Employers are required to file Form 940, Employer’s Annual Federal Unemployment (FUTA) Tax Return, to report and pay federal unemployment taxes (FUTA) to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). For 2024, employers must use Schedule A to calculate FUTA tax liability on Form 940.
Schedule A is used to determine the amount of FUTA tax that an employer owes for the year. The tax is calculated by applying a percentage rate to the taxable wages paid to employees during the year. The percentage rate for 2024 is 6.0%, up from 6.2% in 2023. The first $7,000 of wages paid to each employee is not subject to FUTA tax.
Schedule A Form 940 For 2024
Here are 8 important points about Schedule A Form 940 for 2024:
- Used to calculate FUTA tax liability
- FUTA percentage rate is 6.0%
- $7,000 wage base per employee
- Wages subject to FUTA are reported on Line 1
- FUTA tax calculated on Line 2
- Schedule A must be attached to Form 940
- Due date for Form 940 is April 30, 2025
- Use Form 940-X to correct errors
Employers should consult the IRS instructions for Form 940 and Schedule A for more detailed information.
Used to calculate FUTA tax liability
Schedule A Form 940 is used to calculate the amount of Federal Unemployment Tax Act (FUTA) tax that an employer owes for the year. FUTA tax is a federal tax that is imposed on employers to fund the unemployment insurance system. The tax is calculated by applying a percentage rate to the taxable wages paid to employees during the year.
- Taxable wages are the total wages paid to employees during the year, up to a maximum of $7,000 per employee.
- FUTA percentage rate is the percentage rate that is applied to taxable wages to calculate FUTA tax. The FUTA percentage rate for 2024 is 6.0%.
- FUTA tax liability is the amount of FUTA tax that an employer owes for the year. FUTA tax liability is calculated by multiplying taxable wages by the FUTA percentage rate.
- Schedule A is used to calculate FUTA tax liability for employers who have paid wages subject to FUTA tax. Schedule A must be attached to Form 940 when it is filed.
Employers should consult the IRS instructions for Form 940 and Schedule A for more detailed information on how to calculate FUTA tax liability.
FUTA percentage rate is 6.0%
The FUTA percentage rate is the percentage rate that is applied to taxable wages to calculate FUTA tax liability. The FUTA percentage rate is set by law and is the same for all employers. For 2024, the FUTA percentage rate is 6.0%.
The FUTA percentage rate has changed several times over the years. The rate was 6.3% from 1978 to 1982, 6.2% from 1983 to 2010, and 6.0% from 2011 to 2014. The rate was increased to 6.2% in 2015 and 2016, and then decreased to 6.0% in 2017. The rate has remained at 6.0% since then.
The FUTA percentage rate is used to calculate FUTA tax liability for all employers, regardless of their size or industry. Employers should use the FUTA percentage rate that is in effect for the year in which they are paying wages to employees.
For example, if an employer pays $100,000 in taxable wages to employees in 2024, the employer’s FUTA tax liability would be $6,000 (100,000 x 6.0%).
$7,000 wage base per employee
The $7,000 wage base per employee is the maximum amount of wages that are subject to FUTA tax for each employee. This means that the first $7,000 of wages paid to each employee are not subject to FUTA tax. For 2024, the wage base is $7,000.
The wage base is indexed to inflation and is adjusted each year by the IRS. The wage base has been $7,000 since 2018.
The wage base is used to calculate FUTA tax liability for all employers, regardless of their size or industry. Employers should use the wage base that is in effect for the year in which they are paying wages to employees.
For example, if an employer pays an employee $10,000 in wages in 2024, only the first $7,000 of wages are subject to FUTA tax. The employer’s FUTA tax liability would be calculated on the $7,000 of taxable wages.
Wages subject to FUTA are reported on Line 1
Wages subject to FUTA are reported on Line 1 of Schedule A Form 940. This includes all taxable wages paid to employees during the year, up to the wage base of $7,000 per employee. Wages that are not subject to FUTA tax, such as the first $7,000 of wages paid to each employee, are not reported on Line 1.
- Wages paid in cash are reported on Line 1, regardless of whether the wages are paid weekly, bi-weekly, monthly, or annually.
- Wages paid in non-cash items, such as goods or services, are also reported on Line 1. The value of the non-cash items must be included in the employee’s total wages.
- Tips and gratuities that are reported to the employer by the employee are also reported on Line 1.
- Bonuses and commissions are reported on Line 1, regardless of when they are paid.
Employers should carefully review their payroll records to ensure that all wages subject to FUTA tax are reported on Line 1 of Schedule A Form 940.
FUTA tax calculated on Line 2
FUTA tax is calculated on Line 2 of Schedule A Form 940. To calculate FUTA tax, multiply the total wages subject to FUTA tax (Line 1) by the FUTA percentage rate (6.0% for 2024). The result is the FUTA tax liability for the year.
For example, if an employer has total wages subject to FUTA tax of $100,000, the FUTA tax liability would be $6,000 (100,000 x 6.0%).
FUTA tax is a deposit tax, which means that employers are required to deposit FUTA tax payments with the IRS throughout the year. The deposit schedule is based on the amount of FUTA tax liability incurred during the year.
Employers can use Form 940-V, Payment Voucher for Federal Unemployment Taxes, to make FUTA tax deposits. Form 940-V can be downloaded from the IRS website.
Schedule A must be attached to Form 940
Schedule A must be attached to Form 940 when it is filed with the IRS. Schedule A provides the details of the employer’s FUTA tax liability for the year. The IRS uses the information on Schedule A to verify the employer’s FUTA tax payment.
