WASHINGTON, DC – On Saturday, Congressman David Schweikert (AZ-06) signed onto a letter with colleagues to the Department of Labor (DOL) and Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to raise awareness regarding fraudulent unemployment insurance claims ahead of this year’s tax filing season. The letter asks the agencies to protect taxpayers and reduce burdens placed on states who administer unemployment programs.

“I have seen first-hand the multitude of fraudulent unemployment claims that have been requested throughout our community. This is a very serious issue happening not only in Arizona, but all across the country. We must work to ensure taxpayers will be protected from fraud and ensure bad actors are held accountable.”

Background:

Unemployment benefits are taxable income, and millions of Americans have had unemployment benefits fraudulently claimed in their names. These individuals have received, or will soon be receiving, their Forms 1099-G to report that income to the IRS. For many, this tax form may be the first notice they receive that they are victims of fraud. States are required to issue corrected Forms 1099-G, but there are concerns on whether states will be able to investigate all claims of fraud and transmit the corrected 1099-Gs before the April 15 filing deadline.

To read the full text of the letter, click HERE.  



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