Year-end Tax and Benefit Reminders
From W-2 forms to flu shots, here are actions to take before 2014
As 2013 comes to an end, here are some helpful reminders about Duke benefits and other services:
Reimbursement accounts
- Staff and faculty enrolled in health or dependent care reimbursement accounts must submit reimbursement claims for expenses incurred through Dec. 31, 2013, by April 15, 2014.
- Employees who enrolled in a reimbursement account during Open Enrollment can begin incurring expenses with the accounts starting Jan. 1, 2014.
- Employees who participated in a 2013 Health Care Reimbursement account can carry over up to $500 of unused funds into the next year. These funds will automatically carry over for eligible 2014 expenses. .
Tax and year-end issues
- As part of a new North Carolina law, the tax rates have changed to a flat percentage rate. Taxpayers were granted a higher standard deduction, but may no longer claim personal exemptions for themselves, their spouse, children, or any other qualifying dependents. The law, which becomes effective Jan. 1, 2014, requires all employees to submit a new Employee's Withholding Allowance Certificate (either Form NC-4 EZ or Form NC-4) or default to single marital status and zero withholding allowances. Duke has changed all employees' withholding allowances to a default of "single" with zero withholding allowances. Employees who want to override the default may do so through Duke@Work.
- Duke encourages employees to "go green" by electing to receive their W-2 form electronically. The deadline for opting out of 2013 paper forms through Duke@Work is 5 p.m. on Jan. 8. Electronic W-2 forms for 2011 and 2012 can be viewed and printed through the Duke@Work site. The 2013 W-2 forms will be available electronically on Jan. 17. Paper forms will be available Jan. 24.
Update personal information
- Review your personal information through Duke@Work. Accurate personal information will help ensure that all tax-related documents are sent to the correct address.
Payroll deductions
- Payroll deductions for medical, dental and vision benefits in 2014 start in December 2013.
- Payroll deductions for health and dependent care reimbursement accounts begin in January 2014.
Flu shot
- Flu activity most commonly peaks in the U.S. in January or February, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It's not too late to get your seasonal vaccine against influenza. Vaccinations are offered at no charge from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday to Friday (with the exception of noon to 2 p.m. Wednesdays) in the Employee Occupational Health and Wellness (EOHW) office on the basement level of the Red Zone of Duke Clinic. No appointment is necessary. Bring a valid DukeCard ID.