Withholding Exemption

Federal Income Tax Exemption status expires at the end of each calendar year, per IRS regulations. You must update your W-4 status to continue claiming exemption for the new calendar year.

You may claim exemption from Federal income withholding tax for the current year if you meet both of the following conditions:

  •     Last year had no tax liability, and
  •     This year expect to have no tax liability.

If you claim exemption, you will have no Federal income tax withheld from your paycheck. This could affect your tax return filed at the end of the year. Refer to the IRS W-4 form and instructions or consult a tax expert if you are unsure if you should claim exemption.

IRS Publication 505 provides further information.

Updating Exemption Status Online

  1. Log in to HR/Pay Employee Self Service.
  2. Select the KU Payroll Dashboard button.
  3. Select the W4 Tax Withholding button.
  4. Under Claim Exemption from Withholding, change the year to the current year. (It must have the year current year entered to be valid.)
  5. Check the box confirming you meet the conditions to claim exempt status.
  6. Click submit.

Please contact the Payroll Office if you have any questions or need assistance.

  1. Log in to HR/Pay Employee Self Service.
  2. Select the KU Payroll Dashboard button.
  3. Fill out the W-4 boxes.
  4. Under Claim Exemption from Withholding, uncheck the box that indicates you meet the exemption requirements.
  5. Click submit.

Please contact the Payroll Office if you have any questions or need assistance.