section on UBS provides the total amount of benefits paid during the prior calendar year and the amount of federal income tax withheld, if any.

Do I need to attach IRS Form 1099-G to my income tax return?

No. You do not need to attach IRS Form 1099-G to your income tax return, but you do need the information on the form to submit in your income tax return.

Can I file my taxes without a copy of my IRS Form 1099-G?

Yes. You can file tax returns without IRS Form 1099-G if you know the total amount of benefits that TWC paid you, the amount of federal withholding (if applicable), and TWC’s Federal Employer ID Number (FEIN), 74-2764775.

For more information, see: Reporting Your Benefits

What is TWC’s Federal Employer ID Number (FEIN)?

74-2764775

I didn’t receive IRS Form 1099-G. Can TWC send another copy?

Yes. You can request a duplicate copy of IRS Form 1099-G by calling Tele-Serv and selecting Option 2 or by logging on to ui.texasworkforce.org. You do not need a paper copy of IRS Form 1099-G to file with your tax return.

For more information, see: Requesting a Duplicate 1099-G

I received an IRS Form 1099-G, but I never applied for benefits. How do I report fraud?

If you suspect a claim was fraudulently filed using your Social Security number, you should report it immediately.

  • Upload your statement on the UI Fraud Submission portal, and under the Type of Submission drop down menu, select “Report Suspected Fraud,” “Did not file the UI claim,” or “Did not file the UI claim but now need to.”
  • Send an email to TWC.fraud@twc.state.tx.us
  • Leave a message on the TWC Fraud Hotline at 800-252-3642
  • Complete the Contact Request Form

For more information, visit: Reporting Fraud

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Overview

At the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC), the health and well-being of our employers, employees, and communities is our top priority. We understand the concern and uncertainty you may be experiencing surrounding the Coronavirus (COVID-19), and we are committed to being responsive to the needs of our customers as the situation evolves.

Note: All information regarding COVID-19 is subject to change at any time due to the changing nature of the pandemic. Please revisit this page regularly for updates.

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U.S. Department of Labor Fraud Alert

The U.S. Department of Labor has issued an unemployment insurance phishing fraud alertPDF.

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Self-employed/Independent Contractors Benefit Eligibility

If you are self-employed, a contract worker, or previously worked in a position that did not report wages, you may qualify for unemployment and can apply.

If you already applied for unemployment benefits, TWC will determine if you qualify for regular unemployment or any pandemic claim programs. TWC will notify you by mail or electronic correspondence of your eligibility.

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What is Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA)?

Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA)

The Pandemic Unemployment Assistance () program temporarily expands unemployment benefit eligibility to self-employed workers, gig economy workers, part-time workers, and others impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic who might not otherwise be traditionally eligible for unemployment benefits.

PUA benefits are available to individuals who continue to meet the requirements of the program or until the program expires on September 4, 2021. The first payable week on the American Rescue Plan PUA extension is the benefit week ending (BWE) March 20, 2021. The last date for new PUA claims is August 29, 2021. The last payable week for PUA claims is BWE September 4, 2021.

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How to Apply for Benefits

Apply for benefits online or by phone:

  • Apply online at Unemployment Benefit Services (UBS) 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by selecting Apply for Benefits. 

  • Call our Tele-Center at 800-939-6631 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. seven days a week and speak to a customer service representative.

If you are eligible for regular benefits, we must pay those benefits before paying PUA. To be eligible for PUA, you must have lost your job because of COVID-19 and indicate that on your benefits application. You must also certify that you meet one of the eligibility criteria. 

If you apply for benefits using UBS, select “reduced hours” as the reason for your job separation. If your reduced hours are a result of COVID-19, you should also select “COVID-19” under the disaster impact section. The system will then display questions you will need to answer to complete your claim.

After you submit your online application. The system will review your claim to see if you are eligible for regular benefits. If you are not eligible, you will receive a denial for regular unemployment benefits only. TWC will then automatically enroll you into PUA if you are eligible. The initial denial for regular benefits will not affect your PUA eligibility.

For more information about PUA eligibility and benefit payment amounts, see the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) page.

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Work Search Requirements Reinstated

As Texas continues to reopen, the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) reinstated work search requirements for all claimants beginning November 1, 2020.

Self-Employed individuals who intend to reopen their business do not need to complete work search activities, but they must take steps to reopen. Self-employed individuals who do not intend to reopen their business will need to complete work search activities.

Take Steps to Reopen Your Business

In order to remain eligible for unemployment benefits if you are self-employed, you are required to take steps to reopen your business. You must tell us how many hours per week you spend rebuilding your business. 

Here are some examples of things you can do to reopen:

  • Let your customers or clients know you’re reopening by posting on your social media platforms
  • Contact past customers or clients
  • Advertise
  • Pass out business cards and flyers
  • Reach out to potential clients
  • Make sure any required licenses or permits are current and renew them if they aren’t
  • Obtain required permits or licenses if you don’t already have them
  • Review current contracts and research new ones
  • Prepare a bid on contract
  • Submit a bid on a contract
  • Research and prepare for a specific contract
  • Check your inventory
  • Enroll in training to expand your skills

Remember to follow federal and state health guidelines when you reopen your business to ensure the safety of you, your employees, and your clients or customers. 

Not Reopening Your Business?

If you do not plan to reopen your business, you must actively search for full-time employment and record your work search activities: 

Claimants must certify they are completing their required number of work searches each week when they request benefit payment. 

