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Form Specs

Fact Name Description
Purpose The IRS Form 941 is used by employers to report income taxes, Social Security tax, and Medicare tax withheld from employee paychecks.
Filing Frequency This form must be filed quarterly, meaning employers submit it four times a year.
Due Dates The due dates for filing Form 941 are typically the last day of the month following the end of each quarter.
Quarterly Breakdown Form 941 covers four quarters: January to March, April to June, July to September, and October to December.
Penalties Failing to file Form 941 on time can result in penalties and interest on unpaid taxes.
Record Keeping Employers are required to keep records of employment taxes for at least four years after the due date of the tax return.
State-Specific Forms Some states may have their own forms for reporting employment taxes, governed by state laws such as the California Unemployment Insurance Code.
Electronic Filing Employers can file Form 941 electronically, which may expedite processing and reduce errors.
Amended Returns If an employer needs to correct a previously filed Form 941, they must use Form 941-X to amend the return.

Dos and Don'ts

When filling out the IRS Form 941, it's essential to follow certain guidelines to ensure accuracy and compliance. Here’s a list of things to do and avoid:

  • Do double-check your employer identification number (EIN) for accuracy.
  • Do report all wages, tips, and other compensation accurately.
  • Do include the correct number of employees for the quarter.
  • Do file your form on time to avoid penalties.
  • Don't leave any fields blank; if a section doesn't apply, indicate that.
  • Don't forget to sign and date the form before submission.
  • Don't use correction fluid; if you make a mistake, cross it out and write the correct information.

By following these guidelines, you can help ensure that your Form 941 is filled out correctly and submitted without issues.

Common mistakes

  1. Incorrect Employer Identification Number (EIN): Many people mistakenly enter the wrong EIN. It is crucial to ensure that the EIN matches the one assigned by the IRS to avoid processing delays.

  2. Inaccurate Employee Count: Some individuals miscount the number of employees. This error can lead to incorrect tax calculations and potential penalties.

  3. Failure to Report All Wages: Omitting wages or tips paid to employees is a common mistake. All compensations should be accurately reported to ensure compliance.

  4. Incorrect Calculation of Taxes: Errors in calculating the amount of federal income tax withheld can occur. Double-checking these calculations is important to avoid underpayment or overpayment.

  5. Missing Signatures: Some individuals forget to sign the form. A missing signature can result in the form being rejected by the IRS.

  6. Not Keeping Copies: Failing to retain a copy of the submitted form is a frequent oversight. Keeping records is essential for future reference and for any potential audits.

Documents used along the form

The IRS Form 941 is used by employers to report income taxes, Social Security tax, and Medicare tax withheld from employee wages. It is essential for compliance with federal tax regulations. In addition to Form 941, several other forms and documents may be relevant for employers. Here is a list of commonly used forms and documents that often accompany the IRS 941 form.

  • Form 940: This form is used to report and pay unemployment taxes. Employers must file it annually to report their Federal Unemployment Tax Act (FUTA) liability.
  • Form W-2: Employers use this form to report wages paid to employees and the taxes withheld from those wages. It is provided to employees at the end of the year for their personal tax filings.
  • Form W-3: This is a summary form that accompanies Form W-2 when submitted to the Social Security Administration. It provides a total of all W-2 forms issued by an employer.
  • Ohio Unclaimed Funds Reporting Form: To learn more about the filing requirements and process for unclaimed funds, refer to the Ohio PDF Forms that provide essential information.
  • Form 1099: This form is used to report various types of income other than wages, salaries, and tips. It is often issued to independent contractors or freelancers.
  • Form 8822: Employers may use this form to notify the IRS of a change in their business address. Keeping the IRS updated is crucial for receiving important tax-related correspondence.
  • Form SS-4: This form is used to apply for an Employer Identification Number (EIN). An EIN is necessary for tax reporting and is often required when filing Form 941.

Understanding these forms can help employers stay compliant with tax regulations and ensure accurate reporting. Each form serves a specific purpose in the overall tax process, making it important to be familiar with them when filing taxes.

