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Fill Your IRS 941 Form

The IRS 941 form is a quarterly tax return that employers use to report income taxes, Social Security tax, and Medicare tax withheld from employee paychecks. This form plays a crucial role in ensuring that the correct amounts are submitted to the federal government. Understanding how to accurately complete and file this form can help businesses maintain compliance and avoid potential penalties.

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The IRS Form 941, also known as the Employer's Quarterly Federal Tax Return, plays a crucial role in the financial responsibilities of businesses across the United States. This form is primarily used by employers to report income taxes, Social Security tax, and Medicare tax withheld from employee wages. Each quarter, businesses must accurately complete and submit this form to ensure compliance with federal tax regulations. Along with reporting withheld taxes, Form 941 also requires employers to calculate their share of Social Security and Medicare taxes, which can be a significant financial obligation. Additionally, the form allows for adjustments to be made if there were any errors in previous filings, providing a pathway for employers to correct mistakes. Understanding the requirements and deadlines associated with Form 941 is essential for maintaining good standing with the IRS and avoiding potential penalties. By staying informed and organized, employers can navigate the complexities of this form, ensuring that they meet their obligations while also supporting their employees effectively.

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Common Questions

What is the IRS 941 form?

The IRS 941 form, officially known as the Employer's Quarterly Federal Tax Return, is a document that employers in the United States use to report income taxes, Social Security tax, and Medicare tax withheld from employee wages. This form is filed quarterly and provides the IRS with important information about the taxes owed and paid by employers on behalf of their employees.

Who needs to file Form 941?

Any employer who pays wages to employees and is required to withhold federal income tax, Social Security tax, or Medicare tax must file Form 941. This includes businesses of all sizes, non-profit organizations, and government entities that have employees. If you are a sole proprietor with no employees, you do not need to file this form.

When is Form 941 due?

Form 941 is due on the last day of the month following the end of each quarter. Specifically, the deadlines are April 30 for the first quarter, July 31 for the second quarter, October 31 for the third quarter, and January 31 for the fourth quarter. If the due date falls on a weekend or holiday, the deadline is extended to the next business day.

How do I file Form 941?

Form 941 can be filed electronically or by mail. To file electronically, you can use the IRS e-file system or a third-party software provider. If you choose to file by mail, you will need to send the completed form to the appropriate address listed in the IRS instructions, which varies based on your location and whether you are making a payment.

What information do I need to complete Form 941?

To complete Form 941, you will need to gather information such as your business name, address, Employer Identification Number (EIN), total wages paid, the amount of federal income tax withheld, and the amounts of Social Security and Medicare taxes owed. Additionally, you will report any adjustments for tips, group health plan expenses, and any credits you may qualify for, such as the Employee Retention Credit.

What happens if I don’t file Form 941 on time?

If you fail to file Form 941 on time, you may incur penalties and interest on any unpaid taxes. The IRS may assess a penalty for late filing, which can be a percentage of the unpaid tax. It is important to file even if you cannot pay the full amount owed, as this can help reduce penalties.

Can I amend a previously filed Form 941?

Yes, if you discover an error in a previously filed Form 941, you can amend it by filing Form 941-X, Adjusted Employer’s QUARTERLY Federal Tax Return or Claim for Refund. This form allows you to correct any mistakes and claim any overpayments. Be sure to follow the instructions carefully to ensure proper processing of your amendment.

Where can I find more information about Form 941?

For more detailed information about Form 941, including instructions and resources, you can visit the official IRS website. The site provides access to the latest forms, instructions, and guidance on how to complete and file the form correctly. Additionally, you may consider consulting with a tax professional for personalized assistance.

Preview - IRS 941 Form

Form 941 for 2023:	Employer’s QUARTERLY Federal Tax Return	950122
		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 =	Column 2.
							.
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
5d	Taxable wages & tips subject to			.	× 0.009 =		.
	Additional Medicare Tax withholding			.	× 0.009 =		.
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
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
EIN
Phone
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
Form		941-V			Payment Voucher

	Department of the Treasury		Don’t staple this voucher or your payment to Form 941.				2023
	Internal Revenue Service		Don’t staple this voucher or your payment to Form 941.				2023
	1 Enter your employer identification			2		Dollars		Cents
		number (EIN).			Enter the amount of your payment.
					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
		1st	3rd
		Quarter	Quarter		Enter your address.

		2nd	4th
		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.

