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W-4 Information

Does My Tax Withholding Change?

Changes in your W-4, salary/wages, benefits, or tax laws can affect withholding.

Employees should consider using the IRS Tax Withholding Estimator to determine the most accurate withholding for the year if:

  • You’re updating your W-4 mid-year
  • You have had major life or income source changes that impact your tax situation:
    • Marriage, newborn or adoption of children
    • Purchasing a home
    • Receive supplemental pay
    • Retirement
    • Changes to your job or income sources not from your job
    • Claiming tax deductions or credits
    • Had a large tax refund or owing taxes last year

How to Update Your W-4 Tax Information
How to Update Your W-4 Tax Information
  1. Log in to CIS
  2. Search and select “View/Update W-4.”
  3. Submit changes and review confirmation.

Why Use the Estimator?

Accuracy
Helps set proper withholding to prevent an unexpected tax bill or penalty at tax time.
Adjust Take-Home Pay:
Makes suggestions to balance take-home pay and refund size.
Simplicity
A step-by-step process to recommend adjustments to your Form W-4.
Tailored Recommendations
From your inputs, it provides specific withholding recommendations for each job and spouse.

Note: The IRS Tax Withholding Estimator is not designed for everyone. You should not use it if:

  • You have nonresident alien status due to special withholding rules.
  • You have a complex tax situation. Please consult IRS Publication 505 or your tax advisor.

Can I Claim Exempt from Income Taxes?

Only if you meet IRS conditions. When claimed, both federal and state income taxes will not be withheld.

  • An employee can claim exemption from federal income tax withholding on Form W-4 only if both of the following conditions are met:

    📌 No federal tax liability in the previous year

    The employee had no income tax liability (received a full refund of any federal income tax withheld or owed nothing).

    📌 No expectation of tax liability in the current year

    The employee expects to owe no federal income tax for the current year.

  • On CIS Form W-4, the employee should:

    1. Leave Steps 2, 3, and 4(a–c) blank.
    2. Check the Exempt box in the last page section, Claim Exemption from Withholding.
    3. Review and submit W-4. You should receive an on-screen confirmation and email notification once successfully submitted.
    • The exemption is valid for one year only.
    • A new W4 must be submitted by February 15 of the following year to continue the exemption.