January 2021 Mailing Information - Forms 1099-G & 1099-INT Public Service Bulletin

January 8, 2021

Purpose of bulletin

To announce the 2021 mailing of Forms 1099-G and 1099-INT.

Background

Federal law requires the Franchise Tax Board (FTB) to mail taxpayers who received a refund or interest of $10 or more, one of the following:

  • Form 1099-G, Report of State Income Tax Refund
    • Form 1099-Gs are issued by tax year.
    • Example: A taxpayer who receives refunds in 2020 for overpayments on tax years 2018 and 2019 will receive two 1099-Gs - one for 2018 and one for 2019.
  • Form 1099-INT, Statement of Interest Income
    • FTB issues Form 1099-INTs for all interest paid during the 2020 calendar year.

If a tax return needs more validation and review, it may be held past the year in which it was filed. When the tax return has been processed, if a refund has been issued, the 1099-G will be for the year the refund was issued. This may be different than the year the taxpayer filed, or that was auto populated in the tax preparation software, and the preparer’s copy may need to be updated.

Additional Information

Overpayments or interest income reported on Form 1099-G or Form 1099-INT are considered refunded in the following situations:

  • If paid directly to the taxpayer or directly deposited into a financial institution.
  • When used as an offset for other liabilities, such as taxes, penalties, or interest.
  • When credited as an estimated tax payment.
  • If intercepted (offset) by a state, city, or county agency, or by the Internal Revenue Service(IRS).
  • If elected as a use tax payment.
  • When paid to voluntary contributions as designated by taxpayer.

We do not include refunds as a result of the Earned Income Tax Credit claimed on the taxpayer’s return as a refunded amount.

Volume and Mail Schedule

FTB will mail the following volumes (approximate) between January 15, 2021 and January 31, 2021, for tax returns processed in 2020:

  • 1099-G 3,583,535
  • 1099-INT 195,613

Taxpayer Inquiries

Follow your unit procedures when responding to questions regarding Forms 1099-G and 1099-INT.

Refer questions on how to report refunds or interest income on federal tax returns to the IRS at (800) 829-1040.