... General Payroll FAQ
I am a new employee. When do we get paid?
All employees at UTHSC-H get paid on a semi-monthly schedule. The pay schedule is included on the official Human Resources Holiday and Vacation Schedule distributed to employees at the beginning of each new fiscal year.
How do I enroll in Direct Deposit? Can I have more than one deposit option each pay period?
You may enroll in or change Direct Deposit online through Employee Self Service. For additional information review the Direct Deposit page.
What do I need to do to change my address in the payroll system?
You can change your address online through Employee Self Service. If you cannot log into Employee Self Service, contact your department's authorized personnel action submitter in order to have this information changed in the pay system or email SDR@uth.tmc.edu. If you are a student, you also need to make the change with the Registrar's Office. If you are a non-U.S. citizen, you also need to make the change with the Office of International Affairs. These three systems have separate databases.
I need to change my withholding status since I have a new baby. Where do I get a form to make the change?
Changes in federal withholding tax status, whether for family status change or to add an additional amount of withholding, are done using IRS form W-4 Employee's Withholding Allowance Certificate. You can make your changes online through Employee Self Service, or, using the link provided, complete the form and return to Payroll at UCT 1029.
I just received my first paycheck and have a few questions about the information included on it.
Understanding your Pay Statement is a good place to start with understanding the acronyms related to pay and benefits at UTHSC-H. If you still have questions after reviewing the document, you can call Payroll at 713-500-3962 or ask the designated contact person in your department who handles payroll issues.
Is there a tax table I can look at that gives the dollar amount of each withholding allowance and the IRS tax rates? How do I know the social security maximum salary and tax rate since they seem to change from year to year?
The current year IRS tax table and social security maximum salary base and tax rates are available at Tax Rates & Schedules to assist employees with tax planning.
Am I required to use the electronic Time Management System to enter a timesheet?
All employees are required to record time worked and absences from work in the TMS. Exceptions include employees at HCPC whose time is captured through KRONOS time clocks. In addition, Faculty may choose to enter time into the TMS system or complete a monthly timesheet and submit to their department Timekeeper for entry into TMS. HOOP Policy 2.27 Time and Attendance Reporting provides complete information and additional HOOP policy references regarding time and attendance reporting at UTHSC-H.
Is the Earned Income Credit available through payroll?
The Advanced Earned Income Credit is an option to qualified employees. Using the link provided you can determine if you meet enrollment qualifications and find the enrollment form required to get you started.
If I terminate employment, will I get paid for my vacation and sick leave hours that I have not used?
Eligible employees who have a remaining vacation balance upon termination will be paid for vacation hours only. Sick hours are not paid to terminated employees; however, one-half of the sick leave not to exceed a total of 336 hours will be paid to the estate of an employee upon their death while in active employment. HOOP Policy 2.38 Vacation provides more detail regarding payment of vacation pay to terminated employees.
Are W-2s mailed to employees' home addresses? If I don't get one, who do I call?
Employers are required by the IRS to mail W-2s to employees by January 31st for the calendar year just ended. If you moved during the year and did not change your address and have not completed a forwarding address form with the Postal Department, your W-2 may be delayed or may be returned to us. Contact Payroll at 713-500-3962 to update the address used for distribution of your document or to see if your W-2 has been returned. A copy of the W-2 form will be provided to the employee upon request.
Why doesn't my W-2 reflect my December 16 through December 31 earnings?
The IRS requires employers to report wages on tax form W-2 in the year in which the wages were paid. Wages for the period December 16 through December 31 are paid in January and are therefore reportable in the following calendar year.
I am on a F-1/J-1 visa and I did not have to pay Social Security and Medicare taxes last year. Why are these taxes being withheld from my paycheck now?
There are 3 criteria to be met for FICA tax exemption on a F-1/J-1 visa. Contact Payroll at x3183 for details on any nonresident alien tax question.
I am a non U.S. citizen, and I did not have to pay income tax last year. Why is the income tax being withheld from my paycheck now?
A completed tax treaty form for the current tax year is required. Contact Payroll at x3183 for any nonresident alien tax question.
I am a student at UTHSC-H, and also an employee. Should I be exempt from FICA taxes?
Students currently attending classes half-time or more at UTHSC-H and employed at UTHSC-H in one of the selected student job codes will be exempt from all FICA taxes. For additional information read the Student Pay Guidelines. If you have any questions, please call Payroll at x3957.
Also see:
Frequently Asked Questions for Time Management System
Frequently Asked Questions for Direct Deposit
The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston
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Last updated June 30, 2009
