Title 26—Internal Revenue--Volume 1
PART 31—EMPLOYMENT TAXES AND COLLECTION OF INCOME TAX AT SOURCE
§ 31.6051-1   Statements for employees.
(a) Requirement if wages are subject to withholding of income tax —(1) General rule. (i) Every employer, as defined in section 3401(d), required to deduct and withhold from an employee a tax under section 3402, or who would have been required to deduct and withhold a tax under section 3402 (determined without regard to section 3402(n)) if the employee had claimed no more than one withholding exemption, shall furnish to each such employee, in respect of the remuneration paid by such employer to such employee during the calendar year, the tax return copy and the employee's copy of a statement on Form W-2. For example, if the wage bracket method of withholding provided in section 3402(c)(1) is used, a statement on Form W-2 must be furnished to each employee whose wages during any payroll period are equal to or in excess of the smallest wage from which tax must be withheld in the case of an employee claiming one exemption. If the percentage method is used, a statement on Form W-2 must be furnished to each employee whose wages during any payroll period, reduced by the amount of one withholding exemption, are equal to or in excess of the smallest amount of wages from which tax must be withheld. See section 3402 (a) and (b) and the regulations thereunder. See paragraph (d) of this section for provisions relating to the time for furnishing the statement required by this subparagraph. See paragraph (f) of this section for an exception for employers filing composite returns from the requirement that statements for employees be on Form W-2. For the requirements relating to Form W-2 with respect to qualified State individual income taxes, see paragraphs (d)(3)(ii) of § 301.6361-1 of this chapter (regulations on Procedure and Administration). Each statement on Form W-2 shall show the following:
(A) The name, address, and identification number of the employer.
(B) The name, address, and social security number of the employee, which may be truncated to appear in the form of an IRS truncated taxpayer identification number (TTIN) on copies of Forms W-2 that are furnished to the employee (for provisions relating to the use of TTINs, see § 301.6109-4 of this chapter (Procedure and Administration Regulations)), if wages as defined in section 3121(a) have been paid or if the Form W-2 is required to be furnished to the employee,
(C) The total amount of wages as defined in section 3401(a),
(D) The total amount deducted and withheld as tax under section 3402,
(E) The total amount of wages as defined in section 3121(a),
(F) The total amount of employee tax under section 3101 deducted and withheld (increased by any adjustment in the calendar year for overcollection, or decreased by any adjustment in such year for undercollection, of such tax during any prior year) and the proportion thereof (expressed either as a dollar amount, as a percentage of the total amount of wages as defined in section 3121(a), or as a percentage of the total amount of employee tax under section 3101) withheld as tax under section 3101(b) for financing the cost of hospital insurance benefits,
(G) Such information relating to coverage the employee has earned under the Federal Insurance Contributions act, as may be required by Form W-2 or its instructions, and
(H) The total amount paid to the employee under section 3507 (relating to advance payment of earned income credit).
(ii) Payments made in 1955 under a wage continuation plan shall be reported on Form W-2 to the extent, and in the manner, provided in paragraph (b)(8)(i) of § 31.3401(a)-1.
(iii) In the case of statements furnished by the employer for whom services are performed, with respect to wages paid after December 31, 1955, “the total amount of wages as defined in section 3401(a)”, as used in section 6051(a)(3), shall include all payments made directly by such employer under a wage continuation plan which constitute wages in accordance with paragraph (b)(8)(ii)( a ) of § 31.3401(a)-1, without regard to whether tax has been withheld on such amounts.
(iv) Form W-2 is not required in respect of any wage continuation payment made to an employee by or on behalf of a person who is not the employer for whom the employee performs services but who is regarded as an employer under section 340(d)(1). See paragraph (b)(8) of § 31.3401(a)-1.
(v) In the case of remuneration paid for service described in section 3121(m), relating to service in the uniformed services, performed after 1956, “wages as defined in section 3121(a)”, as used in section 6051(a) (2) and (5), shall be determined in accordance with section 3121(i)(2) and section 3122.
(vi) In the case of remuneration in the form of tips received by an employee in the course of his employment, the amounts required to be shown by paragraphs (3) and (5) of section 6051(a) (see paragraph (a)(1)(i) ( c ) and ( e ) of this section) shall include only such tips as are reported by the employee to the employer in a written statement furnished to the employer pursuant to section 6053(a).
(2) Statements for members of the Armed Forces of the United States. Section 6051(b) contains certain special provisions which are applicable in the case of members of the Armed Forces of the United States in active service. In such case, Form W-2 shall be furnished to each such member of the Armed Forces if any tax has been withheld under section 3402 during the calendar year from the remuneration of such member or if any of the remuneration paid during the calendar year for such active service is includible under chapter 1 of the Code in the gross income of such member. Form W-2, in the case of such member, shall show, as “the total amount of wages as defined in section 3401(a)” as used in section 6051(a)(3), the amount of the remuneration paid during the calendar year which is not excluded under chapter 1 from the gross income of such member, whether or not such remuneration constitutes wages as defined in section 3401(a) and whether or not paid for such active service.
(3) Undelivered statements for employees. The Internal Revenue Service copy and the employee's copy of each withholding statement for the calendar year which the employer is required to furnish to the employee and which after reasonable effort he is unable to deliver to the employee shall be retained by the employer for the 4-year period prescribed in paragraph (e)(2) of § 31.6001-1.
(b) Requirement if wages are not subject to withholding of income tax —(1) General rule. If during the calendar year an employer pays to an employee wages subject to the employee tax imposed by section 3101, but not subject to income tax withholding under section 3402, the employer shall furnish to such employee the tax return copy and the employee's copy of a statement on Form W-2 for such calendar year. Such statement shall show the following:
(i) The name and address of the employer,
(ii) The name, address, and social security number of the employee, which may be truncated to appear in the form of a TTIN on copies of Forms W-2 that are furnished to the employee (for provisions relating to the use of TTINs, see § 301.6109-4 of this chapter),
(iii) The total amount of wages as defined in section 3121(a),
(iv) The total amount of employee tax deducted and withheld from such wages (increased by any adjustment in such year for overcollection, or decreased by any adjustment in such year for undercollection, of employee tax during any prior year) and the proportion thereof (expressed either as a dollar amount, as a percentage of the total amount of wages as defined in section 3121(a), or as a percentage of the total amount of employee tax under section 3101) withheld as tax under section 3101(b) for financing the cost of hospital insurance benefits, and
(v) Such information relating to coverage the employee has earned under the Federal Insurance Contributions Act, as may be required by Form W-2 or its instructions, and
(vi) The total amount paid to the employee under section 3507 (relating to advance payment of earned income credit).
