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Form 941 Guide 2026: Employer's Quarterly Federal Tax Return PDF & Rules
Complete overview of IRS Form 941 for small business owners and payroll managers. Learn how to calculate quarterly employer FICA match, report withholdings, and avoid penalties.
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What Is IRS Form 941?
IRS Form 941 (Employer's Quarterly Federal Tax Return) is the mandatory quarterly report that employers file to calculate and pay federal payroll tax obligations.
Quarterly Filing Schedule for Form 941
| Quarter | Covered Months | Filing Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| Q1 (First Quarter) | January 1 – March 31 | April 30 |
| Q2 (Second Quarter) | April 1 – June 30 | July 31 |
| Q3 (Third Quarter) | July 1 – September 30 | October 31 |
| Q4 (Fourth Quarter) | October 1 – December 31 | January 31 |
What Is Reported on Form 941?
- Total wages paid to employees during the quarter.
- Federal income tax withheld from employee paychecks.
- Employee and employer share of Social Security tax (6.2% + 6.2% = 12.4%).
- Employee and employer share of Medicare tax (1.45% + 1.45% = 2.9%).
Payroll Tax Tip: Ensure your employee paystub records match your Form 941 totals. Calculate withholdings with our Free Paystub Generator or generate W-9 Forms Online.