What is Form 941?

IRS Form 941 is the Employer's Quarterly Federal Tax Return. Most employers who pay wages are required to file Form 941 each quarter to report income taxes, Social Security tax, and Medicare tax withheld from employees' paychecks, as well as the employer's share of Social Security and Medicare taxes.

Who Must File Form 941?

Generally, any employer who pays wages subject to federal income tax withholding or Social Security and Medicare taxes must file Form 941 quarterly. Exceptions include:

• Seasonal employers (who don't pay wages every quarter)
• Employers who file Form 944 (annual filers with small payrolls)
• Household employers (who file Schedule H)
• Agricultural employers (who file Form 943)

Quarterly Filing Deadlines

• Q1 (Jan–Mar): Due April 30
• Q2 (Apr–Jun): Due July 31
• Q3 (Jul–Sep): Due October 31
• Q4 (Oct–Dec): Due January 31 of the following year

If the due date falls on a weekend or legal holiday, the return is due the next business day.

What Form 941 Reports

• Number of employees who received wages during the quarter
• Total wages paid
• Federal income tax withheld
• Social Security and Medicare taxes (employee and employer shares)
• Tax deposits made during the quarter
• Any balance due or overpayment

EIN Requirement

You must have an Employer Identification Number (EIN) to file Form 941. Your EIN is used to identify your business on all employment tax returns and deposits. If you are a new employer, apply for your EIN before your first filing deadline.