Payroll & Tax Compliance Flashcards

What is the purpose of Form W-4 in payroll processing?

Answer: To provide tax withholding information

Form W-4, Employee's Withholding Certificate, is used by employees to inform their employer how much federal income tax to withhold from their paychecks. Employees fill out this form to indicate their marital status, number of dependents, and any additional amounts they want withheld. This information helps employers accurately calculate the amount of federal income tax to deduct from each payroll.

Which tax is withheld from an employee's paycheck for Social Security?

Answer: FICA Social Security tax

FICA (Federal Insurance Contributions Act) tax includes two components: Social Security and Medicare. The FICA Social Security tax is specifically withheld from an employee's paycheck to fund the Social Security program, which provides retirement, disability, and survivor benefits. Both employees and employers contribute to this tax.

When must employers provide employees with a W-2 form?

Answer: By January 31

Employers are legally required to provide each employee with a Form W-2, Wage and Tax Statement, by January 31 of the year following the calendar year in which wages were paid. This form reports the employee's annual wages and the amount of taxes withheld from their paycheck. Employees need their W-2 to file their federal and state income tax returns.

Which payroll tax is paid only by the employer?

Answer: FUTA

FUTA (Federal Unemployment Tax Act) tax is a payroll tax paid solely by employers, not withheld from employee wages. This tax funds federal unemployment compensation programs and helps states pay unemployment benefits. It is distinct from FICA taxes (Social Security and Medicare), which are paid by both employers and employees.

What is the deadline for filing quarterly payroll tax returns?

Answer: Last day of the month following the quarter

Employers are generally required to file quarterly payroll tax returns, such as Form 941 (Employer's Quarterly Federal Tax Return), by the last day of the month following the end of each calendar quarter. For example, for the quarter ending March 31, the deadline is April 30. This ensures timely reporting and payment of federal income tax, Social Security, and Medicare taxes withheld from employee wages and employer contributions.

Which form reports quarterly federal payroll taxes?

Answer: Form 941

Form 941, Employer's Quarterly Federal Tax Return, is specifically used by employers to report federal income tax, social security tax, and Medicare tax withheld from employee wages, as well as the employer's share of social security and Medicare taxes. This form is filed quarterly, making it the correct choice for reporting these federal payroll taxes.

What is the purpose of Form I-9?

Answer: Employment eligibility verification

Form I-9 is a U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) form that employers must complete for each new hire to verify their identity and employment authorization. It ensures that individuals hired are legally authorized to work in the United States, preventing the employment of undocumented workers.

Which payroll item represents employee deductions for health insurance?

Answer: Pre-tax deductions

Pre-tax deductions are amounts subtracted from an employee's gross pay before taxes are calculated and withheld. Health insurance premiums are a common example, as they reduce the employee's taxable income, leading to lower income tax liability.

What is 'net pay' in payroll?

Answer: Pay after all deductions

Net pay, also known as take-home pay, is the amount of money an employee receives after all mandatory and voluntary deductions have been subtracted from their gross pay. These deductions typically include federal, state, and local taxes, as well as contributions for benefits like health insurance or retirement plans.