The IRS 941 form, officially known as the Employer's Quarterly Federal Tax Return, is used by employers to report income taxes, Social Security tax, and Medicare tax withheld from employee paychecks. This form is filed quarterly and helps the IRS track the taxes that employers owe and have paid throughout the year.
Any employer who pays wages to employees must file Form 941. This includes businesses, non-profits, and government agencies. If you have employees and withhold federal income tax or Social Security and Medicare taxes, you are required to file this form each quarter.
Form 941 is due four times a year, with specific deadlines for each quarter:
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For the first quarter (January - March), the due date is April 30.
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For the second quarter (April - June), the due date is July 31.
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For the third quarter (July - September), the due date is October 31.
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For the fourth quarter (October - December), the due date is January 31 of the following year.
It is important to file on time to avoid penalties and interest charges.
To complete Form 941, you will need the following information:
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Your employer identification number (EIN).
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The total number of employees you paid during the quarter.
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The total wages paid to employees.
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The amount of federal income tax withheld.
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The amounts of Social Security and Medicare taxes withheld.
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Any adjustments for sick pay, tips, or group-term life insurance.
Accurate records will help ensure that the form is completed correctly.
Failing to file Form 941 can result in penalties and interest. The IRS may impose a penalty for late filing, which can be a percentage of the unpaid tax. Additionally, if you do not file at all, the IRS may take further action, including placing a lien on your business or assessing additional fines. It is crucial to file on time to avoid these consequences.
Yes, you can amend Form 941 if you discover errors after filing. To do this, you will need to complete Form 941-X, Adjusted Employer’s QUARTERLY Federal Tax Return or Claim for Refund. This form allows you to correct any mistakes or report any adjustments for previously filed returns. Be sure to file the amendment as soon as you realize there is an error to minimize potential penalties.