Increased Federal Income Tax Withholding for Many RRB Annuitants

The Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) has adjusted the railroad retirement benefits of over 140,000 beneficiaries to apply new Federal income tax withholding rates.  The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) revised the income tax withholding rates and tables that are used to calculate Federal income taxes for United States citizens based on provisions of the Tax Relief, Unemployment Insurance Reauthorization, and Job Creation Act of 2010.

The RRB implemented the new tax tables beginning with monthly payments received in February 2011.  The new rates apply to withholding from the non-social security equivalent benefit (NSSEB) portion of tier I, tier II, vested dual benefits, and supplemental annuity payments.  The revised tax tables will remain in use for the remainder of 2011.

Annuitants who wish to adjust withholding from their NSSEB and tier II benefits, vested dual benefits, and supplemental annuity payments must complete Form RRB W-4P and send it to the RRB.  An annuitant is not required to file Form RRB W-4P.  Copies of the form are available by visiting the RRB’s website at www.rrb.gov, clicking on “Benefit Forms and Publications,” and then clicking on “Income Tax.”

Annuitants who have questions regarding their tax liability should contact the nearest office of the IRS or visit their website at www.irs.gov.

Click here to read the full release from the RRB.