Employee matters

This column by Employee Compensation and Benefits Services addresses campuswide employment issues. Send your questions to: wisweek@news.wisc.edu.

Year-end Statements
Here are some questions and answers about 2002 year-end wage and income statements: W-2, 1099 and 1042-S.

Who will receive a W-2?
All employees of the UW System who received reportable income in 2002, including rehired annuitants and some international visitors, will receive a W-2. If you have one of the following appointment titles, you will receive a 1099-information letter: advanced opportunity fellow, fellow, grad intern or trainee, scholar, trainee, Vilas pension, or post-doctoral fellow, scholar or trainee.

What information is included on a W-2?
The W-2 includes the following employee information: Social Security number; gross income; income subject to federal, Social Security, Medicare and state taxes; advanced income credit; dependent care and medical employee reimbursement (ERA) contributions; state group life premiums on coverage in excess of $50,000; tax sheltered annuities and deferred compensation contribution; taxable and non-taxable reimbursement for moving expenses and educational assistance; and pre-tax premiums for major medical (EPIC), state group health, state group life and transportation expenses.

Will international visitors receive any other forms?
International visitors who received treaty benefits in 2002 will receive a 1042-S. They also will receive a W-2 for income over and above what is allowed under their treaty benefits.

What information is included on a 1042-S?
The 1042-S employee information includes: Social Security number or ITIN; income code; gross income paid; withholding allowances; net income; tax rate; exemption code; federal tax withheld; and country code (country of permanent residence).

When will forms be mailed?
Employers are required to mail the forms no later than Jan. 31. Forms will be mailed to your home address the week of Jan. 27. Duplicates will not be produced until Feb. 10. If needed, a duplicate can be ordered by calling 262-5931 or your department can request one for you using this online form: http://www.bussvc.wisc.edu/ecbs/uw1180.html.

Where can additional information be obtained?
Federal (IRS) forms and publications may be obtained by calling (800) 829-3676 or visiting: http://www.irs.gov. Individual tax advice may be obtained by calling (800) 829-1040. State forms, publications and individual advice may be obtained by calling 266-2486 or 266-2772. The state Department of Revenue Web address is: http://www.dor.state.wi.us.

International visitors are encouraged to attend tax preparation seminars March 3-4 sponsored by Employee Compensation and Benefits Services. Details: http://www.bussvc.wisc.edu/ecbs/uw1365.html.

Contact the IRS and Department of Revenue for information and individual tax advice if you will be leaving the United States and returning to your country of permanent residence before March 3.