Update your tax information by Jan. 15

Here are some important reminders and announcements related to your 2020 pay, taxes and benefits — some that may require action. Read closely and mark your calendar for upcoming deadlines.

Jan. 15, 2021: Tax information deadline

UCPath begins processing W-2s in late January. To ensure the information on your W-2 is complete, accurate and reaches you, please take the following steps by January 15.

· Verify your personal email and home address in UCPath online. Even if you opt for a digital W-2, it's important that UC can reach you (https://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/news/2020/06/take-charge-of-your-benefits-on-ucpath-online.html) .

· Verify your dependents. The Affordable Care Act (ACA) requires UC to make reasonable efforts to obtain Social Security numbers for employees, their spouses/domestic partners and dependents. To review or update your information, log in to UCPath online (https://ucpath.universityofcalifornia.edu/) , then select Employee Actions > Health and Welfare > Dependent Coverage.

· Opt-in to an electronic W-2. Online W-2s are easy, secure and oh-so-convenient! To sign up, log in to UCPath online (https://ucpath.universityofcalifornia.edu/) , then select Employee Actions > Income and Taxes > Enroll to Receive Online W-2.

· 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 (https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-form-1042-s).

2020 W-2 statements

Now that we have been in UCPath for more than a year, UCANR employees who have been with us for all of 2020 will receive only one W-2 statement from UCPath. Employees who have transferred from a UC location who was not on UCPath for all of 2020 will receive more than one.

Important security reminder

UC does not send W-2 statements by email or text. If you receive an email or text with a link or an attachment for viewing a W-2, it is a phishing scam designed to gain your private information. Do not open attachments or click email links that claim to provide access to your W-2. To access your electronic W-2, always go to UCPath online (https://ucpath.universityofcalifornia.edu/) using a safe/known link.

Federal and state earned income tax credit (EITC or EIC)

· Per the Earned Income Tax Credit Information Act, UC includes a notice with all Form W-2 statements notifying employees that they may be eligible for the federal EITC. This is a benefit for working people with low to moderate-income. To qualify, you must meet certain requirements (https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/individuals/earned-income-tax-credit/use-the-eitc-assistant) 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. For more information about the federal EITC, reference IRS Notice 797 (https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/n797.pdf) or contact the Internal Revenue Service at (800) 829-3676 or via www.irs.gov (http://www.irs.gov/) .

· You also may be eligible to receive the California EITC, starting with the 2015 tax year. The California EITC is a refundable state income tax credit for low-income working individuals and families. It 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, how to obtain necessary forms and help filing, contact the Franchise Tax Board at (800) 852-5711 or via www.ftb.ca.gov (http://www.ftb.ca.gov/) .

Claiming exemption from withholding

The IRS requires you to complete a new W-4 form each year if you are claiming exemption from tax withholding. If you wish to claim exemption from withholding in 2021, you must make this choice on UCPath online (https://ucpath.universityofcalifornia.edu/) before Feb. 15, 2021.

Have questions or need help?

Log in to UCPath (http://ucpath.universityofcalifornia.edu/) and select Ask UCPath to submit an inquiry. You may also call UCPath to speak with an associate at (855) 982-7284 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (PDT) Monday through Friday.

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