For help finding your next job, please visit www.MyTXCareer.com or www.WorkInTexas.com and use the virtual and in person services at your local Workforce Solutions offices throughout the state.

For more information see:

Skills Enhancement initiative and Metrix Learning

Thinking about changing careers or getting a different kind of job? TWC offers Texas residents the opportunity to improve their skills and learn new skills through our Skills Enhancement initiative and Metrix Learning. 

Metrix Learning provides unlimited access to over 5,000 Skillsoft courses in English and Spanish plus more specialized courses, such as medical billing and coding and mathematics. Each course completion that you pass can build your skill level, and a Metrix course that is completed with a passing score can be one of your work search activities. 

For more details see our Skills Enhancement Initiative Career Tools web page

 

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Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) Payment Request Instructions

Request benefit payment on your designated filing date and then every two weeks after that on your designated filing day either online or by phone. Do not wait for TWC to determine your eligibility. Your designated filing date and day are listed on the filing instructions we provided.

  • Log on to UBS 24/7 and select Request a Payment.

  • Call Tele-Serv at 800-558-8321 from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily and select Option 1.

You need to request payment on your designated filing day, which is listed on your filing instructions. Assigned filing days are Sunday through Wednesday. If you miss your designated filing day in any given week, you can submit your payment request on our open filing days, which are Thursday through Saturday.

For Workers, Employees, or Contract Laborers

You must report the total amount of wages before deductions, such as taxes. Report wages from all work, including any full-time, part-time, temporary, or contract work in the week you performed the work NOT when the earnings were paid. For example, if you worked during Week #1 but your employer paid you in Week #2, you must report the wages in Week #1—the week when the wages were earned.

You must actively search for full-time employment unless TWC informs you that you are exempt. If you are required to search for work, TWC will mail you a Work Search Notification letter listing the required minimum number of work search activities you must make each week and the Guidelines for a Productive Work Search. You must keep track of the number of work search activities you do each week.

For Self-Employed Individuals

You must report earnings and commissions before deductions, such as operating expenses. Report your gross income in the week you receive the income, even if you performed the work in a prior week. For example, if you performed services in Week #1 but did not receive payment until Week #2, you must report the gross income in Week #2—the week when you were paid.

You must actively take steps each week to return to normal business activities. You must tell us how many hours per week you spend rebuilding your business.

If you do not plan to reopen your business, you must actively search for full-time employment and record your work search activities to remain eligible for benefits. If you take another full-time, part-time, temporary, or contract job, you must instead report your wages in the week you performed the work NOT when the earnings were paid. For example, if you worked during Week #1 but your employer paid you in Week #2, you must report the wages in Week #1—the week when the wages were earned. 

For more information on requesting benefit payment and reporting work and earnings:

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Proof of Income Requirements for Non-traditional Workers

If you are self-employed, an independent contractor (1099) or gig worker, filed a PUA claim before January 3, 2021 and worked for the entire year of 2019, you do NOT need to provide TWC with your complete 2019 IRS tax return including Schedule C, F or SE unless your net profit for 2019 exceeded $20,800. That is the minimum amount needed to increase your PUA weekly benefit amount (WBA).
 
You will continue to receive the $207 minimum PUA WBA if your net profit for 2019 was less than $20,800. Providing your income tax return is optional and will not affect your weekly benefit amount if your net profit was less.
 
If you filed your PUA claim after January 3, 2021, you will need to provide your 2020 income tax return.
 

If you worked as a 1099 independent contractor, do NOT send TWC your 1099 form. Your 1099 form will have no effect on your PUA WBA.

If your net profit was more than $20,800 and you submit your IRS forms and schedules, TWC will recalculate your PUA WBA and notify you of the change. If your PUA WBA increases, TWC will pay the difference retroactively to the date your employment was affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

If your net profit for tax year 2019 was $20,800 or more, submit your complete 2019 IRS federal income tax return including Form 1040 and all schedules, such as C, F or SE to TWC by using our online UI Submission Upload portal (English) or UI Submission Upload portal (Spanish).

If you cannot use the online portal you can submit the proof by fax or mail. Due to the heavy volume of mail, processing the proof received by fax or mail will be delayed.

  • Fax: 1-512-936-3250

  • Mail: Texas Workforce Commission
    P.O. Box 149137
    Austin, TX  78714-9137

Note: Applicants who submit their tax information may not receive an immediate response. Please do not resubmit unless explicitly asked.

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Working While Receiving PUA

If you are working full-time, but lost your part-time gig, contract, or self-employed work, you will not be eligible to receive PUA benefits. Because you are working full-time, you are considered fully employed and therefore are not eligible to receive unemployment benefits. 

You may be eligible for benefits if you are working part-time. You must report all work and earnings each week that you worked when requesting unemployment benefit payment. You must also report any sick leave or vacation pay received or payments received from the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). For more information, see our tutorial on How to calculate and report earningsPDF.

 

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Unemployment and Taxes

Unemployment benefits are taxable. Unemployment benefits must be reported on your federal income tax return. You can ask TWC to withhold 10 percent for federal income taxes from your unemployment benefit payments. However, the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) also allows for the first $10,200 in unemployment benefits received in 2020 to be tax-free for households with less than $150,000 in annual income. For more information, see: Federal Income Taxes & Your Unemployment Benefits.

For questions related to taxes and ARPA, please consult a tax professional or contact the IRS at https://www.irs.gov/.

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See Also

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Last Verified: March 16, 2021

Equal Opportunity Employer/Program
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