Get IRS 944 Instructions 2022-2024

Form 944 is designed so the smallest employers (those whose annual liability for social security, Medicare, and withheld federal income taxes is $1,000 or less) will file and pay these taxes only once a year instead of every quarter.

Just about all employers in the U.S. are required to report their income tax withholding and FICA tax liability to the IRS in some way. However, only those whose total annual liability is less than $1,000 are allowed to request to file Form 944, and only those who receive written approval to file Form 944 can do so.

What Is Form 941? Form 941 is very similar to Form 944, except that it's meant for businesses with annual payroll tax liabilities greater than $1,000. Businesses should generally file Form 941 unless the IRS tells you to use Form 944 or if you successfully request to use 944 forms because of your lower liability.

Who Must File Form 944? Wages you have paid. Tips your employees reported to you. Federal income tax you withheld. Both the employer and the employee share of social security and Medicare taxes. Additional Medicare Tax withheld from employees.

Form 944 filers should have employment tax liabilities of $1,000 or less. However, if you have an employment tax liability of more than $1,000 and have not received notification changing you to a quarterly Form 941 filer, you must continue to file Form 944.

Form 944 can only be used by small businesses, defined as those with an annual employment tax liability of no more than $1,000.00. It is estimated that employers which paid wages of less than $4,100 will fall within this group. Employers list the same information on this form as they would on Form 941.

Yes, you must file Form 944 if the IRS has notified you in writing that you must submit one—even if you have no employees. In this case, you'll fill out the form to the best of your ability, skipping over the sections that apply to withheld wages.

If you're an employer required to file a Form 941 but estimate your tax liability will be $1,000 or less for the tax year, you may be eligible to switch to Form 944. To request a change, send a written request, postmarked by March 15 or call the IRS at 800-829-0115 by April 1.