Commonly Asked Questions

Q. I am a student. What forms must I complete before I can receive my first paycheck?
A. Before a student can receive his first paycheck, payroll must receive a federal withholding certificate (W4), a North Carolina state withholding certificate (NC4), and Employment Eligibility Verification (I-9). I you are a nonresident alien individual and you wish to claim exemption from withholding, you must complete an IRS Form 8233. All of these forms, including their instructions, are available on this web site.

Q. How is it determined whether I am paid through Payroll or Accounts Payable?
A. If you perform a service for the University, then you must be paid through Payroll. For example, you work in an academic or administrative department, you are a research assistant, you are a teaching assistant, you are a lifeguard at the Graylyn pool, or you officiate at a sports event. If you are seeking reimbursement for an approved expenditure, then you are paid through Accounts Payable.

Q. I am an international student or a graduate student in MALS who holds an hourly position in addition to receiving a stipend and must submit my time using a manual paper timesheet. Must I complete all areas of information on the individual timesheet?
A. Yes, the timesheet must be completed in its entirety, including, but not limited to, the budget line, name, social security number, and university identification number (first eight digits on your id badge).

Q. How can I find out what my current tax withholding status is?
A. Tax withholding marital status and number of allowances claimed appear in the upper right area of your earnings statement (paystub).