Welcome to
Payroll
Most Frequently Asked Payroll Questions
Q: I see GTL listed on my paycheck stub under earnings. What does that mean?
A: GTL represents the words "Group Term Life". As required by law, the portion of life insurance benefits that is provided to you by DPS that exceeds $50,000, is taxable earnings to you. This amount is added to your Federal, State, and Medicare taxable earnings for W-2 reporting.
Q: What amount am I being charged for fingerprinting?
A: The cost to the employee is $46.50. Two equal amounts of $23.25 are deducted from an employee's first two paychecks.
Q: What day of the month is payday?
A: Monthly paid employees are paid on the last weekday in each month unless otherwise notified. Semi-montly paid employees are paid on the 15th of each month, unless the 15th falls on a weekend. In this situation, payday is scheduled for the Friday prior to the 15th.
Q: How am I able to tell if I was paid for the sick, vacation, or personal hours taken?
A: Your sick, vacation, and personal hours are listed separately under the earnings columns. Your pay stub lists both hours and total dollar amount. These hours and earnings are deducted from a contract employee's regular earnings. For example: A teacher is paid for 120.67 hours each month. If a teacher was paid for 8 hours of sick time, their paycheck would reflect 112.67 regular hours and 8 hrs of sick time to total 120.67 hours of pay. If an employee does not have enough paid time off available, their total regular pay will be docked accordingly.
Q: How is my sick and vacation time earned?
A: Contract employee are typcially granted a "bucket" of hours in September. These hours are actually earned on a prorated basis per month although they are granted to you "up front". If a contract employee terminates the district, and this employee has been paid for more vacation and sick hours than they have actually earned, their final paycheck will be docked accordingly.
Q: Does the district "hold out" the first 2 weeks of my pay?
A: No! Contract employees are paid current, which means that at the end of the month, you are paid for all hours worked that month. "Exceptions", such as sick, vacation, and personal time are reported 2 weeks in arrears. Hours for hourly employees are paid 2 weeks in arrears to allow for payroll processing time.
Q: If I leave the district, when will I receive my final paycheck?
A: Your final earnings will be paid to you on the next scheduled payday.
Q: What is City Tax?
A: The City of Denver requries a $5.75 Occupational Privilege Tax to be assessed on any employee who works in the city of Denver once they have been paid $500 in one month. This tax is assessed throughout the year as long as you are being paid.
Q: I have a MEDICR deduction taken from my pay. What is this and why is it being deducted?
A: MEDICR represents "Medicare Tax". The Social Security Administration requires that a 1.45% tax be assessed on gross Medicare taxable earnings for all employees who have been hired/rehired on or after April 1, 1986. Your pre-tax insurance deductions reduces your Medicare taxable wages.
Q: How is Pension calculated?
A: Pension replaces Social Security Tax for all contract employees. It is calculated on 8% of your regular earnings. It reduces your federal and state taxes. The Benefits Dept administrates your pension deduction.
Q: I am an active retired DPS employee and no social security tax is being deducted.
A: As of April 1, 1999, the Social Security Administration ruled that when an employee who has retired from DPS returns to work for the district, no social security tax will be deducted.
Q: I have social security tax deducted from my check although I am receiving social security benefits.
A: If you are NOT retired from DPS, regardless of age or retirement, Social Security tax must be assessed by law.
Q: My W-2 states that my earnings are lower than my annual salary.
A: W-2's reflect federal and state taxable earnings only. Insurance and pension deductions reduce your federal and state taxable earnings.
Q: How do I obtain a copy of a past year's W-2?
A: Complete a written request form, which can be picked up in the payroll department. A $10 fee is assessed per W-2. The Payroll Department can only issue past W-2's for 5 years prior. If a W-2 is needed for years prior to the last five, contact the IRS.
Q: I have lost my paycheck. What do I do?
A: Contact the Disbursing Office. They will place a stop payment on the original check issued, and issue you a replacement check after the designated time period.
Q: What departments do I contact if.....
- I want to change my W-4? Payroll
- My address needs to be changed? Payroll
- I want to stop or start a direct deposit? Disbursing
- I don't think I was paid for all my hours work? First, contact the person who is responsible for submitting your hours to payroll. Typically, the situation can be remedied with communication between the person who submits your payroll and a payroll technician. If further action is required, contact the appropriate payroll technician who is assigned to your school or department.
- I have a question regarding my insurance deductions? Benefits
- Who issues my "mileage" reimbursement check? Accounts Payable
