When you retire and select your tax withholding for your allowance payments, you will complete the federal W-4P and (if applicable) California DE 4P tax withholding forms. Your selections will remain in effect until you file a new W-4P/DE 4P form with LACERA.
How to Change Your Tax Withholding
You can modify the amount deducted from your monthly benefit payment at any time. You have two options for changing your withholding.
1. Make adjustments securely on My LACERA (recommended as the quickest and easiest method):
- Sign in to your My LACERA account.
- Select Tax/1099-R, then Adjust Election.
- Provide the appropriate information for your federal and state elections and confirm.
- After entering your name, click Submit.
2. Complete your forms and submit to LACERA
- Download or print out the W-4P/DE-4P and Supplemental Instructions. If you need more detailed instructions, consult the Guide for Completing form W-4P.
- Complete the forms and submit via one of the following:
- Upload your forms by logging in to your My LACERA account
- Mail your forms to: LACERA, PO Box 7060, Pasadena, CA 91109-7060.
- Drop off in our secure onsite dropbox, right outside our Member Service Center (MSC) at 300 N. Lake Ave in Pasadena. Please note, we do not offer drop-off service in our MSC. You must make an appointment to visit.
Whichever method you use, your new tax withholding will be reflected on the paystub (statement of earnings and deductions) issued at least 30 days after we receive your form.
Annual Reminders
LACERA provides annual reminders about your option to adjust your tax withholding in the Spotlight newsletter and with your January payment.
Your decision on withholding tax is an important one. For questions regarding tax matters, consult with a professional advisor; LACERA does not offer tax or legal advice.