Form 941 Penalties
In a previous article, we covered some of the basics of Form 941. In this article, we will explore some of the major penalties that may apply for failure to comply with the requirements of Form 941. These penalties may be severe and, in certain circumstances, may even lead to criminal charges.
Failure to File Penalty
The IRS may apply a failure to file penalty for any month, or part of a month, for which a required return is not filed (disregarding extensions). The penalty is 5% of the unpaid tax due on such return, with the maximum penalty typically 25% of the tax owed.
Failure to Pay Penalty
The IRS may also apply a failure to pay penalty for any month, or part of a month, for which the tax due is paid late. This penalty is 0.5% per month of the amount of the tax. In certain circumstances, individual filers may be able to qualify for a reduced penalty of 0.25% per month, if an installment agreement is in effect. The maximum amount of the failure to pay penalty is also 25% of the tax owed.
Interaction between the Failure-to-File and Failure-to-Pay Penalties; Reasonable Cause Defense
If both of the above-mentioned penalties apply to a given month, then the failure to file penalty will be reduced by the amount of the failure to pay penalty. It is important to note that a “reasonable cause” defense is applicable to these penalties – i.e. if the employer’s attorney is able to demonstrate, in writing, that the failure to file or to pay was due to a reasonable cause, then such penalties will be abated by the IRS.
Interest
Interest may also be charged, in addition to any applicable penalties. Interest begins to accrue from the date due of the tax owed on any unpaid amount.
Penalty Rates for Amounts not Properly or Timely Deposited
In general, penalties may also apply if a filer does not make required timely deposits, or if the amounts deposited are less than required. If a filer is able to establish a reasonable cause defense and demonstrates that the failure to comply with the requirements was not due to willfully neglect, then the IRS will not impose the penalties. In certain other circumstances, the IRS may also agree to waive penalties.
For amounts that are not timely or properly deposited, the following penalty rates will apply:
2% – Deposits 1 to 5 days late.
5% – Deposits 6 to 15 days late.
10% – Deposits 16 or more days late.
10%- Amounts paid within 10 days of the date of the first IRS notice requesting the tax due.
10% – Deposits paid directly to the IRS, or paid with a tax return.
15% – Amounts unpaid more than 10 days after the date of the first IRS notice requesting the tax due, or the day on which an IRS
notice and demand for immediate payment was received by afiler, whichever is earlier.
Late deposit penalty amounts are calculated from the due date of the tax liability, and are determined using calendar days.
Trust Fund Penalty
If income, Social Security, or Medicare taxes that are required to be withheld are not withheld or paid, a filer may be personally liable for the Trust Fund Penalty. Important note: use of a third-party payroll service provider or other type of agent will not relieve a required filer of the responsibility of ensuring that deposits are timely and properly deposited, and that returns are filed.
The Trust Fund Penalty is the full amount of the unpaid trust fund tax. The penalty may be imposed on any person determined by the IRS to be responsible for collecting, accounting for, and paying over required taxes, and who acted willfully in not doing so, and the penalty may apply to individuals personally if such unpaid taxes cannot be collected from the employer or business directly.
Criminal Penalties
Those who fail to comply with the bank deposit requirements for the special trust account for the U.S. Government may also be charged with criminal penalties. We will cover the criminal penalties in more detail in future articles.
Averages Failure to Deposit (FTD) Penalty
The IRS may also assess an “averaged” failure to deposit (FTD) penalty of 2% to 10% for filers who are scheduled to make monthly deposits, and who do not properly complete Part 2 of Form 941 when a tax liability listed on Form 941, line 10, equals or exceeds $2,500. The IRS may also assess an “averaged” FTD penalty of 2% to 10% for scheduled semi-weekly depositors who show a tax liability on Form 941, line 10, equaling or exceeding $2,500, and who fail to complete Schedule B of Form 941, fail to attach a properly completed Schedule B of Form 941, or improperly complete Schedule B of Form 941.
The averaged FTD penalty is calculated by distributing a total tax liability listed on Form 941, line 10, equally throughout the tax period. As such, deposits and payments may not be counted as timely because the actual dates of tax liabilities may not be accurately determinable.
Contact Sherayzen Law Office for Legal Help With Negotiating Form 941 Penalties
If you are facing Form 941 penalties, contact Sherayzen Law Office NOW. While the exact options available to you will depend on your particular fact pattern, our experienced tax firm will rigorously represent your interests in IRS negotiations and strive to reduce such penalties, exploring all viable legal options.