Employer's Tax Guide & Compliance
Payroll Tax Withholding, IRS Deposit Schedules & Employment Tax Filings
Navigate IRS Publication 15 (Circular E), federal income tax withholding, FICA (Social Security & Medicare), FUTA federal unemployment, and quarterly Form 941 filings to avoid trust fund tax penalties.
Core Employer Tax Obligations Under Federal Law
Every business that pays wages to an employee must withhold federal income tax, Social Security, and Medicare taxes from the employee's pay and match the employer's portion of FICA.
1. Federal Income Tax Withholding
Calculated based on each employee's Form W-4 selections, pay frequency, and the IRS wage bracket or percentage method tables published in IRS Publication 15-T.
2. FICA (Social Security & Medicare)
Social Security: 6.2% employee + 6.2% employer up to the annual wage base limit. Medicare: 1.45% employee + 1.45% employer with no wage cap, plus 0.9% Additional Medicare on high earners.
3. FUTA (Federal Unemployment)
Standard rate is 6.0% on the first $7,000 of wages paid to each employee, with a credit up to 5.4% for timely paid state unemployment taxes, reducing the net FUTA rate to 0.6%.
4. Form 941 Quarterly Deadlines
Filed quarterly by the last day of the month following the quarter end: April 30 (Q1), July 31 (Q2), October 31 (Q3), and January 31 (Q4).
Key Advantages for Your Business
Avoid Trust Fund Recovery Penalties
Trust fund payroll taxes (employee withheld income and FICA) are non-dischargeable and carry 100% personal liability for responsible officers.
Timely Deposit Scheduling
We establish EFTPS deposit frequencies matching your lookback period to prevent 2% - 15% late deposit penalties.
Multi-State Remote Worker Setup
Properly register your business for state withholding in states where remote employees perform work.
What You Receive
Book This Service with Viktor
Connect directly with Vikram Singh Angurala in Albany, NY or on a secure video call to get your file processed accurately.