Fill in Your IRS 941 Template Get Document Here

Fill in Your IRS 941 Template

The IRS Form 941 is a quarterly tax form that employers use to report income taxes, Social Security tax, and Medicare tax withheld from employee wages. This form plays a crucial role in ensuring that the federal government receives the necessary tax contributions from businesses. Understanding how to accurately complete and submit Form 941 is essential for compliance and avoiding penalties.

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Key takeaways

The IRS Form 941 is essential for employers to report payroll taxes. Understanding how to fill it out correctly can help avoid penalties and ensure compliance with federal tax laws.

  • Quarterly Reporting: Employers must file Form 941 every quarter. This means it is due four times a year, specifically by the last day of the month following the end of each quarter.
  • Accurate Information: It is crucial to provide accurate information regarding wages paid, tips received, and federal income tax withheld. Mistakes can lead to fines and complications.
  • Tax Calculations: Employers need to calculate the total taxes owed accurately. This includes Social Security and Medicare taxes, which are based on employee wages.
  • Signature Requirement: The form must be signed by an authorized person. This signature certifies that the information provided is correct and complete.
  • Electronic Filing: Consider filing electronically. The IRS offers options for e-filing, which can simplify the process and reduce the likelihood of errors.

Properly managing the Form 941 process is a vital part of maintaining compliance with tax obligations. Employers should stay informed about any changes to tax laws that may affect their reporting responsibilities.

Dos and Don'ts

When filling out the IRS 941 form, it is essential to follow certain guidelines to ensure accuracy and compliance. Below are some key dos and don'ts to consider:

  • Do double-check all employee information for accuracy.
  • Do ensure that you are using the correct form for the appropriate tax period.
  • Do report all wages, tips, and other compensation accurately.
  • Do include any adjustments for prior quarters if applicable.
  • Don't forget to sign and date the form before submission.
  • Don't leave any required fields blank; provide all necessary information.
  • Don't use outdated versions of the form; always download the latest version from the IRS website.
  • Don't ignore the instructions provided for each section of the form.

Form Overview

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 wages.
Filing Frequency Employers must file Form 941 quarterly, with specific due dates for each quarter.
Who Must File Any business that pays wages to employees and is required to withhold taxes must file this form.
State-Specific Forms Some states have their own forms for reporting similar information, governed by state tax laws.
Penalties Failure to file Form 941 on time can result in penalties and interest on any unpaid taxes.
Amended Returns If mistakes are found after filing, employers can use Form 941-X to amend their previously filed Form 941.
Record Keeping Employers must keep records of employment taxes for at least four years after the date the tax becomes due.
Electronic Filing Many employers opt to file Form 941 electronically, which can simplify the process and speed up processing times.

Common mistakes

  1. Incorrect Employer Identification Number (EIN): One common mistake is entering an incorrect EIN. This number is essential for the IRS to identify your business. Ensure it matches the number assigned by the IRS.

  2. Missing Signatures: Failing to sign the form can lead to delays or rejections. Always ensure that the form is signed by an authorized individual.

  3. Incorrect Tax Period: Entering the wrong tax period can cause confusion. Double-check that the period you are reporting aligns with the quarter being filed.

  4. Misreporting Employee Wages: Accurately reporting wages is crucial. Errors in this area can lead to penalties. Review your payroll records carefully before submission.

  5. Omitting Adjustments: If you have made adjustments to your payroll, failing to include these can result in inaccuracies. Ensure all adjustments are clearly documented.

  6. Ignoring IRS Instructions: Each form comes with specific instructions. Not following these can lead to mistakes. Take the time to read the instructions thoroughly.

  7. Using Incorrect Payment Amounts: Double-check the amounts you report for tax payments. Mistakes here can lead to underpayment or overpayment, both of which can have consequences.

  8. Filing Late: Timeliness is important. Late filings can incur penalties. Mark your calendar for due dates and plan ahead to avoid last-minute issues.

Similar forms

The IRS Form 940 is another important document for employers. It is used to report annual Federal Unemployment Tax Act (FUTA) taxes. Like Form 941, which is filed quarterly to report payroll taxes, Form 940 is an essential part of the payroll process. Employers must calculate their unemployment tax liability based on the wages paid to employees. Both forms require accurate record-keeping to ensure compliance with federal tax obligations. The timing of submissions differs, with Form 940 being submitted annually, while Form 941 is filed quarterly.