(2) Uniformed services. In the case of remuneration paid for service described in section 3121(m), relating to service in the uniformed services, performed after 1956, “wages as defined in section 3121(a)”, as used in section 6051(a)(5), shall be determined in accordance with section 3121(i)(2) and section 3122.
(c) Correction of statements —(1) Federal Insurance Contributions Act. If (i) the amount of employee tax under section 3101 deducted and withheld in the calendar year from the wages, as defined in section 3121(a), paid during such year was less or greater than the tax imposed by section 3101 on such wages by reason of the adjustment in such year of an overcollection or undercollection of the tax in any prior year, or (ii) regardless of the reason for the error or the method of its correction, the amount of wages as defined in section 3121(a), or tax under section 3101, entered on a statement furnished pursuant to this section to an employee for a prior year was incorrect, a corrected statement for such prior year reflecting the adjustment or the correct data shall be furnished to the employee. Such statement shall be marked “Corrected by Employer”.
(2) Income tax withholding. A corrected statement shall be furnished to the employee with respect to a prior calendar year (i) to show the correct amount of wages, as defined in section 3401(a), paid during the prior calendar year if the amount of such wages entered on a statement furnished to the employee for such prior year is incorrect, or (ii) to show the amount actually deducted and withheld as tax under section 3402 if such amount is less or greater than the amount entered as tax withheld on the statement furnished the employee for such prior year. Such statement shall be indicated as corrected.
(3) Cross reference. For provisions relating to the disposition of the Internal Revenue Service copy of a corrected statement, see paragraph (b)(2) of § 31.6011(a)-4 and paragraph (b) of § 31.6051-2.
(d) Time for furnishing statements —(1)(i) In general. Each statement required by this section for a calendar year and each corrected statement required for the year shall be furnished to the employee on or before January 31 of the year succeeding such calendar year. If an employee's employment is terminated before the close of such calendar year, the employer, at his option, shall furnish the statement to the employee at any time after the termination but no later than January 31 of the year succeeding such calendar year. However, if an employee whose employment is terminated before the close of such calendar year requests the employer to furnish him the statement at an earlier time, and if there is no reasonable expectation on the part of both employer and employee of further employment during the calendar year, then the employer shall furnish the statement to the employee on or before the later of the 30th day after the day of the request or the 30th day after the day on which the last payment of wages is made. For provisions relating to the filing of the Internal Revenue Service copies of the statement, see § 31.6051-2.
(ii) Expedited furnishing —(A) General rule. If an employer is required to make a final return under § 31.6011(a)-6(a)(1) (relating to the final return for Federal Insurance Contributions Act taxes and income tax withholding from wages) on Form 941, or a variation thereof, the employer must furnish the statement required by this section on or before the date required for filing the final return. See § 31.6071(a)-1(a)(1). However, if the final return under § 31.6011(a)-6(a)(1) is a monthly return, as described in § 31.6011(a)-5, the employer must furnish the statement required by this section on or before the last day of the month in which the final return is required to be filed. See § 31.6071(a)-1(a)(2). Except as provided in paragraph (d)(2)(i) of this section, in no event may an employer furnish the statement required by this section later than January 31 of the year succeeding the calendar year to which it relates. The requirements set forth in this paragraph (d)(1)(ii) do not apply to employers with respect to employees whose wages are for domestic service in the private home of the employer. See § 31.6011(a)-1(a)(3).
(B) Requests by employees. An employer is not permitted to furnish a statement pursuant to the provisions of the third sentence of paragraph (d)(1)(i) of this section (relating to written requests by terminated employees for Form W-2) at a time later than that required by the provisions of paragraph (d)(1)(ii)(A) of this section.
(2) Extensions of time —(i) In general ( a ) The Director, Martinsburg Computing Center, may grant an extension of time in which to furnish to employees the statements required by this section. A request may be made by a letter to the Director, Martinsburg Computing Center. The request must contain:
( 1 ) The employer's name and address;
( 2 ) The employer's taxpayer identification number;
( 3 ) The type of return (i.e., Form W-2); and
( 4 ) A concise statement of the reasons for requesting the extension.
( b ) The application must be mailed or delivered on or before the applicable due date prescribed in paragraph (d)(1) of this section for furnishing the statements required by this section.
( c ) In any case in which an employer is unable, by reason of illness, absence, or other good cause, to sign a request for an extension, any person standing in close personal or business relationship to the employer may sign the request on his behalf, and shall be considered as a duly authorized agent for this purpose, provided the request sets forth a reason for a signature other than the employer's and the relationship existing between the employer and the signer. For provisions relating to extensions of time for filing the Social Security Administration copies of the statement, see § 31.6081(a)-1(a)(2).
(ii) Automatic Extension of Time. The Commissioner may, in appropriate cases, publish procedures for automatic extensions of time to furnish Forms W-2 where the employer is required to furnish the Form W-2 on an expedited basis.
(e) Reporting of reimbursements of or payments of expenses of moving from one residence to another residence after July 23, 1971. Every employer who after July 23, 1971, makes reimbursement to, or payment to (other than direct cash reimbursement), an employee for his expenses of moving from one residence to another residence which is includable in gross income under section 82 shall furnish to the best of his ability to such employee information sufficient to assist the employee in the computation of any deduction allowable under section 217 with respect to such reimbursement or payment. The information required under this paragraph may be furnished on Form 4782 provided by the Internal Revenue Service or may be furnished on forms provided by the employer so long as the employee receives the same information he would have received had he been furnished with a completed Form 4782. The information shall include the amount of the reimbursement or payment and whether the reimbursement or payment was made directly to a third party for the benefit of an employee or furnished in kind to the employee. In addition, information shall be furnished as to whether the reimbursement or payment represents and expense described in subparagraphs (A) through (E) of section 217(b)(1), and if so, the amount and nature of the expenses described in each such subparagraph. The information described in this paragraph shall be furnished at the same time or before the written statement required by section 6051(a) is furnished in respect of the calendar year for which the information provided under this paragraph is required. The information required under this paragraph shall be provided for the taxable year in which the payment or reimbursement is received by the employee. For determining the taxable year in which a payment or reimbursement is received, see section 82 and § 1.82-1.
