As 2021 comes to a close, here are some important reminders and announcements related to your pay, taxes and benefits — some that may require action. Read closely and mark your calendar for upcoming deadlines.

January 10, 2022: Tax information deadline

UCPath will begin to process 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 Jan. 10, 2022:

• Verify your personal email and home address in UCPath online. Even if you signed up for an electronic W-2, it’s important that UC can reach you.
• 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 dependent information, log in to UCPath, and select Employee Actions > Health and Welfare > Dependent Coverage.
• Sign up for W-2 notification. You will receive a notification that your W-2 is available to view at UCPath Online. To sign up, log in to UCPath, 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.

2021 W-2 statements: 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 to view 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. 

Federal & State: Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC or EIC)

Per the Earned Income Tax Credit Information Act, UC includes a notice with all W-2 statements notifying employees that they may be eligible for the federal EITC. The EITC helps low to moderate-income workers get a tax break. To qualify, you must meet certain requirements and file a tax return, even if you are not required to file or do not owe any taxes. EITC reduces the amount of tax you owe and may give you a refund. For more information about the federal EITC, reference IRS Notice 797PDF or contact the Internal Revenue Service at (800) 829-3676 or online at 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 their 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 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 2022, you must make this choice on UCPath before Feb. 15, 2022.

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