If an employer fails to attach Schedule A to Form 940, the IRS may assess a penalty. The penalty for failing to file Schedule A is $50 for each return that is filed without the schedule.
Employers can avoid the penalty for failing to file Schedule A by ensuring that the schedule is properly attached to Form 940 before it is filed with the IRS.
Schedule A can be downloaded from the IRS website. The schedule can also be obtained by calling the IRS at 1-800-829-1040.
Due date for Form 940 is April 30, 2025
The due date for Form 940 for 2024 is April 30, 2025. This is the same due date as for Form 1040, the individual income tax return. Employers who file Form 940 late may be subject to penalties and interest.
- Filing Form 940 on time helps to avoid penalties and interest. It also ensures that the employer’s FUTA tax payments are credited to the correct tax period.
- Filing Form 940 late may result in penalties and interest. The penalty for filing Form 940 late is 5% of the unpaid tax for each month or part of a month that the return is late, up to a maximum of 25%. The interest rate on unpaid taxes is determined by the IRS and is adjusted quarterly.
- Employers who are unable to file Form 940 on time should file Form 940-X, Amended Unemployment Tax Return, to correct any errors on the original return. Form 940-X can be downloaded from the IRS website.
- Employers who have closed their business should file a final Form 940 to report the wages paid to employees during the year. The final Form 940 should be filed within 30 days of closing the business.
Employers can avoid the penalties and interest associated with filing Form 940 late by filing the return on time and paying the FUTA tax liability in full.
Use Form 940-X to correct errors
Form 940-X, Amended Unemployment Tax Return, is used to correct errors on a previously filed Form 940. Form 940-X can be used to correct errors in the following information:
- Name or address of the employer
- EIN of the employer
- Taxable wages paid to employees
- FUTA tax liability
- FUTA tax payments
To file Form 940-X, simply complete the form and mail it to the IRS. Form 940-X can be downloaded from the IRS website.
It is important to file Form 940-X as soon as possible after discovering an error on a previously filed Form 940. This will help to avoid penalties and interest.
If an employer has made an error on a previously filed Form 940, they should carefully review the instructions for Form 940-X before filing the amended return. The instructions for Form 940-X can be found on the IRS website.
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions about Schedule A Form 940 for 2024:
Question 1: What is Schedule A Form 940?
Answer 1: Schedule A Form 940 is used to calculate the amount of Federal Unemployment Tax Act (FUTA) tax that an employer owes for the year.
Question 2: Who must file Schedule A Form 940?
Answer 2: All employers who are subject to FUTA tax must file Schedule A Form 940.
Question 3: When is Schedule A Form 940 due?
Answer 3: Schedule A Form 940 is due on April 30, 2025.
Question 4: Where can I get a copy of Schedule A Form 940?
Answer 4: You can download a copy of Schedule A Form 940 from the IRS website.
Question 5: How do I fill out Schedule A Form 940?
Answer 5: The IRS provides detailed instructions on how to fill out Schedule A Form 940 on its website.
Question 6: What happens if I make a mistake on Schedule A Form 940?
Answer 6: If you make a mistake on Schedule A Form 940, you can file Form 940-X, Amended Unemployment Tax Return, to correct the error.
Question 7: What are the penalties for filing Schedule A Form 940 late?
Answer 7: The penalty for filing Schedule A Form 940 late is 5% of the unpaid tax for each month or part of a month that the return is late, up to a maximum of 25%. The interest rate on unpaid taxes is determined by the IRS and is adjusted quarterly.
If you have any other questions about Schedule A Form 940, you can contact the IRS at 1-800-829-1040.
Now that you know more about Schedule A Form 940, here are a few tips to help you file your return on time and avoid penalties:
Tips
Here are a few tips to help you file Schedule A Form 940 for 2024 on time and avoid penalties:
Tip 1: Gather your information. Before you begin filling out Schedule A Form 940, gather all of the information you will need, such as your EIN, the total wages paid to employees during the year, and the amount of FUTA tax you have already paid.
Tip 2: Use the IRS instructions. The IRS provides detailed instructions on how to fill out Schedule A Form 940 on its website. Be sure to read the instructions carefully before you begin filling out the form.
Tip 3: File on time. Schedule A Form 940 is due on April 30, 2025. Filing your return on time will help you avoid penalties and interest.
Tip 4: Pay your taxes in full. When you file Schedule A Form 940, you must also pay any FUTA tax that you owe. Paying your taxes in full will help you avoid penalties and interest.
Tip 5: Keep a copy of your return. Once you have filed Schedule A Form 940, be sure to keep a copy of the return for your records. This will help you if you need to refer to the return in the future.
By following these tips, you can help ensure that you file Schedule A Form 940 for 2024 on time and avoid penalties.
Conclusion
Schedule A Form 940 is used to calculate the amount of Federal Unemployment Tax Act (FUTA) tax that an employer owes for the year. FUTA tax is a federal tax that is imposed on employers to fund the unemployment insurance system. The FUTA percentage rate for 2024 is 6.0%, and the wage base is $7,000 per employee.
Employers who are subject to FUTA tax must file Schedule A Form 940 by April 30, 2025. Employers can use the IRS instructions to help them fill out the form. Employers who make a mistake on the form can file Form 940-X, Amended Unemployment Tax Return, to correct the error.
By filing Schedule A Form 940 on time and paying the FUTA tax liability in full, employers can avoid penalties and interest. Employers can also use the tips provided in this article to help them file their return on time and avoid penalties.