FAQs

There are 2 options:
1) Print and mail in your completed form(s) with your withholding form. See TIAAs tax-related forms.
2) Send in a signed and dated letter of instruction (LOI). Please provide your contract numbers and the dollar amount, or percentage, you want withheld from each payment.

TIAA cannot provide tax advice. Please consult a tax advisor to discuss your withholding options and obligations.

Tip: Don't wait until the end of the year, just in case you haven't withheld enough taxes throughout the year.

Visit the tax withholding pageOpens in a new window to get started.

For annuity payments and one-time required minimum distributions (RMDs), visit your profile pageOpens in a new window and select tax withholding.

For systematic withdrawals, visit status of loans/withdrawalsOpens in a new window and look for withholding information under ongoing transactions.

For ongoing Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) payments, tax information could be located in either your profile pageOpens in a new window or the status of loans/withdrawals pageOpens in a new window depending on the type of payment established.

A tax election may be taken over the phone in the event that you are electing to "opt out" of tax withholding. Call us at 800-842-2252, weekdays, 8 a.m.-10 p.m. (ET) or Saturday, 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. (ET).

Yes. Voluntary elections can be made, and you can choose a flat dollar amount or a fixed percentage of the taxable portion of your payment.

There are 2 ways to submit your instructions:
1) Print and mail in your completed withholding form(s). See TIAAs tax-related forms.
2) Send in a signed and dated letter of instruction (LOI). Please provide your contract numbers and the dollar amount, or percentage, you want withheld from each payment.

Form W-8BEN is used to certify your foreign status while a W-7 is used to request a taxpayer ID number from the IRS.

The W-8BEN form is required for non-U.S. citizens living outside of the U.S. when they request withholding at the treaty rate, if applicable.

A W-7 form is used to request a taxpayer Identification number from the IRS if you are unable to obtain a Social Security number. The W-7 form should be attached to your applicable 1040 tax return when filing with the IRS. You do not need to send it to TIAA.

Tax forms are complicated. If you have additional questions regarding your tax forms, please call us at 800-842-2252. We're here every weekday from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. (ET) and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. (ET).