(f) Statements with respect to compensation, as defined in the Railroad Retirement Tax Act —(1) Notification of possible credit or refund. With respect to compensation (as defined in section 3231(e)), every employer (as defined in section 3231(a)) who is required to deduct and withhold from an employee (as defined in section 3231(b)) a tax under section 3201, shall include on or with the statement required to be furnished to such employee under section 6051(a), a notice concerning the provisions of this title with respect to the allowance of a credit or refund of the tax on wages imposed by section 3101(b) and the tax on compensation imposed by section 3201 or 3211, which is treated as a tax on wages imposed by section 3101(b).
(2) Information to be supplied to employees upon request. With respect to compensation (as defined in section 3231(e)), every employer (as defined in section 3231(a)) who is required to deduct and withhold tax under section 3201 from an employee (as defined in section 3231(b)) who has also received wages during such year subject to the tax imposed by section 3101(b), shall upon request of such employee furnish to him or her a written statement showing—
(i) The total amount of compensation with respect to which the tax imposed by section 3101(b) was deducted;
(ii) The total amount of employee tax under section 3201 deducted and withheld (increased by any adjustment in the calendar year for overcollection, or decreased by any adjustment in such year for undercollection, of such tax during any prior year); and
(iii) The proportion thereof (expressed either as a dollar amount, or a percentage of the total amount of compensation as defined in section 3231(e), or as a percentage of the total amount of employee tax under section 3201) withheld as tax under section 3201 for financing the cost of hospital insurance benefits.
(g) Employers filing composite returns. Every employer who files a composite return pursuant to § 31.6011(a)-8 shall furnish to his employees the statements required under this section, except that in lieu of Form W-2 the statements may be in any form which is suitable for retention by the employee and which contains all information required to be shown on Form W-2.
(h) Statements with respect to the refundable earned income credit —(1) In general. In respect of remuneration paid in any calendar year beginning after December 31, 1986, for services performed after December 31, 1986, every employer shall furnish Notice 797 (You May be Eligible for a Refund on Your Federal Income Tax Return Because of the Earned Income Credit (EIC)), or a written statement that contains an exact reproduction of the wording contained in Notice 797, to each employee with respect to whom the employer paid wages (within the meaning of section 3401(a)) during the calendar year and who did not have any income tax withheld by the employer during the calendar year. Notwithstanding the preceding sentence, no such statement need be furnished to an employee who claimed exemption from withholding pursuant to section 3402(n) for the calendar year.
(2) Time for furnishing statement. The statement required by this paragraph (h) for a calendar year shall be furnished—
(i) In the case of an employee who is required to be furnished a Form W-2, Wage and Tax Statement, for the calendar year, within one week of (before or after) the date that the employee is furnished a timely Form W-2 for the calendar year (or, if a Form W-2 is not so furnished, on or before the date by which it is required to be furnished); and
(ii) In the case of an employee who is not required to be furnished a Form W-2 for the calendar year, on or before February 7 of the year succeeding the calendar year.
(3) Manner of furnishing statement. If an employee is furnished a Form W-2 in a timely manner, the statement required by this paragraph (h) may be furnished with the employee's Form W-2. Any statement not so furnished shall be furnished by direct, personal delivery to the employee or by first class mail addressed to the employee at his or her current or last known address. For purposes of the preceding sentence, direct, personal delivery means hand delivery to the employee. Thus, for example, an employer does not meet the requirements of this paragraph (h) if the statement is sent through inter-office mail or is posted on a bulletin board.
(i) Cross references. For provisions relating to the penalties provided for the willful furnishing of a false or fraudulent statement, or for the willful failure to furnish a statement, see § 31.6674-1 and section 7204. For additional provisions relating to the inclusion of identification numbers and account numbers in statements on Form W-2, see §§ 31.6109-1 and 31.6109-4. For the penalties applicable to information returns and payee statements, see sections 6721 through 6724 and the regulations in part 301 under sections 6721 through 6724.
(j) Electronic furnishing of statements —(1) In general. A person required by section 6051 to furnish a written statement on Form W-2 (furnisher) to the individual to whom it is required to be furnished (recipient) may furnish the Form W-2 in an electronic format in lieu of a paper format. A furnisher who meets the requirements of paragraphs (j)(2) through (6) of this section is treated as furnishing the Form W-2 in a timely manner.
(2) Consent —(i) In general. The recipient must have affirmatively consented to receive the Form W-2 in an electronic format. The consent may be made electronically in any manner that reasonably demonstrates that the recipient can access the Form W-2 in the electronic format in which it will be furnished to the recipient. Alternatively, the consent may be made in a paper document if it is confirmed electronically.
(ii) Withdrawal of consent. The consent requirement of this paragraph (j)(2) is not satisfied if the recipient withdraws the consent and the withdrawal takes effect before the statement is furnished. The furnisher may provide that a withdrawal of consent takes effect either on the date it is received by the furnisher or on a subsequent date. The furnisher may also provide that a request for a paper statement will be treated as a withdrawal of consent.
(iii) Change in hardware or software requirements. If a change in hardware or software required to access the Form W-2 creates a material risk that the recipient will not be able to access the Form W-2, the furnisher must, prior to changing the hardware or software, provide the recipient with a notice. The notice must describe the revised hardware and software required to access the Form W-2 and inform the recipient that a new consent to receive the Form W-2 in the revised electronic format must be provided to the furnisher. After implementing the revised hardware and software, the furnisher must obtain from the recipient, in the manner described in paragraph (j)(2)(i) of this section, a new consent or confirmation of consent to receive the Form W-2 electronically.
(iv) Examples. The following examples illustrate the rules of this paragraph (j)(2):
(3) Required disclosures —(i) In general. Prior to, or at the time of, a recipient's consent, the furnisher must provide to the recipient a clear and conspicuous disclosure statement containing each of the disclosures described in paragraphs (j)(3)(ii) through (viii) of this section.
(ii) Paper statement. The recipient must be informed that the Form W-2 will be furnished on paper if the recipient does not consent to receive it electronically.
(iii) Scope and duration of consent. The recipient must be informed of the scope and duration of the consent. For example, the recipient must be informed whether the consent applies to each Form W-2 required to be furnished after the consent is given until it is withdrawn in the manner described in paragraph (j)(3)(v)(A) of this section or only to the first Form W-2 required to be furnished following the date on which the consent is given.
(iv) Post-consent request for a paper statement. The recipient must be informed of any procedure for obtaining a paper copy of the recipient's statement after giving the consent described in paragraph (j)(2)(i) of this section and whether a request for a paper statement will be treated as a withdrawal of consent.
(v) Withdrawal of consent. The recipient must be informed that—
(A) The recipient may withdraw a consent by writing (electronically or on paper) to the person or department whose name, mailing address, telephone number, and e-mail address is provided in the disclosure statement;
(B) The furnisher will confirm the withdrawal and the date on which it takes effect in writing (either electronically or on paper); and
(C) A withdrawal of consent does not apply to a statement that was furnished electronically in the manner described in this paragraph (j) before the date on which the withdrawal of consent takes effect.
