All student employees must have a valid W-4 form on file with the Career Center each fiscal year. W-4s are to accompany the SEAF and are to be completed in the same color ink in full and signed by the student before the SEAF can be processed. Forms completed in pencil will be returned.

The following is taken directly from form W-4 and addresses questions frequently asked by students:

A W-4 is completed so your employer can withhold the correct amount of federal income tax from your pay.

If you claim exempt on line 7, NO federal taxes will be taken out of your paycheck. You cannot claim exempt if (a) your income exceeds $850 and includes more than $300 of unearned income (for example, interest and dividends) and (b) another person can claim you as a dependent on his/her tax return.

In general, single students with no dependents claim either ‘0’ or ‘1’ on line 5 of the W-4. If you claim ‘1’ allowance, less tax will be taken out than if you claim ‘0’ allowances.

Students claiming an exempt status on line item 7 must renew their W-4 each calendar year in order for the exempt status to remain. Supervisors will be notified if there are students in their department who need to renew. The renewal deadline falls in early February.

International students must complete a W-4. Please see Section 11.1, Completing IRS Form W-4 under International Student Employment for information on completing this form.

For further information regarding tax laws and exemptions, please consult the IRS web site at www.irs.gov.