Misconceptions

The IRS Form 941, also known as the Employer's Quarterly Federal Tax Return, is a crucial document for employers in the United States. However, several misconceptions surround this form, leading to confusion among business owners. Here are five common misconceptions about Form 941:

  • 1. Form 941 is only for large businesses. Many believe that only large employers need to file this form. In reality, any business that pays wages to employees must file Form 941, regardless of its size.
  • 2. Form 941 must be filed monthly. Some employers think they need to submit this form every month. However, Form 941 is filed quarterly. It covers wages paid and taxes withheld for each quarter of the year.
  • 3. Filing Form 941 is optional. A common myth is that filing Form 941 is optional for employers. This is incorrect. Employers are legally required to file this form to report income taxes, Social Security tax, and Medicare tax withheld from employees’ paychecks.
  • 4. Only employees' wages are reported on Form 941. Some people assume that Form 941 only pertains to employee wages. In truth, it also includes information about the employer's share of Social Security and Medicare taxes, making it essential for accurate tax reporting.
  • 5. Mistakes on Form 941 are not a big deal. Many believe that errors on this form can be easily corrected later. While it is possible to amend Form 941, mistakes can lead to penalties and interest charges, making accurate filing critical.

Understanding these misconceptions can help employers navigate their tax obligations more effectively and avoid potential pitfalls. Accurate and timely filing of Form 941 is essential for compliance and maintaining a good standing with the IRS.

Preview - IRS 941 Form

Form 941 for 2023:

Employer’s QUARTERLY Federal Tax Return

950122

 

 

(Rev. March 2023)

Department of the Treasury — Internal Revenue Service

OMB No. 1545-0029

Employer identification number (EIN)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Name (not your trade name)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Trade name (if any)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Address

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Number

Street

 

 

 

 

 

Suite or room number

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

City

 

 

 

 

State

 

 

ZIP code

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Foreign country name

 

 

Foreign province/county

 

 

Foreign postal code

Report for this Quarter of 2023

(Check one.)

1: January, February, March

2: April, May, June

3: July, August, September

4: October, November, December

Go to www.irs.gov/Form941 for instructions and the latest information.

Read the separate instructions before you complete Form 941. Type or print within the boxes.

Part 1: Answer these questions for this quarter.

1

Number of employees who received wages, tips, or other compensation for the pay period

 

including: Mar. 12 (Quarter 1), June 12 (Quarter 2), Sept. 12 (Quarter 3), or Dec. 12 (Quarter 4) 1

2

Wages, tips, and other compensation

.

2

3

Federal income tax withheld from wages, tips, and other compensation

.

3

4

If no wages, tips, and other compensation are subject to social security or Medicare tax

 

 

 

Column 1

 

Column 2.

 

5a

Taxable social security wages* . .

.

× 0.124 =

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

.

 

5a

(i)

Qualified sick leave wages* .

.

× 0.062 =

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

.

 

5a

(ii)

Qualified family leave wages* .

.

× 0.062 =

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

.

 

5b

Taxable social security tips . . .

.

× 0.124 =

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

.

 

5c

Taxable Medicare wages & tips. .

.

× 0.029 =

 

 

5d

Taxable wages & tips subject to

 

 

 

 

 

.

× 0.009 =

 

.

 

 

Additional Medicare Tax withholding

 

 

5e

Total social security and Medicare taxes. Add Column 2 from lines 5a, 5a(i), 5a(ii), 5b, 5c, and 5d

 

5e

5f

Section 3121(q) Notice and Demand—Tax due on unreported tips (see instructions) .

.

5f

6

Total taxes before adjustments. Add lines 3, 5e, and 5f

.

6

7

Current quarter’s adjustment for fractions of cents

.

7

8

Current quarter’s adjustment for sick pay

.

8

9

Current quarter’s adjustments for tips and group-term life insurance

.

9

10

Total taxes after adjustments. Combine lines 6 through 9

.

10

11a

Qualified small business payroll tax credit for increasing research activities. Attach Form 8974

11a

11b

Nonrefundable portion of credit for qualified sick and family leave wages for leave taken

 

 

before April 1, 2021

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

.

11b

.

.

Check and go to line 6.

*Include taxable qualified sick and family leave wages paid in this quarter of 2023 for leave taken after March 31, 2021, and before October 1, 2021, on line 5a. Use lines 5a(i) and 5a(ii) only for taxable qualified sick and family leave wages paid in this quarter of 2023 for leave taken after March 31, 2020, and before April 1, 2021.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

11c Reserved for future use . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11c

.

You MUST complete all three pages of Form 941 and SIGN it.

For Privacy Act and Paperwork Reduction Act Notice, see the back of the Payment Voucher.

