This page provides essential information regarding key state-specific labor laws, employee rights, and compliance requirements. Our goal is to ensure you have easy access to the necessary documents and information to understand your rights and obligations while working remotely in Virginia.

Tax Withholdings

As a fully remote employee, you are responsible for ensuring the correct amount of federal and state income tax is withheld from your paycheck.

  • Federal Income Tax: Complete Form W-4 (IRS) Employee's Withholding Allowance Certificate to figure the correct amount of federal income tax to have withheld from your paycheck.

  • State Income Tax: Because Virginia and Pennsylvania share a reciprocal tax agreement, remote employees living in Virginia but working for a PA-based employer are exempt from Pennsylvania state income tax. You must complete two specific state forms to ensure your taxes are withheld correctly:

    • Form REV-419 (Pennsylvania Department of Revenue): Employee’s Nonwithholding Application Certificate. You must check Box B to certify your Virginia residency. This tells the payroll department not to withhold Pennsylvania state income tax.

    • Form VA-4 (Virginia Tax): Employee's Virginia Income Tax Withholding Exemption Certificate. This form allows your employer to accurately withhold Virginia state income taxes from your paycheck based on your local residency.

Please submit both completed forms to the Payroll Office via the secure Payroll Office FileSender.

Workplace Rights & Posters

Access important labor law posters and workers' compensation information relevant to employees in Virginia. These posters provide a summary of various employment laws and worker protections.

Workers Compensation

Worker's Compensation coverage extends to remote employees who suffer a work-related injury or illness while performing their job duties. For an injury to be covered, it must arise out of and in the course of employment. Workers' compensation claims must be reported to the Risk Management Office at 610-758-3899 within one business day of the accident.

How to Claim Unemployment Insurance Benefits

If you become unemployed through no fault of your own and meet eligibility requirements, you may be able to claim Unemployment Insurance Benefits through the Virginia Employment Commission (VEC) website.

 

Important Note: This information is a summary and is subject to change. For complete details and the most current regulations, please refer to the official Virginia Department of Labor and Industry (DOLI) website and consult with Lehigh University's HR and Payroll departments for specific guidance.