Major Changes to 2020 W4 Tax Form

Due to the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) will release a new version of the federal Form W-4 (Employee Withholding Certificate) for 2020.

While the final version is not yet available, employees can review the latest draft form and instructions to familiarize themselves with upcoming changes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will I need to submit a new W-4?

If you were hired before January 1, 2020, the IRS does not require that you submit a new form.  Your withholding will continue based on your previously-submitted W-4.

When can I submit a new W-4?

The IRS has not yet published the final form.  Once it is made available to the public, the new form will be used for withholding changes effective January 1, 2020, or later.

If you wish to make adjustments to your withholding prior to January 1, complete the 2019 W-4 form and submit to Mel Nelson (mwnelson@owu.edu) prior to 12/11/2019.

What will happen if I do not file a 2020 W-4?

If you are a current employee with a valid W-4 already on file, your withholding will continue based on your previously-submitted form.

For employees hired after January 1, 2020, taxes will be withheld as if you are a single filer with no adjustments (per IRS regulations).

How will Ohio Wesleyan University handle the new W-4?

The provider of OWU's human resources and payroll system, ADP, has committed to releasing a software update necessary for the new Form W-4.

This update requires underlying changes to our HR system and payroll processes.  Because the new form is not yet final, we don't expect to receive the update from ADP until very late in 2019. 

Do these changes affect my state or local tax withholdings?

The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act does not directly affect state or local tax withholding, though state and local tax laws and forms may change from time to time.

If you have questions relating to state, local, or school district income tax withheld, we always recommend referring to appropriate governmental resources for the most up-to-date  information.

I have more questions. Where can I get some help?

Ohio Wesleyan University's Human Resources Office is not able to provide individual guidance on completion of the new W-4 or any related tax implications.

The IRS has made the following resources available:

• Draft instructions on the posted draft 2020 Form W-4.
• IRS 2020 W-4 FAQs webpage.
• IRS Tax Withholding Estimator (to be updated for 2020 upon release of the final form).

For additional assistance, we recommend that you contact a tax professional.