W-2 Information
The W-2 forms are available in Workday. These documents are found in the Pay application > View tab > My Tax Information > View/Print W-2. These are official documents for tax purposes. Edge is not recommended for viewing the W-2 form. If you are having problems, try turning off your pop-up blocker, clear your cache or try again when the system has less volume.
Why select electronic W-2's?
Here are some reasons why you should consider receiving your W-2 electronically:
- Security - your social security number and other personal information are not sent through the mail.
- Promptness - get your W-2 as soon as they are ready, typically mid-January. Paper W-2's are not mailed until the end of January.
- Accessibility - you can print as many copies as you need, whenever you need them.
- Environmentally Green - save a tree, eliminate the use of an envelope.
- Cost Savings - save the University Postage
If you are having trouble accessing your W-2 in Workday, contact the Payroll Office by emailing payroll@iastate.edu, or by calling 515-294-6556.
Non-Resident Alien Information
Foreign Withholding
Resident Aliens - those holding a green card are taxed in the same manner as U.S. citizens. Canadian and Mexican citizens are also treated as U.S. citizens for withholding purposes.
Non-resident Aliens - All non-resident Aliens should contact the International Students and Scholars at 4530 Memorial Union.
Tax Treaties
The provisions of the tax treaties that the United States has with other countries are listed in the Internal Revenue Service Publication 901, "U.S. Tax Treaties."
Any non-resident alien who is eligible for Tax Treaty exemption is required to fill out Form 8233 and the attachment each year that they are eligible. The forms to claim Tax Treaty exemption may be completed in International Students and Scholars at 4530 Memorial Union.
Social Security Information
Social Security Rates
The Federal Insurance Contributions Act (FICA) is made up of two items, Social Security and Medicare taxes. For 2024, the Social Security tax rate is 6.2% on the first $168,600 wages paid. The Medicare tax rate is 1.45% on the first $200,000 and 2.35% above $200,000.
General Information
Federal Regulations require withholding FICA taxes from all employee wage payments except:
- Wages earned by students who are enrolled at Iowa State University and are at least half-time students are exempt. Students attain half-time status by enrolling in at least 6 credit hours during the fall and spring semesters, and 3 credit hours during the summer session. Wages earned during the summer months by students not registered in summer classes are subject to Social Security and Medicare withholding.
- Nonresident aliens on F-1or J-1 visas are exempt from Social Security and Medicare withholdings for a limited time. Nonresident aliens should go to the International Students and Scholars Office at 3248 Memorial Union to sign a FICA exemption form.
- Federal Employees - In general, federal employees working continuously for the federal government since 12-31-83 or earlier and who are covered by a retirement system (CSRS) are exempt from the OASDI portion of Social Security. However, such service is not exempt from the Medicare portion of FICA.
A Social Security card must be presented to the Human Resource representative at the time an employee signs up as a new employee at Iowa State University. If you do not have a Social Security number, you must contact the Social Security Administrative Office to apply for a number.
Social Security Tax Rate and Base Wage
| Year | OASDI Base | OASDI Rate | OASDI Max | Medicare |
|---|
| 2024 | 168,600 | 6.2% | 10,453.20 | 1.45% on first $200,000 2.35% above $200,000 |
| 2023 | $160,200 | 6.2% | $9,932.40 | 1.45% on first $200,000 2.35% above $200,000 |
| 2022 | $147,000 | 6.2% | $9,114.00 | 1.45% on first $200,000 2.35% above $200,000 |
| 2021 | $142,800 | 6.2% | $8,853.60 | 1.45% on first $200,000 2.35% above $200,000 |
| 2020 | $137,700 | 6.2% | $8,537.40 | 1.45% on first $200,000 2.35% above $200,000 |
The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses the Social Security Number plus the first 7 (seven) characters of an employee's last name on the Form W-2 to post Social Security Wages and Tips to a worker's Social Security earnings record. Billions of dollars have not been posted to employee's Form W-2's due to number mismatches. Please, make sure that the information you provide Iowa State University and the SSA is correct and current.
The general information help line for the SSA is 1-800-772-1213.
If you change your name on your Social Security card, you must present your new card to the Human Resources Department in 3810 Beardshear so they can change your records to the correct name.
