Tax form W-2 is now available on the UCPath portal.
If you did not elect to receive your W-2 electronically, paper forms will be mailed out on January 29, 2021. Please allow at least 10 business days to receive the form via US mail before contacting the UCPath Center.
As we move quickly move into 2021, here are a few reminders regarding tax information as well as guidance to update items such as your address, dependent Social Security number, and emergency contact and beneficiary information.
Claiming Exemption from Withholding
The IRS requires you to complete a new W-4 form each year if you are claiming exemption from federal tax withholding. If you wish to claim exemption from withholding in 2020, you must make this choice on UCPath online before Feb. 12, 2021 at 5:00 pm.
To complete this change, click the link to be directed to UC Path, then use the dropdown menu to access Income and Taxes.
Sign Up for Your Electronic W-2
If you have not already done so, the deadline for requesting an electronic W-2 for your 2020 tax information is Jan. 15, 2021.
Visit UCPath and click on Employee Actions > Income and Taxes > Enroll to Receive Online W-2.
If your current status says CONSENT RECEIVED, you do not have to do anything – you’re already signed up for the electronic statement.
Once you’ve signed up, all notifications pertaining to your W-2/W-2c will be sent to your preferred email address on file in the UCPath system.
New 2020 Federal Form W-4 Information
The IRS has released the redesigned Form W-4, retitled Employee's Withholding Certificate
The updated Form W-4 reflects changes to the federal tax code from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, which took effect in 2018.
Any adjustments made after Jan. 1, 2020, must be made using the new form. The form is available on UCPath for use when adjusting your federal withholding.
Add/Update Your Personal Email Address and Home Address
It’s important to add or update your personal email on UCPath, as well as review and/or update your home address.
Log in to UCPath and select Employee Actions > Personal Information > Personal Information Summary to review and/or update your emails and address. By doing this, you’re helping to ensure the timely delivery of information that may impact your personal data transactions.
Add/Update Your Beneficiaries on UCRAYS (Retirement At Your Service)
Beneficiary information now housed at the UCRAYS website. If you have not designated a beneficiary or need to update your records, please visit the site and add/update your information.
You may access the UCRAYS website here. The option to updated beneficiaries is on the main page after you’ve logged in (new UCRAYS users will need to establish an account first).
If you are unable to access the UCRAYS site or need assistance, please contact UC Merced Benefits at benefits@ucmerced.edu
Review your 2021 Benefits on UC Path
Review your 2021 benefits summary in UC Path under Health and Welfare > Benefits Summary.
Review your earnings statements to ensure benefit withholdings updated as expected
- Bi-weekly paid employees should review their Dec. 9, 2020 statement
- Monthly paid employees should review their Jan. 4, 2021 statement
In the event of an emergency, the ability to quickly access a contact for you is essential.
Log in to UCPath and add/update your emergency contact information by selecting Employee Actions > Personal Information Summary > Emergency Contacts.
Information About Dependents
The Affordable Care Act (ACA) requires employers to make reasonable efforts to obtain Social Security numbers for its employees and their spouses/domestic partners and dependents.
Log in to UCPath to review and/or update your dependent information by selecting Employee Actions > Health and Welfare > Dependent Coverage in the Employee Actions menu. Click on each listed dependent and enter their Social Security number in the appropriate box.
If you need assistance, please contact UC Merced Benefits at benefits@ucmerced.edu
International Workers
Verify your GLACIER account information. International employees may receive a W-2 or 1042-S (Foreign Person's U.S. Source Income Subject to Withholding). To ensure your tax information is sent correctly, verify that your personal email and home addresses match exactly in UCPath online and the GLACIER tax database. You may also opt to have an electronic 1042-S through GLACIER. Learn more about Form 1042-S.
W-2 Statements and Important Security Reminders
UC does not send W-2 statements to employees by email or text. You must log in to UCPath to view your electronic W-2 (if you enrolled to receive one). If you receive an email or text that has an attachment for viewing your W-2, it is a phishing scam designed to gain your private information.
Scammers may also send emails with fraudulent links. Do not open any attachments or click on any email links.
To access your electronic W-2 statement, always go directly to UCPath using a safe/known link and login.
Federal and State Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)
In accordance with the Earned Income Tax Credit Information Act, the university includes a notice with all Form W-2 statements notifying employees that they may be eligible for the federal Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). It is a benefit for working people with low to moderate income. To qualify, you must meet certain requirements and file a tax return, even if you do not owe any tax or are not required to file.
EITC reduces the amount of tax you owe and may give you a refund. To see if you qualify, use the EITC Assistant, found here. Additional information regarding the federal Earned Income Tax Credit can be obtained by referencing IRS Notice 797, or by contacting the Internal Revenue Service by calling (800) 829-3676 or through its website at www.irs.gov.
You also may be eligible to receive the California Earned Income Tax Credit (California EITC) starting with the calendar year 2015 tax year. The California EITC is a refundable state income tax credit for low-income working individuals and families. The California EITC is treated in the same manner as the federal EITC and generally will not be used to determine eligibility for welfare benefits under California law.
To claim the California EITC, even if you do not owe California taxes, you must file a California income tax return and complete and attach the California EITC form (FTB 3514).
For information on the availability of the credit, eligibility requirements, and how to obtain the necessary California forms and get help filing, contact the Franchise Tax Board at (800) 852-5711 or through its web site at www.ftb.ca.gov.