Cat. No. 17001Z

Form 941 (Rev. 3-2023)

951222

Name (not your trade name)

Employer identification number (EIN)

 

 

Part 1:

Answer these questions for this quarter. (continued)

 

11d Nonrefundable portion of credit for qualified sick and family leave wages for leave taken after March 31, 2021, and before October 1, 2021 . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11d

.

 

 

 

 

 

11e

Reserved for future use

. . . . . . . . . 11e

.

11f

Reserved for future use

 

 

 

 

 

 

11g

Total nonrefundable credits. Add lines 11a, 11b, and 11d

11g

12

Total taxes after adjustments and nonrefundable credits. Subtract line 11g from line 10 .

12

.

.

13a

Total deposits for this quarter, including overpayment applied from a prior quarter and

 

 

overpayments applied from Form 941-X, 941-X (PR), 944-X, or 944-X (SP) filed in the current quarter

13a

13b

Reserved for future use

13b

.

.

13c Refundable portion of credit for qualified sick and family leave wages for leave taken

 

before April 1, 2021

13c

13d Reserved for future use

13d

.

.

13e Refundable portion of credit for qualified sick and family leave wages for leave taken after March 31, 2021, and before October 1, 2021 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13e

.

13f

Reserved for future use

13f

13g

Total deposits and refundable credits. Add lines 13a, 13c, and 13e

13g

13h

Reserved for future use

13h

13i

Reserved for future use

13i

14Balance due. If line 12 is more than line 13g, enter the difference and see instructions . . . 14

 

 

 

 

15

Overpayment. If line 13g is more than line 12, enter the difference

.

Check one:

.

.

.

.

.

Apply to next return.

 

Send a refund.

Part 2: Tell us about your deposit schedule and tax liability for this quarter.

If you’re unsure about whether you’re a monthly schedule depositor or a semiweekly schedule depositor, see section 11 of Pub. 15.

16 Check one:

Line 12 on this return is less than $2,500 or line 12 on the return for the prior quarter was less than $2,500, and you didn’t incur a $100,000 next-day deposit obligation during the current quarter. If line 12 for the prior quarter was less than $2,500 but line 12 on this return is $100,000 or more, you must provide a record of your federal tax liability. If you’re a monthly schedule depositor, complete the deposit schedule below; if you’re a semiweekly schedule depositor, attach Schedule B (Form 941). Go to Part 3.

You were a monthly schedule depositor for the entire quarter. Enter your tax liability for each month and total

liability for the quarter, then go to Part 3.

 

 

 

Tax liability: Month 1

.

 

 

 

 

Month 2

.

 

 

 

 

Month 3

.

 

 

 

 

Total liability for quarter

.

Total must equal line 12.

You were a semiweekly schedule depositor for any part of this quarter. Complete Schedule B (Form 941),

Report of Tax Liability for Semiweekly Schedule Depositors, and attach it to Form 941. Go to Part 3.

You MUST complete all three pages of Form 941 and SIGN it.

Page 2

Form 941 (Rev. 3-2023)

950922

Name (not your trade name)

Employer identification number (EIN)

Part 3: Tell us about your business. If a question does NOT apply to your business, leave it blank.

17 If your business has closed or you stopped paying wages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Check here, and

enter the final date you paid wages

/ /

; also attach a statement to your return. See instructions.

18 If you’re a seasonal employer and you don’t have to file a return for every quarter of the year . . .

Check here.

19Qualified health plan expenses allocable to qualified sick leave wages for leave taken before April 1, 2021

20Qualified health plan expenses allocable to qualified family leave wages for leave taken before April 1, 2021

21

Reserved for future use

22

Reserved for future use

23Qualified sick leave wages for leave taken after March 31, 2021, and before October 1, 2021

24Qualified health plan expenses allocable to qualified sick leave wages reported on line 23

25Amounts under certain collectively bargained agreements allocable to qualified sick

leave wages reported on line 23 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

26Qualified family leave wages for leave taken after March 31, 2021, and before October 1, 2021

27Qualified health plan expenses allocable to qualified family leave wages reported on line 26

28Amounts under certain collectively bargained agreements allocable to qualified family leave wages reported on line 26 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

 

 

19

.

 

 

20

.

 

 

21

.

 

 

22

.

 

 

23

.

 

 

24

.

 

 

25

.

 

 

26

.