(vi) Notice of termination. The recipient must be informed of the conditions under which a furnisher will cease furnishing statements electronically to the recipient (for example, termination of the recipient's employment with furnisher-employer).
(vii) Updating information. The recipient must be informed of the procedures for updating the information needed by the furnisher to contact the recipient. The furnisher must inform the recipient of any change in the furnisher's contact information.
(viii) Hardware and software requirements. The recipient must be provided with a description of the hardware and software required to access, print, and retain the Form W-2, and the date when the Form W-2 will no longer be available on the Web site. The recipient must be informed that the Form W-2 may be required to be printed and attached to a Federal, State, or local income tax return.
(4) Format. The electronic version of the Form W-2 must contain all required information and comply with applicable revenue procedures relating to substitute statements to recipients.
(5) Notice —(i) In general. If the statement is furnished on a Web site, the furnisher must notify the recipient that the statement is posted on a Web site. The notice may be delivered by mail, electronic mail, or in person. The notice must provide instructions on how to access and print the statement. The notice must include the following statement in capital letters, “IMPORTANT TAX RETURN DOCUMENT AVAILABLE.” If the notice is provided by electronic mail, the foregoing statement must be on the subject line of the electronic mail.
(ii) Undeliverable electronic address. If an electronic notice described in paragraph (j)(5)(i) of this section is returned as undeliverable, and the correct electronic address cannot be obtained from the furnisher's records or from the recipient, then the furnisher must furnish the notice by mail or in person within 30 days after the electronic notice is returned.
(iii) Corrected Form W-2. If the furnisher has corrected a recipient's Form W-2 that was furnished electronically, the furnisher must furnish the corrected Form W-2 to the recipient electronically. If the recipient's Form W-2 was furnished through a Web site posting and the furnisher has corrected the Form W-2, the furnisher must notify the recipient that it has posted the corrected Form W-2 on the Web site within 30 days of such posting in the manner described in paragraph (j)(5)(i) of this section. The corrected Form W-2 or the notice must be furnished by mail or in person if—
(A) An electronic notice of the Web site posting of an original Form W-2 or the corrected Form W-2 was returned as undeliverable; and
(B) The recipient has not provided a new e-mail address.
(6) Access period. Forms W-2 furnished on a Web site must be retained on the Web site through October 15 of the year following the calendar year to which the Forms W-2 relate (or the first business day after October 15, if October 15 falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday). The furnisher must maintain access to corrected Forms W-2 that are posted on the Web site through October 15 of the year following the calendar year to which the Forms W-2 relate (or the first business day after such October 15, if October 15 falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday) or the date 90 days after the corrected forms are posted, whichever is later.
(7) Paper statements after withdrawal of consent. If a recipient withdraws consent to receive a statement electronically and the withdrawal takes effect before the statement is furnished electronically, a paper statement must be furnished. A paper statement furnished after the statement due date under this paragraph (j)(7) will be considered timely if furnished within 30 days after the date the withdrawal of consent is received by the furnisher.
(k) Applicability date. This section is applicable for statements required to be furnished under section 6051 after December 31, 2020.
§ 31.6051-2   Information returns on Form W-3 and Social Security Administration copies of Forms W-2.
(a) In general. Every employer who is required to make a return of tax under § 31.6011(a)-1 (relating to returns under the Federal Insurance Contributions Act), § 31.6011(a)-4 (relating to returns of income tax withheld from wages), or § 31.6011(a)-5 (relating to monthly returns) for a calendar year or any period therein, shall file the Social Security Administration copy of each Form W-2 required under § 31.6051-1 to be furnished by the employer with respect to wages paid during the calendar year. An employer may not truncate an employee's social security number to appear in the form of an IRS truncated taxpayer identification number (TTIN) on copies of Forms W-2 filed with the Social Security Administration. Each Form W-2 and the transmittal Form W-3 shall together constitute an information return to be filed with the Social Security Administration as indicated on the instructions to such forms. For the requirement to submit the information on Form W-2 on magnetic media, see section 6011(e) and § 301.6011-2 of this chapter (Procedure and Administration Regulations).
(b) Corrected returns. The Social Security Administration copies of corrected Forms W-2 (or magnetic tape or other approved media) for employees for the calendar year shall be submitted with Form W-3 (or Form 4804), on or before the date on which information returns for the period in which the correction is made would be due under paragraph (a)(3)(ii) of § 31.6071(a)-1, to the Social Security Administration office with which Forms W-2 are required to be filed.
(c) Cross references. For provisions relating to the time for filing the information returns required by this section and to extensions of the time for filing, see sections 6071 and 6081 and the regulations in this part under sections 6071 and 6081. For the penalties applicable to information returns and payee statements, see sections 6721 through 6724 and the regulations in part 301 under sections 6721 through 6724.
(d) Applicability date. This section is applicable for statements required to be filed under section 6051 July 3, 2019.
§ 31.6051-3   Statements required in case of sick pay paid by third parties.
(a) Statements required from payor. (1) Every payor of sick pay shall furnish to the employer of the payee of the sick pay a written statement. The written statement must contain the following information:
(i) The name and, if there is withholding from sick pay under section 3402(o) and the regulations in this part under section 3402(o), the social security account number of the payee (the payee's social security number may not be truncated to appear in the form of an IRS truncated taxpayer identification number (TTIN)),
(ii) The total amount of sick pay paid to the payee during the calendar year, and
(iii) The total amount (if any) deducted and withheld from sick pay under section 3402(o) and the regulations thereunder.
(2) These reporting requirements are in lieu of the requirements of sections 6051(a) (relating to written statements for employees) and 6041 (relating to information returns). Statements required to be furnished by this paragraph shall be treated as statements required under section 6051 to be furnished to employees for purposes of sections 6674 (relating to fraudulent statement or failure to furnish statement to employee) and 7204 (relating to fraudulent statement or failure to make statement to employees).
(3) A multiemployer plan paying sick pay pursuant to a collectively bargained agreement may furnish the statement required to be furnished by this paragraph, which shall include the total amount of sick pay paid to the employee under the plan regardless of the identity or number of employers for whom the employee worked during the calendar year under the plan, to one of the following:
(i) The employer for whom the employee worked the most hours during the calendar year for which the statement is to be furnished,
(ii) The employer for whom the employee first worked during such year,
(iii) The employer for whom the employee last worked during such year,
(iv) The employer for whom the employee worked immediately preceding his absence for which sick pay was paid,
(v) The employer for whom the employee worked immediately following his absence for which sick pay was paid,
(vi) The employer designated through the operation of a specific clause of the collective bargaining agreement, or
(vii) The employer designated through the operation of a specific system of designation chosen by the payor.
