IRS 941
How Form 941 works: what employers report each quarter, due dates, deposit penalty tiers, and a calculator for lines 5a to 5d and late-deposit penalties.
IRS 941 quarterly calculator
What Form 941 is
Employers file Form 941 every quarter to report federal income tax withheld from paychecks plus both the employee and employer shares of Social Security (12.4% total, on wages up to $184,500 per employee in 2026) and Medicare (2.9% total), and the 0.9% Additional Medicare tax withheld on wages over $200,000.
2026 due dates
April 30, July 31, October 31 and January 31 (for the fourth quarter). If you made all deposits on time, you get 10 more days.
Deposits and penalties
Most employers deposit monthly or semiweekly based on a lookback period (IRS Publication 15). Late deposits cost 2% if 1–5 days late, 5% if 6–15 days, 10% if more than 15 days, and 15% if still unpaid 10 days after an IRS notice (the tiers don't add up). Deposit through EFTPS or IRS Direct Pay for businesses.
Common questions
When is Form 941 due?
April 30, July 31, October 31 and January 31.
What is the penalty for late payroll tax deposits?
2% (1–5 days), 5% (6–15 days), 10% (16+ days), 15% after an IRS notice.
What Social Security wage limit applies in 2026?
$184,500 per employee.
Sources
- IRS: About Form 941
- IRS: Failure to deposit penalty
- IRS: Employment tax due dates
- IRS Publication 15 (Circular E)
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General information, not financial, tax or legal advice. Check important numbers with the official source before acting on them.