Frequently Asked Questions:
1) How do I change my address?
Employees can change their addresses by:
• Logging into myBama and following these instructions,
2) How do I stop a payroll deduction?
Payroll deductions, such as Rec Center Fees and Parking Fees, must be resolved with the appropriate department. Please contact the Payroll department for other deductions.
3) Why do I have to Direct Deposit my pay?
By policy, direct deposit of your pay is mandatory at the University. The only exception to this rule is for work study students.
4) To what banks can I direct deposit my pay?
Any financial institution that is currently a member of the Automated Clearing House (ACH). Most financial institutions are members.
5) What is salary deferral?
The academic-year salary of nine-month, full-time faculty members normally is paid over a 12- month period. The normal payment date is the last working day of each month. A new faculty appointee normally will receive a first payment on the last working day of the first calendar month of appointment; that payment will reflect the part of that month during which the faculty member was employed. (On August 31, they will be paid from August 16-August 31.) To accomplish this, a 25% salary deferral is deducted each month during the regular 9-month academic year between the second half of August through the first half of May (9 months). The salary deferral payout is paid during the summer break between the second half of May through the first half of August (3 months).
Example: an annual salary of $51,000 for a 9 over 12 faculty employee translates to a monthly salary of $5,666.67 with a 25% salary deferral of $1,416.67. The salary deferral of $1,416.67 is accrued each month over the 9-month academic year and paid out to the faculty employee during the 3-month summer break (annual salary of $51,000/9 = $5,666.67*25% = $1,416.67*9 = $12,750/3=$4,250).
6) What is FICA OA? FICA MD?
FICA is composed of Social Security (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) and Medicare tax. The current Social Security rate is 6.20% of a base amount that is subject to change each year due to a rise in the Consumer Price Index. The Social Security wage base limit for 2023 is $160,200.00. The Medicare rate is 1.45% and currently has no income limit. All employees are subject to both FICA taxes. Generally, students are exempt from FICA tax if they meet the IRS requirements for student exemption.
7) What is FIMA?
An Additional Medicare Tax of 0.9% became effective January 1, 2013. The additional tax will apply to an individual’s wages and compensation paid in excess of $200,000 in a calendar year. An employer is required to begin withholding Additional Medicare Tax in the pay period in which it pays wages and compensation in excess of $200,000 to an employee. There is no employer match for the Additional Medicare Tax. It will appear on UA paycheck stubs as FIMA.
8) How do I change my tax deductions?
Employees can complete new Federal and State tax forms online by clicking on the Employee Services folder in myBama. Changes will take effect on the next available payroll period. If you are claiming exempt from Federal tax, a new W-4 form must be completed annually.
9) Why was so much Federal Income Tax cut from my supplemental pay?
Supplemental pay is considered pay in addition to an employee’s regular pay and is subject to a flat tax rate as required by the Federal and State tax regulations. Employees receiving pay on a supplemental payroll are subject to a 22% Federal Tax deduction and a 5% State Tax deduction.
10) Can I get a copy of my W-2 form, if I lose my original?
Yes, employees may obtain a copy of their W-2s by:
• Logging into myBama and following these instructions, or
• Contacting the HR Service Center via phone, (205) 348-7732, or email at hrsvctr@ua.edu
11) What is the difference between the Faculty/Staff Set-up Form and the New Hire Form?
The Faculty/Staff Set-up Form is used to generate a CWID for new faculty and staff that do not have one from prior UA association. A New Hire Form should be routed with the new hire PA to capture demographic information. Please make sure these forms are complete and legible. Use black or blue ink ONLY.
12) What if I missed the deadline for submitting my Monthly Leave Report (annual or sick leave)?
Enter the leave time on the 1st Saturday of the following month, unless you are scheduled to retire or terminate.
13) What if I get an error when trying to submit my Monthly leave Report?
Please contact Ashley Powers at appowers@ua.edu or at (205) 348-8728 for assistance.
14) Can Bereavement and Jury Duty be entered on the Monthly Leave Report?
No, those records must be maintained within the department.