As an employer, understanding your tax obligations is crucial for compliance and avoiding penalties. Form 941, Employer’s Quarterly Federal Tax Return, is a critical form for reporting income taxes, Social Security tax, and Medicare tax withheld from your employees’ paychecks. If you’ve completed Form 941 and aren’t including a payment, knowing where to mail Form 941 without payment is essential to ensure timely and accurate filing with the IRS.
While the IRS encourages electronic filing for efficiency and security, paper filing is still an option. This guide provides you with the correct mailing addresses for Form 941 when you are not including a payment, along with important information about the form, deadlines, and potential penalties.
Understanding Form 941: Employer’s Quarterly Federal Tax Return
Form 941 is used to report payroll taxes to the IRS on a quarterly basis. Employers are required to report:
- Income tax withheld from employees’ wages.
- Social Security tax withheld from employees’ wages, plus the employer’s share of Social Security tax.
- Medicare tax withheld from employees’ wages, plus the employer’s share of Medicare tax.
Essentially, Form 941 gives the IRS a snapshot of your payroll tax liabilities each quarter. Filing this form accurately and on time is a key part of your responsibilities as an employer.
Key Deadlines for Filing Form 941 in 2024
To avoid penalties, it’s vital to know the deadlines for each quarter. Here are the Form 941 due dates for 2024:
| Quarter | Months Covered | Due Date |
|---|---|---|
| Quarter 1 | January, February, March | April 30 |
| Quarter 2 | April, May, June | July 31 |
| Quarter 3 | July, August, September | October 31 |
| Quarter 4 | October, November, December | January 31 (of the following year) |
It’s important to note that if any due date falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday, the deadline is shifted to the next business day.
Penalties for Late Filing or Failure to Pay
The IRS enforces penalties for both late filing of Form 941 and late payment of taxes. Understanding these penalties can help you prioritize timely filing and payment.
Penalties for Late Filing:
The penalty for filing Form 941 late depends on how delayed your filing is. The penalty is a percentage of the unpaid taxes:
| Days Late | Penalty |
|---|---|
| 1 to 5 days | 2% of the unpaid tax |
| 6 to 15 days | 5% of the unpaid tax |
| 16 days or more | 10% of the unpaid tax |
| More than 10 days after IRS notice | 15% of the unpaid tax |
Penalty for Failure to Pay:
In addition to late filing penalties, there’s a separate penalty for failing to pay your taxes on time. This penalty is also a percentage of the unpaid amount and increases over time.
It’s crucial to file and pay on time, even if you can’t pay the full amount. Filing on time and paying as much as possible can significantly reduce penalties.
Where to Mail Form 941 Without Payment: State-by-State Guide
The correct mailing address for Form 941 depends on your business location and whether you are including a payment. If you are mailing Form 941 without a payment, use the addresses provided in the table below, categorized by state.
| If Your Principal Business, Office, or Agency is Located In: | Mail Returns WITHOUT Payment To:
