Getting hit every year with a larger than expected federal tax bill? Or maybe you received a hefty refund. Either way, it might be time to look at how much federal tax withholding is taken out of your NYSLRS pension. If you’re not sure whether you need to adjust your federal withholding, you can check with your tax preparer. Remember, this is only for federal income tax. New York State doesn’t tax your NYSLRS pension and we can’t withhold state income taxes.

You can adjust the amount we withhold from your retirement benefit at any time. Just follow these step-by-step instructions.
- Print our NYSLRS Form W-4P (Withholding Certificate for Pension or Annuity Payments) from our website. (This is a fillable form, so you can type in the information before you print it out.)
- Fill in the top of the form with your name, address, Social Security number and NYSLRS ID.
- Complete the form.
- Select your filing status.
- If you have income from a job or more than one pension/annuity, in addition to your NYSLRS pension, or if you’re married filing jointly and your spouse receives income from a job or pension/annuity, you can enter that in Step 2.
- If you need to claim dependents, you can enter that information in Step 3.
- If you have other adjustments to make — other income, deductions or extra withholding — you can complete Step 4.
- If you completed the form by typing in your information, print the form.
- Date and sign the form.
- Mail your form to:
NYSLRS
110 State Street
Albany, NY 12244-0001
You can sign in to Retirement Online to view your current federal withholding information, including your withholding status, number of exemptions and any additional tax being withheld. You’ll also find your NYSLRS ID on your Retirement Online account page. Visit our Taxes and Your Pension page for more information.