NEW Form W-4 for Tax Withholding

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has recently published a newly designed Form W-4 due to federal tax law changes.

Why Has the IRS Published a New Form W-4?

The new W-4 is designed to help employees more accurately calculate their withholding allowances. Federal tax law changes have removed personal and dependent exemptions from the W-4. In the past, the value of a withholding allowance was tied to the amount of a personal exemption. This is no longer the case.

Who Should Complete a New Form W-4?

Current employees are not required to submit a new form. It is only required if you are a new hire in 2020, OR if you wish to update your current W-4 for payrolls dated after January 1, 2020.

Each employee must make withholding decisions on their own, or with the assistance of their individual tax consultant. Withholding is a very individual decision based on each person’s financial and personal situation. The UW is not authorized to provide tax advice.

To help you decide if you should complete a new W-4, review the resources below, and consider if you have had any personal or financial changes in the past year. Remember, you are not required to submit the new form.

New Form W-4 Resources

To help employees learn about and complete the new W-4, FAQs are posted on the IRS website. In January 2020, an IRS Tax Withholding Estimator will be added to the IRS website to further assist employees in making decisions about the new form.

If You Want to Complete a New Form W-4

If you decide after reviewing the new W-4 and applicable resources that you would like to complete a new form, you can submit a Form W-4 at your campus human resource office. Before completing the 2020 form, read the instructions included with the form.

  • You must complete Step 1 (personal information) and Step 5 (signing the form).
  • Steps 2, 3, and 4 are optional, but completing them will help ensure that your federal income tax withholding will more accurately match your tax liability. Step 2 is for households with multiple jobs. Step 3 is used to claim tax credits for dependents. Step 4 is for other adjustments (additional income such as interest and dividends, itemized deductions that exceed the standard deduction, and extra tax you want withheld).

NEW Employee Self-Service Form W-4

Early in 2020, it is planned that electronic self service will be available for employees to update their W-4 on the MyUW portal. Stay tuned for updates on this as we begin the new year.

Please contact Human Resources at (920) 465-2390 or payrollandbenefits@uwgb.edu if you have questions.

Source: UW System Human Resources

Welcome Bethany Welch!

On January 3, 2020, the Academic Advising department on the Marinette Campus welcomed Bethany Welch as an Advisor.

Bethany comes to us from Marinette, WI. Bethany was previously employed at the UW-Colleges. Bethany is involved in Court Interpreting for Marinette District Court.

In her free time, Bethany enjoys music and youth ministry at Pentecostal Apostolic Church.

Bethany has a MAFLL from UW-Milwaukee, a BA from UW-Green Bay, and a AAS from UW-Marinette.

Welcome Bethany!

Deadline Extended: HVAC Specialist

This position reports to the Building and Grounds Superintendent and is responsible for the performance of HVAC preventative maintenance and repair work. This includes inspecting, maintaining, repairing, performing preventative maintenance and assisting with minor installations of HVAC projects. This position will also maintain the campus energy power generators, above ground fuel storage tanks and vacuum pumps.

For more information and position responsibilities, please see the full position announcement.

To ensure consideration, please apply by Sunday, January 26, 2020.

Financial Specialist Senior

This position reports to the Assistant Controller and is responsible for the monthly reconciliation of all campus controlled bank accounts.  This position will prepare monthly adjusting entries and will assist with review, approval and posting of all journal adjustments prepared by campus departmental users.  This position is responsible for financial support functions including paycycle processing, outstanding payment review, QuickBooks support and other areas as directed.

For more information and position responsibilities, please see the full position announcement.

To ensure consideration, please apply by Monday, January 20, 2020.

Counselor (75%)

The University of Wisconsin – Green Bay is recruiting for a 75% Counselor. This position will report to the Director of Counseling and Health, and will perform all the duties of a Professional Counselor related to direct and indirect mental health care of clientele according to the mission of Counseling and Health Services. This position is responsible for participating in campuswide education and outreach activities and responsibilities of this position will be conducted through the Counseling and Health Center.