(b) Information required to be furnished by employer. Every employer of a payee of sick pay who receives a statement under paragraph (a) from a payor of sick pay shall furnish to each payee of sick pay a written statement, which must be furnished on Form W-2. The written statement must contain the following information:
(1) All of the information required to be furnished under paragraph (a) of this section, but the employer may truncate the payee's social security number to appear in the form of a TTIN on copies of Forms W-2 that are furnished to the payee (for provisions relating to the use of TTINs, see § 301.6109-4 of this chapter (Procedure and Administration Regulations)).
(2) The name, the address, and the Employer Identification Number (EIN) of the employer,
(3) The words “sick pay”, which shall be written in the box labelled “Employer's use”, and
(4) If any portion of the sick pay is excludable from gross income under section 104(a)(3), the amount of the portion which is not so excludable and of the portion which is so excludable. Only sick pay payments includable in gross income shall be reported in the box labelled “Wages, tips, other compensation” on Form W-2. Any amount excludable from gross income under section 104(a)(3) shall be reported in the box labelled “Employer's use” on Form W-2 and any amount so reported shall be described as “Nontaxable”. The information required to be furnished by this paragraph may be furnished either on the same Form W-2 that is required to be furnished under section 6051(a) or on a separate Form W-2. To the extent practicable, this statement should be furnished to the payee along with the statement (if any) required under section 6051(a) (relating to written statements for employees). The statement must be furnished to the payee on or before January 31 of the year following the calendar year in which any sick pay was paid. The employer shall file copy A of Form W-2 and Form W-3 with the Social Security Administration in accordance with section 6051(d) (relating to statements to constitute information returns) and the regulations thereunder.
(c) Optional rule. The payor and the employer may at their option enter into an agency agreement valid under local law whereby the employer designates the payor to be the employer's agent for purposes of fulfilling the requirements of this section. This agreement must specify what portion, if any, of the sick pay is excludable from gross income under section 104(a)(3). If they enter into such an agreement, the payor shall not provide the statement required by paragraph (a) but shall instead furnish statements that meet all of the requirements of paragraph (b), except that the agreement must provide that the payor will furnish the statements with the payor's, rather than the employer's name, address, and Employer Identification Number (EIN) if “Sick Pay Statement Furnished under an Agency Agreement with Your Employer” appears in the box labelled “Employer's Use” on Form W-2. Paragraph (a)(2) remains applicable to statements furnished under this paragraph. In the case of sick pay paid under a multiemployer plan pursuant to a collectively bargained agreement, an amendment to either the multiemployer plan or the collectively bargained agreement designating the payor to be the employers' agent for purposes of fulfilling the requirements of this section shall be deemed an agency agreement that fulfills the requirements of the first sentence of this paragraph.
(d) Definitions. For purposes of this section, the terms “payor”, “payee”, and “sick pay” shall have the same meaning as ascribed thereto in section 3402(o) and the regulations thereunder. For purposes of this section, the term “employer” shall have the same meaning as ascribed thereto in section 3401(d) and the regulations thereunder, except that the term “employer” shall not include the payor for purposes of this section.
(e) Additional requirements. (1) Statements furnished to payees under this section must also comply with all requirements of section 6051 (c) and (d) and the regulations thereunder.
(2) The provisions of § 1.9101-1 (relating to permission to submit information required by certain returns and statements on magnetic tape) shall be applicable to the information required by this section to be furnished on Form W-2 if the employer properly complies with those provisions.
(3) The provisions of section 6109 (relating to identifying numbers) and the regulations in this part and part 301 under section 6109 shall be applicable to Form W-2 and to any payee of sick pay to whom a statement on Form W-2 is required by this section to be furnished. The employer must include the social security number of the payee on all copies of Forms W-2. The employer may truncate the payee's social security number to appear in the form of a TTIN on copies of Forms W-2 that are furnished to the payee. For provisions relating to the use of TTINs, see § 301.6109-4 of this chapter.
(f) Applicability date. This section is applicable for statements required to be furnished under section 6051 after December 31, 2020.
§ 31.6051-4   Statement required in case of backup withholding.
(a) Statements required from payor. Every payor of any reportable payment (as defined in section 3406(b)(1)) who is required to deduct and withhold tax under section 3406 must furnish to the payee a written statement containing the information required by paragraph (c) of this section.
(b) Prescribed form. The prescribed form for the statement required by this section is Form 1099. In the case of any reportable interest or dividend payment as defined in section 3406(b)(2), the prescribed form is the Form 1099 required in § 1.6042-4 of this chapter (relating to payments of dividends), § 1.6044-5 of this chapter (relating to payments of patronage dividends), or § 1.6049-6(e) of this chapter (relating to payments of interest or original issue discount). Statements required to be furnished by this section will be treated as statements required by the respective sections with respect to any reportable payment, except that the statement required under this section must include the amount of tax withheld under section 3406. In no event will a statement be required under this section if a statement with the same information is required to be furnished to the recipient under another section.
(c) Information required. Each statement on Form 1099 must show the following:
(1) The name, address, and taxpayer identification number of the person receiving any reportable payment;
(2) Except as provided in the prescribed form or instructions, the amount subject to reporting under section 6041, 6041A(a), 6042, 6044, 6045, 6049, 6050A, 6050N, or 6050W whether or not the amount of the reportable payment is less than the amount for which an information return is required or, if tax is withheld under section 3406, the amount of the payment withheld upon;
(3) The amount of tax deducted and withheld under section 3406;
(4) The name and address of the person filing the form;
(5) A legend stating that such amount is being reported to the Internal Revenue Service; and
(6) Such other information as is required by the form.
(d) Time for furnishing statements. The statement must be furnished to the payee no later than January 31 of the year following the calendar year in which the payment was made. However, for a statement required to be furnished after December 31, 2008, the February 15 due date under section 6045 applies to the statement if the statement reports tax withheld from a payment reportable under section 6045 or is furnished in a consolidated reporting statement under section 6045. See §§ 1.6045-1(k)(3), 1.6045-2(d)(2), 1.6045-3(e)(2), 1.6045-4(m)(3), and 1.6045-5(a)(3)(ii) of this chapter.
