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PPM Topics

 

PPM Section 5 - Payroll deductions and wage attachments

 

Payroll deductions

The University is required by law to withhold income tax and social security (FICA) from paychecks. In addition to the required deductions, a number of voluntary deductions are available as a service to employees. Also see Payroll Deductions in the Employee Handbook.

1. Income tax and exemptions
   Federal and state income taxes are compulsory deductions under federal and state law. Taxes are withheld from each payroll check in accordance with the gross pay per check and the number of exemptions claimed on the employee's W-4 Withholding Exemption Certificate. Until an employee files a W-4 with the Payroll Department, the maximum deduction will be withheld, in accordance with the law.
   
   Any change in exemptions requires that a new W-4 be submitted to Payroll. W-4 forms can be obtained from Payroll. Departments may also keep a supply of W-4s on hand for employee use.
   
   
2. Social Security (FICA) and Social Security Numbers
   Deductions for Social Security are required by federal law. A percentage of pay, as determined by the Social Security Act, is withheld from each paycheck. In addition, the University is required to contribute an equal amount for future Social Security retirement and/or disability benefits.
   
   Social Security contributions are recorded and reported by Social Security number; therefore, it is critical that paychecks reflect accurate Social Security numbers. To correct Social Security numbers, contact Human Resources Information Systems/Processing.
   
   
3. Voluntary deductions
   
   
   1. Employees may authorize deductions from their paychecks for banks and credit unions, United Way, WMU's Annual Fund, recreation fees, and season tickets for University athletic and cultural programs. More information and applicable authorization forms are available from Payroll.
      
      Voluntary deductions to meet other personal financial obligations are not allowed unless they are part of a bank or credit union deduction and include the direct deposit of paychecks.
      
      
   2. Group Insurance, Tax-Deferred Savings and Flexible Spending Plans
      
      Payroll deduction covers employee premiums for group insurance programs. In addition, employees who enroll in the optional tax-deferred savings plan or flexible spending plans will have contributions deducted from pay.
      
      
4. Wage attachments
   Although the University does not wish to become involved in the personal financial matters of employees, it is required to honor garnishments, wage assignments, and levies as prescribed by law.
   1. Garnishments. Properly authorized garnishments require withholding pay based upon a formula established by law. Payroll notifies all individuals for whom garnishments are received, specifying the latest date a release of garnishment can be presented to avoid the stated payroll deduction. Wages are garnisheed by one writ of garnishment per pay period. If more than one garnishment is received during any given pay period for an individual employee, only the earliest received writ of garnishment can be honored.
      
      
   2. Wage assignments. Properly authorized wage assignments require that a specific amount of pay be withheld. The stated deduction must be withheld from consecutive pay periods until such time as the University receives a release and/or the amount of indebtedness is paid.
      
      
   3. Levies. Properly authorized levies require a specified withholding for a particular pay period. Levies are processed in compliance with federal or state statutes.

Procedure — Wage attachments

1. Should any department, other than Payroll, receive garnishments, wage assignments, or levies for a University employee, those forms should immediately be delivered to Payroll. Payroll will process the necessary paperwork to ensure compliance.
   
   
2. As with other employment matters, garnishments, wage assignments and levies are to be treated in a confidential manner.
   

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