For more information and position responsibilities, please see the full position announcement.

To ensure consideration, please apply by Wednesday, January 8, 2020.

Lecturer – Nursing & Health Studies

The College of Health, Education, and Social Welfare at the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay invites applicants for a Lecturer position in Nursing & Health Studies. The primary responsibility of this position is to teach online and face-to-face courses offered by the Nursing and Health Studies programs on the UW-Green Bay main campus and UW-Green Bay, Marinette campus locations. Programs include BSN, RN-BSN Completion, and other health-related programs (e.g., Management in Health Systems Certificate) consistent with the background and expertise of the individual. Candidates with recent nursing and teaching experience are preferred.

For more information and position responsibilities, please see the full position announcement.

To ensure consideration, please apply by Sunday, March 15, 2020.

TIAA Individual Counseling Sessions

TIAAJan2020TIAA

You can meet with a TIAA financial consultant at UW-Green Bay.  No matter where you are in life—just getting started or planning for retirement—a session with a TIAA financial consultant can help you create a plan for your goals. And, it’s at no additional cost as a part of your retirement plan. You’ll get answers to these questions and more:

  • Am I invested in the right mix of investments to help meet my goals?
  • Am I saving enough to create the retirement income I need?
  • How do I take income from my retirement account once I stop working?

DATE: Wednesday, January 22, 2020

TIME: 9:00 am – 3:45 pm

LOCATION: Wequiock Room (#101A) in University Union

RSVP today, as space is limited. Register by visiting www.TIAA.org/schedulenow  or calling 800-732-8353, weekdays, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. (ET).  We look forward to working with you.

This material is for informational or educational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice under ERISA. This material does not take into account any specific objectives or circumstances of any particular investor, or suggest any specific course of action. Investment decisions should be made based on the investor’s own objectives and circumstances. Investment, insurance, and annuity products are not FDIC insured, are not bank guaranteed, are not bank deposits, are not insured by any federal government agency, are not a condition to any banking service or activity, and may lose value. The TIAA group of companies does not offer tax advice. See your tax advisor regarding your particular situation. TIAA-CREF Individual & Institutional Services, LLC, Teachers Personal Investors Services, Inc., and Nuveen Securities, LLC, Members FINRA and SIPC, distribute securities products. ©2018 Teachers Insurance and Annuity Association of America-College Retirement Equities Fund, 730 Third Avenue, New York, NY 10017

Lecturer – Education Position Re-announced

The Professional Program in Education at the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay invites applicants for a Lecturer position in Education. Applicants who have experience working with pre-service teachers, expertise in culturally responsive teaching practices, and proficiency in a language other than English are strongly preferred.

For more information and position responsibilities, please see the full position announcement.

To ensure consideration, please apply by Sunday, February 9, 2020.

Lecturer – Writing Foundations (3 Vacancies)

The University of Wisconsin-Green Bay invites applicants for Lecturer positions in the Writing Foundations (first-year writing) program. This program strikes a balance between teacher autonomy and programmatic support and is progressive, flexible, and collegial.

For more information and position responsibilities, please see the full position announcement.

To ensure consideration, please apply by Sunday, December 29, 2019.

2020 Benefit Change Reminders

Review your 2020 Benefit Enrollments

As 2019 comes to an end, now is a great time to review your 2020 benefits! Use Self Service to review your Benefits Summary online:

  1. Log into the My UW Portal.
  2. Go to the ‘Benefit Information’ module.
  3. Choose the ‘Summary’ tab and click ‘View Benefits Summary Detail’.
  4. In the ‘As of Date’ field, enter 01/01/2020 and click ‘Refresh.’

The information below outlines benefit plan changes for 2020.

Health Insurance
Here are the changes to the State Group Health Insurance Program for 2020:

  • Premiums will increase slightly.
  • Annual deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums will not change; however, they will reset at the beginning of the new plan year, January 1, 2020.
  • Primary Care Provider (PCP): Employees, spouses and dependents enrolled in the State Group Health Insurance Program for 2020 must select a primary care provider (PCP). For assistance designating a PCP or updating your PCP, contact your health plan directly.
  • Newly Covered Services: Bariatric surgery and other weight loss services for participants with a body mass index of 35 or greater; also based on medical necessity.

