January 23, 2015
Tax withholding effect of 27 paychecks for calendar year 2015
Submitted by Human Capital Services
For calendar year 2015 there will be 27 paychecks due to the timing of the legislative-approved holidays for calendar year 2015/2016 and the pay dates. Friday, Jan. 1, 2016, is an approved holiday for state of Kansas employees, therefore the paychecks will be issued on Dec. 31, 2015, making this the 27th paycheck in calendar year 2015.
The state of Kansas and K-State follow the federal guidelines for the calculation of biweekly payroll and therefore is set to calculate federal and state withholdings on an annualized basis using the standard 26 pay periods in a year. This will result in taxes being withheld for employees based on 26 paychecks rather than 27 paychecks in calendar year 2015 and could result in the taxes withheld for calendar year 2015 not being sufficient to cover the employee's tax obligation for the year due to the additional paycheck.
Human Capital Services staff cannot provide tax advice or recommendation so employees may want to consult with their personal tax advisor, if needed, and make adjustments to their tax withholdings. Employees may update their withholdings for both state and federal taxes via HRIS Employee Self Service or by completing a paper W-4 or K-4 form and submitting to Human Capital Services, 103 Edwards Hall.
If you have any questions or need additional information, please contact your department human resources liaison.