(e) Aggregation. The payor or broker may combine the information required to be shown under this section with information required to be shown under another section even if they do not relate to the same type of reportable payment.
§ 31.6053-1   Report of tips by employee to employer.
(a) Requirement that tips be reported —(1) In general. An employee who receives, in the course of employment by an employer, tips that constitute wages as defined in section 3121(a) or section 3401, or compensation as defined in section 3231(e), must furnish to the employer a statement, or statements, disclosing the total amount of the tips received by the employee in the course of employment by the employer. Tips received by an employee in a calendar month in the course of employment by an employer that are required to be reported to the employer must be reported on or before the 10th day of the following month. For example, tips received by an employee in January 2000 are required to be reported by the employee to the employer on or before February 10, 2000.
(2) Cross references. For provisions relating to the treatment of tips as wages for purposes of the Federal Insurance Contributions Act (FICA) tax under sections 3101 and 3111, see sections 3102(c), 3121(a)(12), and 3121(q) and §§ 31.3102-3 and 31.3121(a)(12)-1. For provisions relating to the treatment of tips as wages for purposes of the tax under section 3402 (income tax withholding), see sections 3401(a)(16), 3401(f), and 3402(k) and §§ 31.3401(a)(16)-1, 31.3401(f)-1, and 31.3402(k)-1. For provisions relating to the treatment of tips as compensation for purposes of the Railroad Retirement Tax Act (RRTA) tax under sections 3201 and 3201, see section 3231(e) and § 31.3231(e)-1(a).
(b) Statement for use in reporting tips —(1) In general. The statement described in paragraph (a) of this section can be provided on paper or transmitted electronically. The statement must be signed by the employee and must disclose:
(i) The name, address, and social security number of the employee.
(ii) The name and address of the employer.
(iii) The period for which, and the date on which, the statement is furnished. If the statement is for a period of less than 1 calendar month, the beginning and ending dates of the period must be included (for example, January 1 through January 8, 1998).
(iv) The total amount of tips received by the employee during the period covered by the statement which are required to be reported to the employer (see paragraph (a) of this section).
(2) Form of statement —(i) In general. No particular form is prescribed for use in furnishing the statement required by this section. The statement may be furnished on paper or transmitted electronically. An electronic system and all tip statements generated by that system must meet the requirements of paragraph (d) of this section. If the employer does not provide any other means for the employee to report tips, the employee may use Form 4070, “Employee's Report of Tips to Employer.”
(ii) Single-purpose forms. A statement may be furnished on an employer-provided form. The form may be on paper or in electronic form. An employer that provides a paper form must make blank copies of the form readily available to all tipped employees. Any form, whether paper or electronic, provided by an employer for use by its tipped employees solely to report tips must meet all the requirements of paragraph (b)(1) of this section.
(iii) Regularly used forms. Instead of requiring that tips be reported as described in paragraph (b)(2)(ii) of this section on a special form used solely for tip reporting, an employer may prescribe regularly used forms for use by employees in reporting tips. A regularly used form may be on paper or in electronic form (such as a time card or report), must meet the requirements of paragraph (b)(1) (iii) and (iv) of this section, must contain identifying information that will ensure accurate identification of the employee by the employer, and is permitted to be used only if the employer furnishes the employee a statement suitable for retention showing the amount of tips reported by the employee for the period. The employer statement may be furnished when the employee reports the tips, when wages are first paid following the reporting of tips by the employee, or within a short time after the wages are paid. The employer may meet this requirement, for example, through the use of a payroll check stub or other payroll document regularly furnished (if not less frequent than monthly) by the employer to the employee showing gross pay and deductions.
(c) Period covered by, and due date of, tip statement —(1) In general. A tip statement furnished by an employee to an employer may not cover a period greater than 1 calendar month. An employer may, however, require the submission of a statement in respect of a specified period of time, for example, on a weekly or biweekly basis, regular payroll period, etc. An employer may specify, subject to the limitation in paragraph (a) of this section, the time within which, or the date on which, the statement for a specified period of time should be submitted by the employee. For example, a statement covering a payroll period may be required to be submitted on the first (or second) day following the close of the payroll period. A statement submitted by an employee after the date specified by the employer for its submission nevertheless is a statement furnished pursuant to section 6053(a) and this section if it is submitted to the employer on or before the 10th day following the month in which the tips were received.
(2) Termination of employment. If an employee's employment terminates, the employee must furnish a tip statement to the employer when the employee ceases to perform services for the employer. A statement submitted by an employee after the date on which the employee ceases to perform services for the employer is a statement furnished pursuant to section 6053(a) and this section if the statement is submitted to the employer on or before the earlier of the day on which the final wage payment is made by the employer to the employee or the 10th day following the month in which the tips were received.
(d) Requirements for electronic systems —(1) In general. The electronic system must ensure that the information received is the information transmitted by the employee and must document all occasions of access that result in the transmission of a tip statement. In addition, the design and operation of the electronic system, including access procedures, must make it reasonably certain that the person accessing the system and transmitting the statement is the employee identified in the statement transmitted.
(2) Same information as on paper statement. The electronic tip statement must provide the employer with all the information required by paragraph (b)(1) of this section.
(3) Signature. The electronic tip statement must be signed by the employee. The electronic signature must identify the employee transmitting the electronic tip statement and must authenticate and verify the transmission. For this purpose, the terms authenticate and verify have the same meanings as they do when applied to a written signature on a paper tip statement. Any form of electronic signature that satisfies the foregoing requirements is permissible.
(4) Copies of electronic tip statements. Upon request by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), the employer must supply the IRS with a hard copy of the electronic tip statement and a statement that, to the best of the employer's knowledge, the electronic tip statement was filed by the named employee. The hard copy of the electronic tip statement must provide the information required by paragraph (b)(1) of this section, but need not be a facsimile of Form 4070 or any employer-designed form.
(5) Record retention. The record retention requirements applicable to automatic data processing systems also apply to electronic tip reporting systems.
(6) Effective date. The provisions pertaining to electronic systems and electronic tip reports are applicable as of December 13, 2000. However, employers may apply these provisions to earlier periods.
§ 31.6053-2   Employer statement of uncollected employee tax.
