Department of Employee Trust Funds
January 27, 2009

New Tax Tables in Effect -- Reflected in Retiree’s February Annuity

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) tax tables have been updated for 2009, which will result in a change to the amount of federal income tax withheld from the benefit payments to many retired Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS) participants. The Department of Employee Trust Funds (ETF) is notifying approximately 63,000 retirees that their monthly payment amounts will change effective February 1, 2009. The retirees will receive a mailer, which will indicate the change. For the majority, the change is due to the new tax tables; for some, it’s because the participant formally requested a tax withholding change.

Retirees: If you want to change your state or federal income tax withholding amounts, complete and mail to ETF a new Income Tax Withholding Election form (ET-4310). Find it under the Retirees tab on our Internet site at http://etf.wi.gov. Or, call or e-mail ETF to request a paper copy. Use our Toll-Free Self-Service Line, 1-877-383-1888 or (608) 266-2323. Send an e-mail through the “Contact ETF” section of our Internet site.