Get the free Form 940 Unemployment (FUTA) 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 FUTA Tax Return

The Form 940 Unemployment (FUTA) Tax Return is a federal tax form used by employers to report and calculate their annual unemployment taxes under the Federal Unemployment Tax Act (FUTA).

pdfFiller scores top ratings on review platforms

Show more Show less

Fill fillable FUTA Tax Return form: Try Risk Free

Rate free FUTA Tax Return form

4.9

satisfied

31 votes

Who needs FUTA Tax Return?

Explore how professionals across industries use pdfFiller.

FUTA Tax Return is needed by:

Employers required to report unemployment taxes
Businesses with employees earning over $7,000
Payroll departments managing tax filings
Accounting professionals handling employer taxes
Tax consultants advising on FUTA liabilities

Comprehensive Guide to FUTA Tax Return

What is the Form 940 Unemployment (FUTA) Tax Return?

The Form 940 is an essential document for employers to report unemployment taxes as mandated by the Federal Unemployment Tax Act (FUTA). This tax form plays a crucial role in funding unemployment benefits for workers who have lost their jobs. Employers who file this form contribute to a nationwide safety net that supports those in need during difficult times.

Understanding the significance of Form 940 is vital for any employer, as it outlines their responsibilities and helps maintain compliance with federal regulations. Proper use of this form ensures accurate reporting and financial contributions towards unemployment funds.

Purpose and Benefits of the Form 940 Unemployment (FUTA) Tax Return

Filing Form 940 is necessary for employers to accurately report their unemployment tax liabilities. This form not only helps employers comply with tax regulations but also reduces the risk of facing penalties associated with incorrect submissions.

Timely filing can unlock potential tax credits for employers, providing financial relief. Therefore, understanding the advantages that come with completing the unemployment tax return form is essential for optimizing tax obligations.

Key Features of the Form 940 Unemployment (FUTA) Tax Return

The Form 940 comprises several sections that employers must complete, including tax liability and employee payments. Each field is designed to gather specific information, such as total payments made to employees and exempt amounts.

Required fields include checkboxes and numerical entries to enhance clarity.
Employers must sign the form, acknowledging accuracy under penalties of perjury.
Errors on the form may lead to complications that impact filing requirements.

Who Needs the Form 940 Unemployment (FUTA) Tax Return?

Employers with a certain number of employees and payment amounts are required to file this form. Understanding the criteria for mandatory filing helps employers stay compliant with federal employment tax requirements.

Criteria for filing include having employees who are compensated over a specified threshold.
Exempt employers must be distinguished from those obligated to file.
Knowing employer responsibilities regarding unemployment taxes is essential for compliance.

When to File the Form 940 Unemployment (FUTA) Tax Return

Form 940 has specific annual filing deadlines that employers must adhere to in order to avoid penalties. Late submissions can incur unwanted fees and additional complications.

Annual filing typically has a due date of January 31 following the end of the tax year.
Employers are strongly advised to gather necessary information well before this deadline.

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

Accurately completing Form 940 requires a systematic approach. Step-by-step instructions ensure that each section is filled correctly, minimizing errors.

Begin by entering the employer’s identification information.
Move to tax liability calculations, ensuring total payroll information is accurate.
Use example responses to clarify field requirements where needed.
Lastly, review the entire form before submission to catch any mistakes.

Submission Methods and Delivery for Form 940 Unemployment (FUTA) Tax Return

Employers have several options for submitting Form 940. Understanding the differences between electronic and mail submission can streamline the process and ensure timely delivery.

Electronic submissions are often quicker and provide immediate confirmations.
For mailed forms, tracking methods should be employed to confirm delivery.
Employers are advised to maintain copies of submitted forms for their records.

Security and Compliance for the Form 940 Unemployment (FUTA) Tax Return

The handling of sensitive tax information requires robust data security measures. Employers must ensure a secure filing process to protect their information.

Utilizing secure platforms for submitting forms helps safeguard against data breaches.
pdfFiller offers compliance with regulations to promote safe tax filing and document handling.
Employers should educate themselves on best practices for maintaining privacy during the filing process.

Sample of a Completed Form 940 Unemployment (FUTA) Tax Return

Providing a filled-out sample of Form 940 can be immensely helpful for employers. Visual references aid in understanding how to complete their own forms correctly.

A downloadable sample form can provide clear guidance on common entries.
Annotations highlighting key areas can assist in interpreting the form for personal use.

Utilizing pdfFiller for a Seamless Filing Experience

Employers can streamline their tax preparation by utilizing pdfFiller. This platform simplifies the process of filling and submitting Form 940.

pdfFiller enables users to edit, fill, and eSign documents without the need for downloads.
The platform promotes a hassle-free experience for managing tax forms effectively.

Last updated on Apr 22, 2026

How to fill out the FUTA Tax Return

1.

Access pdfFiller and search for 'Form 940 Unemployment (FUTA) Tax Return'. Click on the form to open it in the editing interface.
2.

Familiarize yourself with the layout of the form. Locate fields that need your information, paying attention to highlighted areas.
3.

Gather required information before starting, including total payments to employees, any exempt payments, and quarterly federal unemployment tax liabilities.
4.

Begin filling out the form by entering your business's name and identifying information at the top of the document.
5.

Move through each section sequentially. For each employee, input their total wages, identifying which payments exceed the $7,000 threshold.
6.

Ensure all checkboxes are accurately marked as per your circumstances, including any exemptions.
7.

Calculate the total FUTA tax due based on the provided rates and input your findings in the appropriate field.
8.

After completing all fields, review each entry for accuracy, ensuring all necessary figures are reported correctly.
9.

Finalize the form by electronically signing in the designated area, confirming you're authorized to submit it on behalf of your business.
10.

Once reviewed and signed, save your changes. Use the download option to save your form as a PDF or submit it directly through pdfFiller or your chosen method.

FAQs

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

Contact Support

Who is required to file Form 940?

Employers who pay wages of $1,500 or more in any calendar quarter or have one or more employees for at least some part of a day in any 20 or more weeks in the current or preceding calendar year are required to file Form 940.

What is the deadline for submitting Form 940?

Form 940 must be filed annually by January 31 for the prior year. However, if you deposited all required payments on time, you have until February 10 to file.

How do I submit Form 940?

Form 940 can be submitted electronically through the IRS e-file system or by mailing it to the appropriate IRS address listed in the form instructions.

What supporting documents are required with Form 940?

No additional documents are typically required when submitting Form 940. However, you should retain all payroll-related records to support the reported figures in case of an audit.

What are common mistakes to avoid when filing Form 940?

Common mistakes include incorrect reporting of total wages, not double-checking employee exemptions, and failing to sign the form. Always ensure accurate calculations and thorough reviews.

How long does it take to process Form 940?

Processing times for Form 940 can vary but typically take about two to six weeks. Electronic submissions are usually processed faster than paper filings.