Get the free Form 940 Unemployment Tax Return

Get Form

We are not affiliated with any brand or entity on this form

Fill out

Complete the form online in a simple drag-and-drop editor.

eSign

Add your legally binding signature or send the form for signing.

Share

Share the form via a link, letting anyone fill it out from any device.

Export

Download, print, email, or move the form to your cloud storage.

Why pdfFiller is the best tool for your documents and forms

Learn more about security

End-to-end document management

From editing and signing to collaboration and tracking, pdfFiller has everything you need to get your documents done quickly and efficiently.

Accessible from anywhere

pdfFiller is fully cloud-based. This means you can edit, sign, and share documents from anywhere using your computer, smartphone, or tablet.

Secure and compliant

pdfFiller lets you securely manage documents following global laws like ESIGN, CCPA, and GDPR. It's also HIPAA and SOC 2 compliant.

What is Form 940 Unemployment Tax Return

The Form 940 Unemployment Tax Return is a federal tax document used by employers to report annual unemployment taxes under the Federal Unemployment Tax Act (FUTA). Its primary purpose is to calculate and pay annual unemployment tax liability to the IRS.

pdfFiller scores top ratings on review platforms

Show more Show less

Fill fillable 940 Unemployment Tax Return form: Try Risk Free

Rate free 940 Unemployment Tax Return form

4.0

satisfied

31 votes

Who needs Form 940 Unemployment Tax Return?

Explore how professionals across industries use pdfFiller.

Form 940 Unemployment Tax Return is needed by:

Employers subject to FUTA taxes
Business owners filing annual tax returns
Payroll departments managing employee tax responsibilities
Human resources professionals overseeing unemployment tax compliance
Tax preparers assisting clients with federal tax forms

Comprehensive Guide to Form 940 Unemployment Tax Return

What is the Form 940 Unemployment Tax Return?

Form 940 serves as an annual federal unemployment tax document mandated by the Federal Unemployment Tax Act (FUTA). Employers must file this form to report their annual unemployment tax liabilities to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). It plays a crucial role in ensuring compliance with federal tax obligations related to unemployment compensation.

Specifically, employers who have paid wages exceeding the federal wage base are required to submit this form. Understanding Form 940 helps employers navigate their responsibilities associated with unemployment tax reporting.

Purpose and Benefits of the Form 940 Unemployment Tax Return

The primary purpose of Form 940 is to ensure compliance with the Federal Unemployment Tax Act (FUTA). By filing this form, employers can accurately manage their unemployment tax liabilities, which is essential for maintaining operational integrity.

Utilizing Form 940 brings several benefits, such as simplifying the calculation of taxes owed and ensuring employers meet their obligations efficiently. By staying compliant, employers avoid penalties and contribute to the overall system that provides unemployment benefits to workers.

Key Features of the Form 940 Unemployment Tax Return

Form 940 includes several unique features designed to facilitate the reporting process. The sections are structured to help employers compute taxable wages, as well as tax dues and potential refunds.

Specific sections for detailing total payments to employees.
Fields for reporting exempt payments and calculating tax liabilities.

These features, alongside detailed IRS form 940 instructions, aid employers in accurately fulfilling their tax responsibilities.

Who Needs to File the Form 940 Unemployment Tax Return?

Employers responsible for filing Form 940 typically include those with employees whose wages meet or exceed the federal wage base. However, certain exemptions exist based on the nature of the employment or specific employer categories.

For instance, seasonal employers or those with limited employee counts may not be required to file. Understanding these distinctions is vital for accurate unemployment tax filing.

When to Submit the Form 940 Unemployment Tax Return

Employers must submit Form 940 annually, with a specified deadline for filing. Adhering to this timeline is crucial, as late submissions can result in significant penalties and complications.

Being aware of the annual deadline ensures compliance and helps avoid unnecessary costs associated with late filing fees.

How to Fill Out Form 940 Unemployment Tax Return Online (Step-by-Step)

Filling out Form 940 online requires careful attention to detail. Follow these steps for successful completion:

Access the form using a reliable online platform.
Complete each section, ensuring all required information is accurate.
Double-check figures calculated, particularly taxable wages and liabilities.
Review for common errors like missing signatures or incorrect dates.