(a) Requirement that statement be furnished. If—
(1) The amount of the employee tax imposed by section 3101 in respect of tips reported by an employee to his employer pursuant to section 6053(a) (see § 31.6053-1) exceeds
(2) The amount of employee tax imposed by section 3101 in respect of such tips which can be collected by the employer from wages (exclusive of tips) of such employee or from funds furnished to the employer by the employee,
(b) Form of statement. Form W-2 is the form prescribed for use in furnishing the statement required by paragraph (a) of this section, except that if an employer files a composite return pursuant to § 31.6011(a)-8 he may furnish to the employee, in lieu of Form W-2, a statement containing the required information in a form suitable for retention by the employee. A statement is required under this section in respect of an excess referred to in paragraph (a) of this section, even though the employer may not be required to furnish a statement to the employee under § 31.6051. Provisions applicable to the furnishing of a statement under § 31.6051 shall be applicable to statements under this section.
(c) Excess to be shown on statement. If there is an excess in respect of the tips reported by an employee in two or more statements furnished pursuant to section 6053(a), only the total excess for the period covered by the employer statement shall be shown on such statement.
§ 31.6053-3   Reporting by certain large food or beverage establishments with respect to tips.
(a) Information return by an employer with respect to tips —(1) In general. An employer shall file a separate information return for each calendar year (as defined in paragraph (j)(14) of this section) with respect to each large food or beverage establishment (as defined in paragraph (j)(7) of this section) in which such employer has employees. The information return shall contain the following:
(i) The employer's name, address, and employer identification number;
(ii) The establishment's name, address, and identification number (see paragraph (a)(5) of this section);
(iii) The aggregate gross receipts (other than nonallocable receipts) of the establishment from the provision of food or beverages;
(iv) The aggregate amount of charge receipts (other than nonallocable receipts) on which there were charged tips;
(v) The aggregate amount of charged tips shown on such charge receipts;
(vi) The aggregate amount of tips actually received by food or beverage employees of the establishment during the calendar year and reported to the employer under section 6053(a) (see paragraph (j)(15) of this section);
(vii) The aggregate amount the employer is required to report under section 6051 and the regulations thereunder with respect to service charges of less than 10 percent.
(viii) The name and social security number of each employee of the establishment during the calendar year to whom an allocation was made under section 6053(c)(3) and paragraph (d) of this section and the amount of such allocation.
(2) Calendar year 1983 information return. In the case of the 1983 calendar year information return, the information required by paragraphs (a)(1)(iii) through (viii) of this section shall be reported for the period beginning with the first payroll period ending on or after April 1, 1983, and ending with the end of the 1983 calendar year. See paragraph (c) of this section relating to information required for the first quarter of 1983.
(3) Prescribed form. The return required by this paragraph shall be made on Form 8027 with the transmittal form being Form 8027T. The information required by paragraph (a)(1)(viii) of this section may be provided by attaching to Form 8027 photocopies of each employee's W-2 for whom an allocation was made. A copy of any written good faith agreements applicable to a given calendar year (see paragraph (e) of this section) shall be attached to Form 8027 for such calendar year.
(4) Time and place for filing. The information return required by this paragraph (a) shall be filed on or before the last day of February (March 31 if filed electronically) of the year following the calendar year for which the return is made with the Internal Revenue Service Center specified by the Form 8027 or its instructions. See section 6652(a) relating to the penalty for failure to file this information return.
(5) Large food or beverage establishment identification number. Each large food or beverage establishment shall have a unique identification number to be included on Form 8027 and any employer's application pursuant to paragraph (h) of this section. If an identification number is changed for any reason, for example if the establishment becomes a different “type” of establishment as described in paragraph (a)(5)(ii) of this section, or if the employer identification number changes, the employer shall notify the Service by including both the old and new identification numbers on the Form 8027 filed for the year in which the identification number was changed. An establishment identification number shall be determined as follows:
(i) The first nine digits shall be the employer's identification number (EIN).
(ii) The next digit shall identify the type of large food or beverage establishment, with the categories as follows:
(A) The number “1” signifies an establishment that serves evening meals only (with or without alcoholic beverages).
(B) The number “2” signifies an establishment that serves evening meals and other meals (with or without alcoholic beverages).
(C) The number “3” signifies an establishment that serves only meals other than evening meals (with or without alcoholic beverages).
(D) The number “4” signifies an establishment that serves food, if at all, as only an incidental part of the business of serving alcoholic beverages.
(iii) The last five digits are to differentiate between multiple establishments reporting under the same EIN number. For this purpose, the employer shall assign each establishment reporting under such employer's EIN number a unique five digit number. For example, each establishment could be assigned a unique number by beginning with “00001” and progressing in numerical sequence ( i.e., “00002”, “00003”, “00004”, “00005”) until each establishment has been assigned a number.
(6) Definitions. See paragraph (j) of this section for definitions of various terms used in this section.
(b) Employer statement to employees —(1) In general. The employer shall furnish to each employee to whom an amount is allocated under section 6053(c)(3) and paragraph (d) of this section a written statement for each calendar year containing the following information:
(i) The employer's name and address;
(ii) The name of the employee;
(iii) The aggregate amount allocated to the employee for the calendar year.
(2) Prescribed form. The written statement required by this paragraph shall be made on Form W-2.
(3) Time and manner for furnishing the statement. The written statement required by this paragraph shall be due at the same time and shall be furnished in the same manner as the statement required to be furnished under section 6051. See section 6678 relating to the penalty for failure to file this statement.
(4) Employee's request for an early W-2. If an employee's employment is terminated prior to the end of a calendar year and the employee requests an early W-2 under section 6051 and § 31.6051-1(d), a tip allocation under section 6053(c) is not required to be shown on such early W-2. However, the employer may include on such early W-2 the employee's actual tip allocation under section 6053(c), if known, or a good faith estimate of such allocation. A good faith estimate of an allocation shall be signified by placing the word “estimate” next to the allocation on the employee's copy of the early W-2. An amended W-2 must be furnished to each employee to whom an amount is allocated under section 6053(c), during January of the calendar year following the calendar year for which the statement is made, if there is no tip allocation on the early W-2 or if the estimated allocation is found to vary from the actual allocation by more than 5 percent of the amount of the actual allocation.
(5) Employee reporting of tip income. Regardless of whether an employee receives an allocation under section 6053(c) and § 31.6053-3, the employee is required to report as income on his or her Federal income tax return all tips received. For tips received before October 1, 1985, an employee must be able to substantiate the amount of reported tip income as provided in section 6001 and the regulations thereunder, For tips received on or after October 1, 1985, an employee must be able to substantiate the amount of reported tip income as provided in § 31.6053-4. The Internal Revenue Service may determine that a tipped employee received a larger amount of tip income than is reflected by the employee's allocation.
(c) First quarter report of 1983 —(1) In general. For the period beginning with the first day of calendar year 1983, and ending on the last day of the last payroll period ending before April 1, 1983, an employer must file an information return for each large food or beverage establishment that was a large food or beverage establishment on January 1, 1983, that contains the information required by paragraph (a)(1)(i)-(vii) of this section for such period.
