Quarterly Returns

Definition

Quarterly Returns refer to employment and estimated tax returns that employers must file on a quarterly basis to report gross wages paid and various tax withholdings including income tax, Social Security tax, and Medicare tax. The specific forms used for these returns include Form 941 (Employer’s Quarterly Federal Tax Return), Form 942 (formerly used for household employees), and Form 943 (Employer’s Annual Federal Tax Return for Agricultural Employees). Additionally, some states require unemployment tax returns to be filed quarterly.

Examples

1. Form 941: Employers who pay wages to employees must file Form 941 to report income taxes, Social Security taxes, and Medicare taxes withheld from employees’ wages, as well as the employer’s portion of Social Security and Medicare taxes.

2. Form 943: Employers in the agricultural sector must use Form 943 to report federal taxes related to agricultural employees, including income tax, Social Security tax, and Medicare tax.

3. State Unemployment Tax Returns: Depending on state regulations, employers may need to file quarterly returns for unemployment taxes to report gross wages and unemployment insurance tax contributions.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the purpose of filing quarterly returns? The primary purpose is to ensure timely reporting and payment of taxes withheld from employees’ wages such as income tax, Social Security tax, and Medicare tax. It also helps in maintaining accurate and up-to-date records for both the employer and the IRS.

2. Who is required to file Form 941? Any employer who pays wages to employees and withholds federal income tax, Social Security tax, or Medicare tax is required to file Form 941 quarterly.

3. What happens if an employer fails to file quarterly returns on time? The IRS may impose penalties and interest on the late or unpaid amounts. In extreme cases, excessive late filings or non-compliance can lead to more severe penalties.

4. Are there exceptions to the quarterly filing requirement? Smaller employers who meet the criteria might be eligible to file annually using Form 944 rather than quarterly returns.

5. How can employers submit their quarterly returns? Employers can file quarterly returns electronically through the IRS e-file system or by mailing paper forms to the designated IRS office.

Related Terms with Definitions

• Gross Wages: The total amount of money an employee earns before any deductions or withholding (e.g., taxes, benefits).

• Withholding Tax: Money that employers withhold from employees’ paychecks for federal, state, and local taxes.

• Social Security Tax: A payroll tax that funds the Social Security program, which provides benefits for retirees and disabled individuals.

• Medicare Tax: A federal payroll tax that funds the Medicare program, which provides health insurance for individuals aged 65 and older and for some younger people with disabilities.

• Unemployment Tax: A tax imposed on employers to fund unemployment compensation programs for eligible workers who have lost their jobs.

Online References

• IRS Form 941 Instructions
• IRS Form 943 Instructions
• State Unemployment Tax Information
• IRS e-File for Business

Suggested Books for Further Studies

1. Payroll Accounting by Bernard J. Bieg and Judith A. Toland
2. The Payroll Source by Michael P. O’Toole
3. IRS Tax Guide by Internal Revenue Service
4. Payroll Answer Book by Deborah Ellis Timberlake
5. Handbook of Employment and Labor Law by Diane M. Pfadenhauer

Fundamentals of Quarterly Returns: Taxation Basics Quiz

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