Introduction
Tax season is indeed overwhelming, and if you are an employer, then there are some more forms that hold significant importance such as Form 941. Knows as the Employer’s Quarterly Federal Tax Returns, this form reports the taxes withheld from the employees’ wages. These taxes include;
- Federal Income Tax
- Social Security Tax
- Medicare Tax
If you are in the US and are supposed to file this form, fear no more. Through this short read, you will be having all the crucial information regarding the form.
Form 941: The definition
Form 941, as its name suggests, is a quarterly tax form used by employers and is a mandatory tax obligation in the USA. It allows employers to report the wages they pay to employees as well as the employer’s share of FICA taxes (Medicare and Social Security Taxes). This form is for information purposes and ensures that employers are paying their federal employment taxes accurately.
Requirements
All employers have to file Form 941, regardless of the business size or type. Whether it is a sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation, NPOs, or government entity, if they pay wages to their employees, they must file the form.
An employer who withheld taxes from their employee’s paychecks must accurately report the withholdings to the IRS. It must also be filed within the given deadlines to avoid penalties. To ensure the authenticity of the reports, double-check the details on the form with that of the payroll records.
Things you must not forget
- Report Total Wages: While filling out Form 941, the total wages paid to the employees during the quarter must be reported. It must include tips and other compensation which are taxable.
- Matching Records: The withheld taxes as reported in the form must match the documented payroll records.
- Employer’s Portion of Taxes: Form 941 does not just report the employees’ portion of taxes but also the portion of the employer’s taxes. Along with that if there are any additional taxes applicable on higher-income employees, then that must be reported too.
- Taxes Owed: An employer must also report the accurate amount of federal income taxes owed to the IRS. Failure to pay can result in additional penalties and interest charges.
- Keeping the records: While filing and reporting the taxes, it can be difficult to track back the older amounts paid. Maintain a regular record of all the paid wages, tips, and compensations to the employees as well as the taxes withheld from the employees. These records can come in handy during the audits as well.
Filing Deadlines
Form 941 is filed by the last day of the month following the end of the quarter. These quarters are followed by the calendar and so, the filing deadlines for Form 941 are:
- Quarter January to March – April 30
- Quarter April to June – July 31
- Quarter July to September – October 31
- Quarter October to December – January 31
If it’s still difficult to remember or track the deadlines, you can mark these dates on your calendar. But ensure that there is a reminder set for an earlier date.
Penalty on Filing Failure
In case you fail to file Form 941 or submit inaccurate information, the IRS can charge penalties to you. The amount of penalty depends on the delay time and the size of the company.
- For late filing: The penalty can range from 2% to 15% of the taxes owed.
- For inaccurate reporting: The penalty can be charged between US $280 to US $1,130 per employee.
Lastly
Form 941 plays a significant role in the employer-employee relationship. Another thing that can help in smoothening it is developing soft skills among the employees. Empower your employees’ growth by developing soft skills in them.
DISCLAIMER: The blog post is meant for only informational purposes and should not be considered true in all circumstances. It is suggested to take professional guidance to check whether you meet these conditions or need to follow some other rules.
Written by – Priyanka Rampal
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