Tax Center

W-2 TAX FORMS

Federal tax laws require that the University of Montana provides all employees with a W-2 wage statement for each calendar year.  This form is used by the employee in completing their annual U.S. Individual Income Tax Return. The W-2 form details the employee’s wages, tax withholdings and other important payroll information for the calendar year.  

There is a distinct advantage with delivering this required form electronically because the W-2 can be easily retrieved through the Cyberbear employee dashboard. Please review the information below and then provide your consent to receive all future W-2 forms exclusively in electronic format.

ELECTRONIC TAX FORM ADVANTAGES

  • Earlier access to the tax forms.
  • The electronic tax forms can never be lost, stolen, delayed or misplaced by the U.S. Postal Service, or by the employee.
  • Accessibility to the electronic tax forms from anywhere the employee has access to the internet.
  • Access is securely protected through Cyberbear.

RESOURCES

INFORMATION & RESOURCES

IMPORTANT DATES

January 31, 2024
W-2s will be postmarked and mailed via the U.S. Postal Service per IRS regulations to the employee's mailing address as it appears in Cyberbear.   

April 15, 2024
Final filing day for Montana State and Federal Taxes.

CONTACT

For additional questions, please contact Human Resource Services via AskHR@mso.umt.edu 

W-2 ELECTRONIC CONSENT

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) allows the use and distribution of the W-2 form in electronic form in lieu of paper forms. In order for this to occur, employees must consent to receive their W-2 in electronic format by completing the following steps:

  • Go to CyberBear
  • Click on "Login to Cyberbear" button
  • Enter your Net ID and Password.
  • Select Employee which opens your Employee Dashboard
  • Select "Taxes"
  • Select "Electronic Regulatory Consent"
  • Select "Consent to receive W-2 electronically"
  • Click on "Submit"
  • While you are in Cyberbear, please take a few moments to review and update your Personal Information:  phone number, mailing address and emergency contacts.
  • HRS recommends that employees update their Decedent's Warrant. (Each new employee is required to designate a person to receive the final payment by state warrant for any wages or benefit due the employee by the University at the time of the employee's death.  The employee is thereby assured that warrants for payment due will be promptly forwarded to the designated person without resorting to procedures ordinarily required for the administration of a decedent's estate).  Email AskHR@mso.umt.edu to set up an appointment to review your personnel file where your most current Decedent Warrant is kept.
  • Log out of Cyberbear and close your browser to secure your confidential information.

Employees who consent to receive their W-2 form online will not receive a paper copy of their W-2 form. If an employee does not elect the electronic W-2, a paper form will be printed and mailed to the address listed in Cyberbear. An employee can change their option and withdraw consent to online access by un-checking the consent check box in Cyberbear and clicking the "Submit" button. If consent is withdrawn, it will only be effective for W-2 forms not yet issued.

W-2s can be accessed via Cyberbear.  Log into Cyberbear using your NetID and password:

  • Click on "Taxes."
  • Click on "W-2 Wage and Tax Statement."
  • Select the "Tax Year" using the drop down arrows.
  • Click on "Display."
  • To print, click on the "Printable W-2" button below your W-2 statement.  Print using your computer's print options.
  • Log out of Cyberbear and close your browser to secure your confidential information.

ADDITIONAL NOTES

All paper W-2s will be postmarked and mailed to the employee's home address listed in Cyberbear by January 31, 2024.  Be sure that your home address is current.

EZ ONLINE FILING

The Montana Department of Revenue offers online E-filing.  To find out more, click on the link or call the  Montana Department of Revenue at 406-444-6900.  

TAX FAQs

Is money earned through a student work study job taxable?

Yes - this is considered taxable earnings and you will receive a W-2 that reflects those earnings. If you meet the requirements for tax filing, then you must file a federal Form 1040 that meets your specifications.

When will my W-2 be available for calendar year 2023?

W-2s will be postmarked and mailed by January 31, 2024 to the address printed on the W-2. Electronic versions will be available on Cyberbear as of January 31, 2024.  Call Human Resource Services at 406-243-6766 or email AskHR@mso.umt.edu with questions. 

What if I have earned wages in more than one state?

You will most likely need to file state tax returns in each state in which you earned wages. You should get a tax booklet from each state and look for instructions for "part year residents." Most states have web sites available with this information - look for the link to its Department of Revenue or Secretary of the Treasury.

Can Social Security and Medicare amounts be refunded to me?

Taxes that have been paid into the Social Security and Medicare programs will not be refunded to you. These are taxes paid by all employed United States citizens and resident aliens to fund the Old Age Survivors and Disability Insurance program. When you have reached the appropriate age, you will be able to sign up for financial assistance through this program.

How come there are no amounts in boxes 3, 4, 5, and 6 of my W-2?

You were either an enrolled student taking a minimum of six credits while you were employed, or you are a non-resident alien who is not subject to this tax. If you are taking a minimum of six credit hours and are in a student position, then you are not subject to Social Security and Medicare taxes. You are also not eligible to file for unemployment based on those wages. If you are a non-resident alien who has not met the established residency requirements, then you are also not eligible to participate in the Social Security program.

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