Claiming W-4 Allowances
The W-4 allowances you claim determine the federal and state taxes that are withheld from your gross pay each pay period. For each withholding allowance you claim, you reduce the amount of income tax withheld from your wages.
All new employees are required to complete a form W-4. If one is not provided, IRS requires taxes to be withheld at the rate of "Single" marital status and "zero" allowances until a form W-4 is completed.
IRS has basic instructions for completing a W-4 on the paper form.
To determine the correct number of allowances you should claim on form W-4, complete the Tax Withholding Estimator provided by the IRS.
Exempt W-4
If you claim exemption from withholding when you file your W-4, be aware that your exempt status expires annually. You must file a new form W-4 by February 15 of the following year to continue the exemption from tax. To determine if you're eligible to claim exempt on your W-4, see the Exemption from Withholding section of IRS Publication 505.
Updating Your W-4
You can view and update your W-4 any time. Go to the My Pay tab in MyU, then click W-4 Tax Information near the bottom of the page.