Form W-2, the Wage and Tax Statement, is closely related to Form 941. Employers use Form W-2 to report wages paid to employees and the taxes withheld from those wages. While Form 941 provides a summary of payroll taxes for a specific quarter, Form W-2 summarizes an entire year’s worth of earnings and withholdings. Both documents serve to inform the IRS about employee compensation and tax contributions, but they are submitted at different times and for different purposes.

Form W-3, the Transmittal of Wage and Tax Statements, complements Form W-2. Employers file Form W-3 alongside Form W-2 to transmit the annual wage and tax information to the Social Security Administration. Like Form 941, which aggregates quarterly payroll data, Form W-3 aggregates the annual data from all W-2 forms. This document ensures that the Social Security Administration receives a complete picture of wage and tax information for all employees, facilitating accurate record-keeping and tax collection.

To keep your address updated with the New York City Employees Retirement System, using the Address NYCERS form is crucial as it ensures you receive important communications correctly. Members can find more information and access the necessary templates at https://nytemplates.com, which can facilitate the process of maintaining accurate contact information with NYCERS.

Form 1099-MISC is another document that shares similarities with Form 941, particularly in the context of reporting payments made to non-employees. While Form 941 is focused on employee wages and the associated payroll taxes, Form 1099-MISC is used to report payments to independent contractors and other non-employee service providers. Both forms require detailed record-keeping and accurate reporting of tax information, but they cater to different categories of workers.

Form 1040, the U.S. Individual Income Tax Return, is also related to the payroll tax process. While Form 941 is used by employers to report payroll taxes, Form 1040 is filed by individuals to report their annual income and tax liability. Employees use information from Form W-2, which is derived from data reported on Form 941, to complete their Form 1040. Both forms play critical roles in the overall tax system, ensuring that income and payroll taxes are accurately reported and collected.

Form 944 is designed for smaller employers who have a lower payroll tax liability. Like Form 941, it is used to report federal income tax withheld and Social Security and Medicare taxes. However, Form 944 is filed annually rather than quarterly, which can simplify the reporting process for eligible employers. This form allows smaller businesses to maintain compliance with tax regulations while reducing the frequency of their filings.

Lastly, Form 945 is used to report federal income tax withheld from nonpayroll payments. This includes things like pensions, annuities, and certain gambling winnings. While Form 941 focuses on employee wages, Form 945 serves a different purpose by reporting taxes withheld from various types of payments. Both forms require accurate calculations and timely submissions to ensure compliance with IRS regulations, but they address different aspects of tax reporting.

Other PDF Forms

Your Questions, Answered

What is IRS Form 941?

IRS Form 941, also known as the Employer's Quarterly Federal Tax Return, is a form used by employers to report payroll taxes. This includes federal income tax withheld from employee wages, Social Security and Medicare taxes, and any adjustments made to these amounts. Employers must file this form quarterly, providing the IRS with important information about their payroll tax obligations.

Who needs to file Form 941?

Any employer who pays wages to employees must file Form 941. This includes businesses, non-profits, and government entities that withhold federal income tax, Social Security, and Medicare taxes from their employees' paychecks. If you have no employees during a quarter, you still need to file Form 941 to report that information.

When is Form 941 due?

Form 941 is due four times a year, with specific deadlines for each quarter:

  • For the first quarter (January to March), the due date is April 30.
  • For the second quarter (April to June), the due date is July 31.
  • For the third quarter (July to September), the due date is October 31.
  • For the fourth quarter (October to December), the due date is January 31 of the following year.

Filing late may result in penalties, so it's important to adhere to these deadlines.

What information is required on Form 941?

Form 941 requires several pieces of information, including:

  1. Your business name, address, and Employer Identification Number (EIN).
  2. The number of employees you paid during the quarter.
  3. Total wages paid and the amount of federal income tax withheld.
  4. The amounts of Social Security and Medicare taxes owed.
  5. Any adjustments for the current quarter, if applicable.

Accurate reporting is crucial to avoid issues with the IRS.

How do I file Form 941?

You can file Form 941 electronically or by mail. To file electronically, you can use the IRS e-file system or authorized e-file providers. Filing by mail requires sending a completed paper form to the appropriate address listed in the form instructions. Ensure you keep a copy of the filed form for your records.

What should I do if I made a mistake on Form 941?

If you discover an error after filing Form 941, you can correct it by filing Form 941-X, Adjusted Employer's Quarterly Federal Tax Return or Claim for Refund. This form allows you to make adjustments to previously reported amounts. Be sure to file Form 941-X for the specific quarter in which the error occurred.

Form Preview

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.