These steps will help minimize mistakes that could lead to issues with submission and compliance.

Submission Methods for the Form 940 Unemployment Tax Return

Employers have different options for submitting Form 940, with online submission being the most convenient. However, some may still prefer paper filing.

Online submission through authorized platforms offers immediate confirmation.
For paper filing, ensure to send forms via verified postal services to track delivery.

Regardless of the submission method selected, confirming successful submission is vital to ensure compliance.

What Happens After You Submit Form 940?

Once Form 940 is submitted, employers should receive confirmation of their filing status. Monitoring the application status is essential for ensuring that everything is processed smoothly.

Common rejection reasons often relate to incomplete information or discrepancies in reported figures. Identifying these issues early can help in addressing them effectively.

Security and Compliance When Filing Form 940 Unemployment Tax Return

Handling Form 940 involves sensitive information, making security a top priority. Utilizing platforms that offer security features can protect sensitive data during the filing process.

Compliance with IRS regulations and data protection standards is crucial. Ensuring the platform adheres to security measures, such as 256-bit encryption, helps safeguard personal and financial information.

Empower Your Filing Process with pdfFiller

pdfFiller enhances the experience of filling out Form 940 with its user-friendly tools and secure document management features. Users can easily edit, submit, and store their completed forms within a protected environment.

By leveraging pdfFiller's capabilities, employers can navigate their filing process with confidence and convenience. Start your filing process today online to streamline compliance effortlessly.

Last updated on May 20, 2026

How to fill out the Form 940 Unemployment Tax Return

1.

Access the Form 940 Unemployment Tax Return on pdfFiller by searching for it in the template library or using the upload feature if you have your own copy.
2.

Open the form in pdfFiller’s interface. Familiarize yourself with the layout, including fields for total payments, exemptions, and federal wage base.
3.

Gather necessary information before starting, such as your total employee payments, any exempt payments, and details on taxable wages.
4.

Begin filling out the form by using the fillable fields provided. Click each field to enter data related to your business and payroll information.
5.

Utilize checkboxes to indicate any relevant selections. Make sure to review each section to ensure all important information is included.
6.

Once all fields are complete, review the form thoroughly. Ensure that calculations for tax due or refund are accurate and reflect your findings.
7.

Finalizing your form involves ensuring all signatures are entered. Make sure to sign and date the form where indicated to avoid issues.
8.

Save your completed form by clicking on the save button. You can also download it directly to your device for submission or print it for your records.
9.

To submit the form, follow IRS submission guidelines, which could include electronic submission or mailing a hard copy to their offices.

FAQs

If you can't find what you're looking for, please contact us anytime!

Contact Support

What are the eligibility requirements for filing Form 940?

Any employer who paid wages subject to Federal Unemployment Tax Act (FUTA) must file Form 940. Generally, if you paid $1,500 or more in wages during any calendar quarter or had at least one employee for any part of a day in 20 or more weeks in the current or preceding year, you must file.

When is the deadline to submit Form 940?

Form 940 is typically due on January 31 of each year for the previous calendar year. However, if you deposited all of your FUTA tax on time, you may have until February 10 to file the form.

How can I submit Form 940 to the IRS?

You can submit Form 940 either electronically using approved software or by mailing the completed paper form to the appropriate IRS address, which varies depending on your location and whether or not you are including a payment.

What supporting documents do I need to file Form 940?

While Form 940 does not require accompanying documents, you should retain records of employee payments and any relevant tax calculations for your books. This includes pay stubs and payroll summaries in case of audits.

What are some common mistakes to avoid when completing Form 940?

Common mistakes include incorrect calculations of taxable wages, not signing the form, or misreporting exempt payments. Always double-check figures and ensure that all fields are accurately filled out.

How long does it take for the IRS to process Form 940?

Processing time for Form 940 can vary. Generally, if filed electronically, processing takes about 2-3 weeks. Paper submissions may take longer, possibly several weeks, before being processed.

Can I amend a submitted Form 940?

Yes, if you need to correct errors after submission, you can file Form 940-X, the adjusted unemployment tax return, to amend your previously submitted Form 940.