IRS Form W-4 will get a new look in 2020

The employee’s withholding certificate, IRS Form W-4, will get a new look in 2020 as part of the federal tax law changes that took place in 2018.

The Internal Revenue Service is not requiring existing employees to complete the revised form. However, employees hired in 2020 and anyone who makes withholding changes after Dec. 31 will be required to use the new form. The IRS has published frequently asked questions to explain the form change and assist with its completion. 

The University of Oregon payroll office advises and the IRS recommends employees give their paycheck a checkup using the IRS withholding calculator to evaluate the amount of payroll taxes currently withheld from their paychecks. The results of this calculator help employees determine if they need to make changes to their federal tax withholdings by completing a new Form W-4. New forms should be submitted to the payroll office on the second floor of the Thompson University Center at 720 E. 13th Ave.  

The IRS website provides tips and instructions for using the calculator. The IRS also provides answers to frequently asked questions. The net pay calculator on the business affairs website helps employees see how changes on their Form W-4 impact their net pay. 

Contact the payroll office at 541-346-3151 with questions. However, payroll representatives cannot give tax advice. Contact a professional tax preparer for consultation related to individual tax questions.