Pharmacy Benefits (Navitus)
In 2020, vaccinations may be covered at retail pharmacies or at your doctor’s office. Find in-network pharmacies and formulary lists on the Navitus website, or contact Navitus directly with questions at 1-866-333-2757.

Well Wisconsin Program Incentive
Employees and spouses enrolled in the State Group Health Insurance Program are eligible for the Well Wisconsin Program Incentive. To receive the incentive for 2020, a health screening, health assessment and a Well-Being activity will need to be completed by October 9, 2020.

In addition, StayWell will be launching a new employee portal on January 6, 2020. In preparation for the new portal, the current portal will be unavailable starting December 20, 2019. To access the new employee portal, employees and spouses will need to create a new username and password.

Additional information will come directly from StayWell in early 2020.

Dental Insurance
Review the dental comparison chart for details on the annual maximums and the level of coverage for different services provided by each of the dental plans. Delta Dental will continue to administer all of the dental insurance plans.

Uniform and Preventive Dental Benefits: The Uniform Dental plan is available to employees enrolled in State Group Health Insurance. The Preventive Dental plan is available for employees not enrolled in State Group Health Insurance. Both plans provide preventive dental services. Additionally, coverage for periodontal maintenance will increase from 80% to 100% for both plans in 2020.

Reminder: Evidence Based Integrated Care allows you to access additional dental services (cleanings or topical fluoride treatments) for certain medical conditions. Some examples are cancer therapy, periodontal disease, diabetes, pregnancy, high-risk cardiac conditions, suppressed immune systems, kidney failure and/or dialysis. Contact Delta Dental directly for additional information if you are enrolled in dental insurance and any of these medical situations apply to you and/or your covered spouse/dependent(s).

Supplemental Dental Benefits (Select and Select Plus Plans): One of the main differences between the plans is the provider network. If you enrolled in the Select plan, you should confirm that your dentist is in the PPO network. If you enrolled in the Select Plus plan, you should confirm that your dentist is in the PPO or Premier network. Find a Delta Dental network dentist here.

Vision Insurance (VSP)
There are no changes to the vision insurance plan for 2020.

Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
The annual maximum for the Health Care and Limited Purpose FSA’s for 2020 is $2,700 (slight increase). The annual maximum for the Dependent Care FSA for 2020 is $5,000 per household (no change).

Health Savings Accounts (HSA)
The HSA is a required component of the High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP).

  • HSA Annual Maximum Contribution: Increased to $3,550 for single coverage and $7,100 for family coverage.
  • Catch-up Contribution: There is an additional $1,000 catch-up contribution amount maximum for employees that are or will attain age 55+ during the calendar year.
  • Employer HSA Contributions: Will remain the same for 2020. $750 for employees enrolled in single coverage and $1,500 for employees enrolled in family coverage. Employees with less than half time rates will receive $375 if enrolled in single coverage and $750 if enrolled in family coverage. Crafts workers are not eligible for the employer HSA contribution.
  • Employee Contributions: Contain a triple tax advantage by making contributions, distributions for qualifying expenses and investment earnings tax-free! Employee contributions may be made at any time.

Vendor Change: FSA and HSA
Effective January 1, 2020, the FSA and HSA administrator will change from TASC to ConnectYourCare (CYC). For information regarding this change, review the FSA and HSA – 2020 Vendor Change webpage.

Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D)
There are no changes to the AD&D plan for 2020. Reminder: An identity theft protection component is included (LifeStages Identity Management Services from CyberScout).

Accident Insurance
This is a new plan for 2020! This plan may provide cash payment to you in the event of an accident. Review the Accident Insurance page for additional information (including how to file claims shortly following an accident). This plan includes an accidental death & dismemberment component.

Source: UW System Human Resources