W-4 & IRS Withholding Calculator

Contact Payroll

Location: 905 Asp Avenue, Room 244

Hours of Operation: Open 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday - Friday in accordance with the university holiday schedule and campus closures. The payroll lobby is available for appointment only from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday - Friday. To request an appointment, please reach out to the phone or email below.

Phone: (405) 325-2961

E-mail: payroll@ou.edu

Fax: (405) 325-0480

IRS Withholdings Calculator

To ensure proper federal income tax withholding, employees may use the IRS Withholding Calculator.

The ‘calculator’ helps you determine the recommended withholding allowance and additional withholding (if any) you should report on your W-4 form. Once you have determined the number of exemptions you should claim on your W-4, you may sign into PeopleSoft Self-Service and use the Paycheck Modeler to calculate how the change will impact your take home pay. In order for the changes in your withholding to take place, you must complete a W-4 form and submit the form to Payroll and Employee Services, NEL 244.

IMPORTANT NOTE: This Withholding Calculator works for most taxpayers. People with more complex tax situations should use the instructions in Publication 505, Tax Withholding and Estimated Tax.

Additional information on the IRS Withholding Calculator is available on the IRS website at

IRS Withholdings Calculator

Paycheck Modeler

Employees can use Paycheck Modeler to simulate different what if scenarios on their own paycheck through self-service. Model paycheck results are automatically cleared when you exit the paycheck modeling component, and modeling history is not retained for future access. To prevent modeled checks from being offered as real paychecks or proof of pay, and to protect personal and pay information, a model check printout contains no data that identifies either the employee or the company and the watermark says Estimate.

Employees may find it beneficial to retrieve and print their last pay stub, for ready reference during the modeling process. You can print your earnings statement in HCM PeopleSoft Self-Service under Main Menu > Self Service > Payroll and Compensation > View Paycheck. Remember, you must have your pop-up blocker turned off or temporarily allow pop-ups in order for your paycheck to open.

To use the Paycheck Modeler, first you must sign into HCM PeopleSoft Self-Service. Once in the system, go to Main Menu > Self Service > Payroll and Compensation > Paycheck Modeler.

Paycheck Modeler Directions (PDF)

Update W-4 Tax Withholdings

The purpose of Tax Form W-4 is simple ― it is used by your employer to withhold the proper amount of federal income tax from your paycheck. The IRS recommends that employees submit a new W-4 tax form each year, or any time their personal or financial situation changes. Of course, this is required upon being hired.

The 2023 W-4 form has released, a copy of the paper form has been included in the PDF below. In addition, we have provided instructions on how to change/update your W-4 allowances directly through the PeopleSoft Self-Service portal.

If you have additional questions regarding PeopleSoft Self-Service functions please visit the PeopleSoft Tips for OU Employees page (link below) or contact the Payroll department under Contact Us, by phone: (405) 325-2961, or email: payroll@ou.edu.

Update W-4 Tax Information (PDF)

Federal W-4 Withholding Allowance Form (PDF)

PeopleSoft Tips for OU Employees