W-4 Information and Exemption from Withholding

Overview

This provides basic information about the understanding and updating IRS Form W-4, as well as exemption from withholding.

Payroll Services is not permitted to give tax advice regarding your tax status or the number of allowances to claim when completing your Form W-4.  Please refer to the Tax Withholding Estimator or your tax preparer for guidance.

Update Form W-4

Update Form W-4 Navigation: My Self Service > Payroll and Compensation > W-4 Tax Information

Exemption from Withholding

If an employee qualifies for exemption from withholding, the employee can use Form W-4 to tell the employer not to deduct any federal income tax from wages.  This applies only to income tax, not to Social Security or Medicare tax.  You can claim exemption from withholding only if both the following situations apply:

  1. For the prior year, you had a right to a refund of all federal income tax withheld because you had no tax liability
  2. For the current year, you expect a refund of all federal income tax withheld because you expect to have no liability

For employees claiming exemption from withholding, please note the following:

  1. A Form W-4 claiming exemption from withholding is valid only for the calendar year in which it is filed with the
  2. To continue to be exempt from withholding in the next year, an employee must provide a new Form W-4 claiming exempt status by February 15th of that year
    • If your Form W-4 is not updated by February 15, as required by IRS guidelines your tax withholding status will be changed to “single” with zero allowances until you submit an updated Form W-4
    • Tax refunds will not be made for failure to update your Form W-4 in a timely manner

Resources

About Form W-4, Employee’s Withholding Certificate

IRS Form W-4

Tax Withholding Estimator

Tax Withholding for Individuals

FAQ’s on the 2020 Form W-4

Contacts

Payroll Services: (352) 392-1231

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