Subject: Federal Taxes Not Being Withheld
I’m a W2 employee, and I just realized that my paychecks haven’t had federal tax withholdings since December 14, 2024. The federal withholding line item disappeared from my pay stub for the pay period of December 15-28 and hasn’t returned since. From my perspective, it seems my company hasn’t withheld any federal taxes for nearly three months.
I reached out to payroll about this issue, and while they mentioned they can’t provide tax assistance, they would discuss it with the controller.
In my follow-up, I clarified:
“To be clear, I’m not seeking tax advice; I’m concerned that federal taxes are not being withheld from my paychecks as a W2 employee. I did not request any change that would lead to this situation.
I need a review of my payroll records, specifically my W-4 on file, and I would like an explanation for why federal withholding stopped starting with the pay period of December 15, 2024, and why it has not been reflected on my pay stub.”
What other steps can I take? Am I missing anything here?
One response
It sounds like you’re in a frustrating situation, and it’s important to address it promptly, especially with tax season approaching. Here are some additional steps you can take to resolve the issue:
Follow Up Regularly: Since you’ve already reached out to payroll, follow up regularly to ensure they are addressing your concerns. Keeping a record of all your communications can help if you need to escalate the issue later.
Request a Meeting: If you haven’t already, request a formal meeting with your payroll department or HR. Sometimes, discussing the matter face-to-face (or via video call) can get faster results than email.
Check Your W-4 Form: Review your W-4 form from when you were hired and any subsequent changes you may have made. If you believe that it hasn’t been properly reflected in their records, mention this when you reach out.
Seek Documentation: Ask for a detailed statement of your payroll history, including how withholdings were calculated for each pay period since 12/14/24. This will help you see any discrepancies.
Consult a Tax Professional: Since this is a tax issue, it may be beneficial to consult with a tax professional. They can provide insight into what consequences you may face and how to manage your tax situation moving forward.
File a Complaint: If you feel that your employer is not responsive or taking the issue seriously, you can file a complaint with the Department of Labor or your state’s equivalent. This should be a last resort, but it can escalate the urgency of the issue.
Be Aware of IRS Reporting: Remember that if no federal taxes are withheld, you might owe money when you file your tax return. Be prepared for that possibility, and consider making estimated tax payments if necessary to avoid penalties.
Monitor Your Paychecks: Continue to closely monitor your paychecks going forward to ensure that the issue has been resolved.
Taking these steps should help clarify the situation and ensure that your federal taxes are handled properly moving forward.