UIA calls for expanded federal overpayment waivers, says 1099-G tax forms will be sent by end of February

The Unemployment Insurance Agency (UIA) is calling upon its federal partners for an equitable resolution on behalf of Michigan's workers in response to notices for unemployment benefits overpayments and collection activity related to non-fraudulent claims filed during the pandemic.

UIA has requested additional waivers from the U.S. Department of Labor to ensure that no Michiganders are negatively impacted for doing the right thing.

"We continue to work with our partners on an issue that other states across the country are also dealing with and we call on Congress to quickly devise a solution that will help Michigan's working families," UIA Director Julia Dale said today.

As part of its proactive approach to the waivers issue, UIA has endorsed a National Association of State Workforce Agencies (NASWA) letter sent to Congressional leaders that encourages Congress to pass legislation that allows states to waive non-fraudulent pandemic related unemployment compensation overpayments.

UIA also advises benefit recipients that programming changes related to waivers granted in 2021 will result in the Agency issuing 1099-G tax forms toward the end of February. UIA asked for and received an extension from the Internal Revenue Service.

"Our top priority is ensuring that Michiganders have the most accurate information when completing their taxes," Dale said. "This additional time will help us get the correct amount so taxpayers can complete their state and federal tax returns."

Once ready, 1099-Gs will be posted to Michigan Web Account Manager (MIWAM) accounts for claimants who have requested an electronic copy. Claimants who previously did not request an electronic copy of their 1099-G can still do so:

• Log into MiWAM.
• Under Account Alerts click on "Select a delivery preference for your Tax
  Form 1099-G."
• Choose "electronic."

Claimants who do not request an electronic copy will have their 1099-G sent through the mail.

Once the 1099-Gs are processed, electronic copies can be accessed online by those who requested them in that format:

• Log into MiWAM.
• Go to the "I Want To" heading.
• Click on the "1099-G" link.
• Click on the 1099-G letter for the 2021 tax year.