 

 

27

.

 

 

28

.

Part 4: May we speak with your third-party designee?

Do you want to allow an employee, a paid tax preparer, or another person to discuss this return with the IRS? See the instructions

for details.

Yes. Designee’s name and phone number

Select a 5-digit personal identification number (PIN) to use when talking to the IRS.

No.

Part 5: Sign here. You MUST complete all three pages of Form 941 and SIGN it.

Under penalties of perjury, I declare that I have examined this return, including accompanying schedules and statements, and to the best of my knowledge and belief, it is true, correct, and complete. Declaration of preparer (other than taxpayer) is based on all information of which preparer has any knowledge.

Sign your name here

Date

/ /

Print your name here

Print your title here

Best daytime phone

Paid Preparer Use Only

Preparer’s name

Preparer’s signature

Firm’s name (or yours if self-employed)

Address

City

State

Check if you’re self-employed . . .

PTIN

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Date

/

/

 

EIN

 

 

 

 

 

 

Phone

 

 

 

 

 

 

ZIP code

Page 3

Form 941 (Rev. 3-2023)

951020

This page intentionally left blank

Form 941-V, Payment Voucher

Purpose of Form

Complete Form 941-V if you’re making a payment with Form 941. We will use the completed voucher to credit your payment more promptly and accurately, and to improve our service to you.

Making Payments With Form 941

To avoid a penalty, make your payment with Form 941 only if:

Your total taxes after adjustments and nonrefundable credits (Form 941, line 12) for either the current quarter or the preceding quarter are less than $2,500, you didn’t incur a $100,000 next-day deposit obligation during the current quarter, and you’re paying in full with a timely filed return; or

You’re a monthly schedule depositor making a payment in accordance with the Accuracy of Deposits Rule. See section 11 of Pub. 15 for details. In this case, the amount of your payment may be $2,500 or more.

Otherwise, you must make deposits by electronic funds transfer. See section 11 of Pub. 15 for deposit instructions. Don’t use Form 941-V to make federal tax deposits.

! Use Form 941-V when making any payment with Form 941. However, if you pay an amount with

CAUTION Form 941 that should’ve been deposited, you may be subject to a penalty. See Deposit Penalties in section 11 of Pub. 15.

Specific Instructions

Box 1—Employer identification number (EIN). If you don’t have an EIN, you may apply for one online by visiting the IRS website at www.irs.gov/EIN. You may also apply for an EIN by faxing or mailing Form SS-4 to the IRS. If you haven’t received your EIN by the due date of Form 941, write “Applied For” and the date you applied in this entry space.

Box 2—Amount paid. Enter the amount paid with Form 941.

Box 3—Tax period. Darken the circle identifying the quarter for which the payment is made. Darken only one circle.

Box 4—Name and address. Enter your name and address as shown on Form 941.

Enclose your check or money order made payable to “United States Treasury.” Be sure to enter your

EIN, “Form 941,” and the tax period (“1st Quarter 2023,” “2nd Quarter 2023,” “3rd Quarter 2023,” or “4th Quarter 2023”) on your check or money order. Don’t send cash.

Don’t staple Form 941-V or your payment to Form 941 (or to each other).

Detach Form 941-V and send it with your payment

and Form 941 to the address in the Instructions for Form 941.

Note: You must also complete the entity information above Part 1 on Form 941.

Detach Here and Mail With Your Payment and Form 941.

Form

941-V

 

 

 

 

Payment Voucher

 

OMB No. 1545-0029

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Department of the Treasury

 

 

Don’t staple this voucher or your payment to Form 941.

 

2023

 

Internal Revenue Service

 

 

 

 

1 Enter your employer identification

 

2

 

Dollars

 

 

Cents

 

 

number (EIN).

 

 

Enter the amount of your payment.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Make your check or money order payable to “United States Treasury.”

 

 

 

3

Tax Period

 

4 Enter your business name (individual name if sole proprietor).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1st

 

3rd

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Quarter

 

Quarter

 

Enter your address.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2nd

 

4th

 

 

 

 

 

 

Enter your city, state, and ZIP code; or your city, foreign country name, foreign province/county, and foreign postal code.