Similar forms

IRS Form 940: This form is used to report annual Federal Unemployment Tax Act (FUTA) taxes. Like Form 941, it helps employers calculate their tax liabilities but focuses on unemployment taxes rather than payroll taxes.
IRS Form W-2: Employers use this form to report wages paid to employees and the taxes withheld. It complements Form 941 by providing detailed information about employee earnings and tax withholdings for the year.
IRS Form W-3: This is a summary form that accompanies W-2s when submitted to the IRS. It summarizes the total earnings and taxes withheld for all employees, similar to how Form 941 summarizes payroll taxes for a quarter.
IRS Form 945: This form is used to report nonpayroll withholding, such as backup withholding. It parallels Form 941 in that it helps the IRS track withheld taxes, but it focuses on different types of income.
IRS Form 1040: Individual taxpayers use this form to file their annual income tax returns. It includes information about income and taxes withheld, similar to how Form 941 provides a quarterly snapshot of payroll taxes.
IRS Form 1099: This form reports various types of income other than wages, salaries, and tips. It serves a similar purpose as Form 941 by documenting income and withholding, but for independent contractors instead of employees.
IRS Form 4868: This form is an application for an automatic extension of time to file individual income tax returns. While not directly similar, it relates to the overall tax filing process, allowing taxpayers more time to prepare their returns, similar to how Form 941 requires timely submissions.
Illinois Motorcycle Bill of Sale: This document is essential for ensuring a legal transfer of ownership when selling a motorcycle in Illinois. To smoothly complete the sale of your motorcycle, view and download the form.
IRS Form 1120: Corporations use this form to report their income, gains, losses, and deductions. It is similar to Form 941 in that both forms are crucial for tax compliance, though they cater to different types of entities.
IRS Form 8832: This form allows an eligible entity to choose how it will be classified for federal tax purposes. It relates to how businesses report their taxes, similar to the way Form 941 helps businesses report payroll taxes.

Misconceptions

The IRS Form 941 is a crucial document for employers in the United States, but several misconceptions surround its purpose and requirements. Here are ten common misunderstandings about this form:

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 size.
Form 941 is optional. Some people think that filing this form is optional. However, it is a mandatory requirement for reporting income taxes, Social Security, and Medicare taxes withheld from employee wages.
Form 941 is filed annually. There is a misconception that Form 941 is an annual filing. In fact, it must be filed quarterly, with specific deadlines for each quarter.
Only full-time employees are counted. Some employers mistakenly believe that only full-time employees should be reported on Form 941. Part-time employees also count and must be included in the calculations.
Form 941 is only for federal taxes. While the form primarily focuses on federal taxes, it also has implications for state and local tax obligations, depending on the jurisdiction.
Filing late incurs no penalties. Many assume that filing Form 941 late will not result in penalties. In truth, the IRS imposes penalties for late filings, which can accumulate over time.
Form 941 can be filed anytime. Some believe they can file Form 941 at their convenience. However, it must be submitted by specific deadlines each quarter to avoid penalties.
All employers use the same form. There is a misconception that all employers use the same version of Form 941. There are variations, such as Form 941-X for adjustments, which are specific to certain situations.
Only payroll taxes are reported on Form 941. While payroll taxes are a significant part of the form, it also includes information on tips and other compensation, which may not be immediately obvious to some employers.
Filing Form 941 guarantees tax compliance. Some employers think that simply filing Form 941 ensures they are compliant with all tax obligations. However, compliance involves various other forms and regulations beyond just this one.

Understanding these misconceptions can help employers navigate their responsibilities more effectively and ensure compliance with IRS requirements.

File Attributes

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 it is due four times a year.
Due Dates	Form 941 is typically due on the last day of the month following the end of the quarter. For example, the first quarter ends on March 31, and the form is due by April 30.
Who Must File	Any employer who pays wages subject to federal income tax withholding must file this form.
Penalties for Late Filing	Failure to file Form 941 on time can result in penalties, which increase the longer the form remains unfiled.
State-Specific Forms	Some states have their own forms for reporting state taxes withheld. For example, California requires Form DE 9.
Electronic Filing	Employers can file Form 941 electronically, which is often faster and may reduce errors.
Record Keeping	Employers must keep copies of Form 941 for at least four years after the date the tax becomes due or is paid, whichever is later.
Amended Returns	If an error is found after filing, employers can amend Form 941 using Form 941-X.
Resources for Assistance	The IRS provides resources and guidance for completing Form 941, including instructions available on their website.