The quarterly federal payroll tax return an employer files to report wages paid, income tax withheld, and both halves of Social Security and Medicare tax. Due the last day of the month after each quarter.
The return reports what should have been deposited during the quarter; deposits themselves are due monthly or semi-weekly. Late deposits are penalized within days, which is why payroll is the deadline businesses miss most.
941 is the quarterly return for withheld income tax and FICA. 940 is the annual return for federal unemployment tax (FUTA).
Source: IRS Form 941 instructions
Last reviewed September 17, 2026. Tax rules change; confirm current law before acting.
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