 

 

Quarter

 

Quarter

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Form 941 (Rev. 3-2023)

Privacy Act and Paperwork Reduction Act Notice. We ask for the information on Form 941 to carry out the Internal Revenue laws of the United States. We need it to figure and collect the right amount of tax. Subtitle C, Employment Taxes, of the Internal Revenue Code imposes employment taxes on wages and provides for income tax withholding. Form 941 is used to determine the amount of taxes that you owe. Section 6011 requires you to provide the requested information if the tax is applicable to you. Section 6109 requires you to provide your identification number. If you fail to provide this information in a timely manner, or provide false or fraudulent information, you may be subject to penalties.

You’re not required to provide the information requested on a form that is subject to the Paperwork Reduction Act unless the form displays a valid OMB control number. Books and records relating to a form or its instructions must be retained as long as their contents may become material in the administration of any Internal Revenue law.

Generally, tax returns and return information are confidential, as required by section 6103. However, section 6103 allows or requires the IRS to disclose or give the information shown on your tax return to others as described in the Code. For example, we may disclose your tax information to the Department of

Justice for civil and criminal litigation, and to cities, states, the District of Columbia, and U.S. commonwealths and possessions for use in administering their tax laws. We may also disclose this information to other countries under a tax treaty, to federal and state agencies to enforce federal nontax criminal laws, or to federal law enforcement and intelligence agencies to combat terrorism.

The time needed to complete and file Form 941 will vary depending on individual circumstances. The estimated average time is:

Recordkeeping . . . . . . . . . . 22 hr., 28 min.

Learning about the law or the form . .

. . 53 min.

Preparing, copying, assembling, and

 

sending the form to the IRS

1 hr., 18 min.

If you have comments concerning the accuracy of these time estimates or suggestions for making Form 941 simpler, we would be happy to hear from you. You can send us comments from www.irs.gov/FormComments. Or you can send your comments to Internal Revenue Service, Tax Forms and Publications Division, 1111 Constitution Ave. NW, IR-6526, Washington, DC 20224. Don’t send Form 941 to this address. Instead, see Where Should You File? in the Instructions for Form 941.

Key takeaways

When filling out and using the IRS 941 form, it is important to keep several key points in mind. This form is essential for employers to report payroll taxes withheld from employee wages. Below are some important takeaways:

  • Purpose of the Form: The IRS 941 form is used by employers to report income taxes, Social Security tax, and Medicare tax withheld from employee paychecks.
  • Filing Frequency: Employers must file Form 941 quarterly. This means that it should be submitted four times a year, with specific deadlines for each quarter.
  • Accurate Reporting: It is crucial to provide accurate information on the form. Errors can lead to penalties or delays in processing.
  • Payment of Taxes: Employers must pay any taxes owed when filing the form. This includes any amounts withheld from employees' wages, as well as the employer's share of Social Security and Medicare taxes.
  • Record Keeping: Employers should maintain detailed records of payroll, tax withholdings, and any correspondence with the IRS. This documentation is important for future reference and potential audits.

Similar forms

The IRS Form 941 is a crucial document for employers, detailing quarterly payroll taxes. Several other forms serve similar purposes in reporting various tax obligations and employee-related information. Here’s a list of seven documents that are comparable to Form 941:

  • Form 940: This form is used to report annual Federal Unemployment Tax Act (FUTA) taxes. Like Form 941, it is essential for employers to accurately report their payroll tax obligations.
  • Form W-2: Employers use this form to report annual wages and tax withholdings for employees. While Form 941 is quarterly, W-2 is an annual summary of employee earnings and taxes withheld.
  • Form W-3: This is the transmittal form for W-2s, summarizing total earnings and tax withholdings for all employees. It complements the W-2, similar to how Form 941 supports payroll tax reporting.
  • Form 1099-MISC: This form reports payments made to independent contractors. It serves a similar purpose in tracking income but is focused on non-employee compensation.
  • Form 945: This form is for reporting federal income tax withheld from non-payroll payments, such as pensions and annuities. It shares the reporting nature of Form 941 but applies to different types of payments.
  • Georgia Power of Attorney for a Child: This form allows a parent or guardian to designate another adult to make decisions regarding their child's welfare, including education and healthcare. For more information, you can visit georgiaform.com.

  • Form 1065: Used by partnerships to report income, deductions, and other tax information. While it serves a different entity type, it also requires detailed reporting similar to Form 941.
  • Form 1120: This form is for corporations to report their income, gains, losses, and tax liability. Like Form 941, it is a critical tax document, although it pertains to corporate rather than payroll taxes.