(2) Prescribed form. The information return required by this paragraph shall be made on Form 8027. The returns for the first calendar quarter of 1983 and for calendar year 1983 may be incorporated onto a single Form 8027 but must separately set forth the required information for each of the two return periods.
(3) Time and place for filing. The time and place for filing the information return required by this paragraph shall be the same as for the calendar year 1983 information return. See paragraph (a)(4) of this section.
(d) Allocation of excess of 8 percent of gross receipts over the aggregate amount of reported tips —(1) In general. An employer that operates a large food or beverage establishment shall allocate (as tips for purposes of the requirements of section 6053(c) among tipped employees at such establishment performing services during any payroll period an amount equal to the excess of:
(i) Eight percent of the gross receipts (other than nonallocable receipts) of such establishment for the payroll period, over
(ii) The aggregate amount of tips reported by employees at such establishment to the employer under section 6053(a) for such period. For this purpose, if an employee reports under section 6053(a) on the basis of a period other than a payroll period such employee may specify what portion of his or her reported tips are attributable to a given payroll period when reporting tips to the employer under section 6053(a). In the absence of any specification by the employee, the employer shall allocate the amount of tips reported by an employee to a given payroll period either:
(A) By multiplying the aggregate amount of those reported tips by a fraction, the numerator of which is the gross receipts attributable to the tipped employee for the payroll period and the denominator of which is the gross receipts attributable to the employee for the entire tip reporting period; or
(B) By multiplying the aggregate amount of those reported tips by a fraction, the numerator of which is the hours worked by the employee during the payroll period and the denominator of which is the total hours worked by the employee during the entire tip reporting period.
(2) Employer not liable to employees for allocations. An employer who makes allocations (as tips for purposes of the requirements of section 6053(c) and this section) among such employer's employees in accordance with paragraph (d) and either paragraph (e) or (f) of this section shall not be liable to any employee if any amount is improperly allocated. However, if an employee's total tip allocations for a calendar year as reported on Form W-2 varies from the correct allocation amount by more than 5 percent of the correct allocation amount, the employer shall adjust such employee's allocation. If such an adjustment of an employee's allocation is required, the employer shall also review all tips allocations made to other employees in the same establishment to assure that the error did not distort other allocated amounts by more than 5 percent. Any adjustments made for variances of more than 5 percent shall be reflected in amended W-2's issued to the affected employees. Tip allocations made under this section shall have no effect on the withholding responsibilities of the employer under subtitle C of the Code. Withholding on tips is authorized only with respect to amounts of tips reported to employers by employees under section 6053(a).
(e) Allocation pursuant to a good faith agreement. The amount determined under paragraph (d)(2) of this section for each payroll period must be allocated among tipped employees providing services during such payroll period either on the basis of a good faith agreement described in this paragraph, or, if there is no good faith agreement applicable with respect to the payroll period on the basis of the allocation method provided in paragraph (f) of this section. A good faith agreement is a written agreement consented to by the employer and at least two-thirds of the members of each occupational category of tipped employees ( e.g., waiters, busboys, maitre d's) employed in the large food or beverage establishment at the time the agreement is adopted which:
(1) Provides for the allocation of the amount described in paragraph (d)(1) among tipped employees in a manner that, in combination with the tips reported by such employees under section 6053(a), will reflect a good faith approximation of the actual distribution of tip income among such tipped employees;
(2) Is effective prospectively beginning with the first day of a payroll period that begins after the date of adoption, but in no event later than the first day of the succeeding calendar year. However, a good faith agreement may be effective for calendar year 1983 if adopted on or before December 31, 1983.
(3) Is adopted at a time when there are tipped employees employed by the employer in each occupational category of tipped employees ( e.g., waiters, busboys, maitre d's) which would be affected by the agreement; and
(4) May be revoked prospectively by a written instrumnent adopted by a least two-thirds of the tipped employees who are employed in the establishment in occupational categories affected by the agreement at the time of the revocation. A revocation of an agreement shall be effective only at the beginning of a payroll period.
(f) Allocation method to be used in the absence of a good faith agreement. (1) In a case in which there is no good faith agreement in effect and the aggregate amount of tips reported pursuant to section 6053(a) with respect to a payroll period is less than 8 percent of the establishment's gross receipts for the payroll period, the employer shall allocate the difference as tips for purposes of section 6053(c) as provided in this paragraph. No allocations shall be made to indirectly tipped employees. An allocation shall be made to each directly tipped employee performing services for the establishment who has a reporting shortfall (as determined under paragraph (f)(1)(v) of this section) for the payroll period. The amount of each allocation shall be determined in the following manner:
(i) Multiply the amount of the establishment's gross receipts for the payroll period by 8 percent (0.08).
(ii) Determine the aggregate amount of tips reported for the payroll period by indirectly tipped employees.
(iii) Subtract from the amount determined under paragraph (f)(1)(i) the aggregate amount of tips reported by indirectly tipped employees as determined under paragraph (f)(1)(ii) of this section. The excess is the directly tipped employees' aggregate share of 8 percent of the gross receipts of the establishment for the payroll period.
(iv) For each directly tipped employee, multiply the amount determined under paragraph (f)(1)(iii) of this section by a fraction, the numerator of which is the amount of gross receipts of the establishment for the payroll period that is attributable to the employee and the denominator of which is the aggregate amount of gross receipts for the payroll period that is attributable to all directly tipped employees. The product is each directly tipped employee's share of 8 percent of the gross receipts of the establishment for the payroll period. The employer may determine the fraction described in the first sentence of this subparagraph by substituting for the numerator the number of hours worked by the directly tipped employee during the payroll period and by substituting for the denominator the number of hours worked by all directly tipped employees during the payroll period. For payroll periods beginning after December 31, 1986, the method of allocation described in the preceding sentence may be used only by an employer that employs less than the equivalent of 25 full-time employees (as defined in paragraph (j)(19) of this section) at the establishment during the payroll period.
(v) For each directly tipped employee, determine the excess, if any, of the amount determined under paragraph (f)(1)(iv) of this section over the amount reported as tips by the employee for the payroll period pursuant to section 6053(a). Such excess, if any, is the employee's shortfall for the payroll period.
(vi) Subtract from the amount determined under paragraph (f)(1)(i) of this section the aggregate amount of tips reported pursuant to section 6053(a) by all directly and indirectly tipped employees for the payroll period. The excess is the amount to be allocated as tips among directly tipped employees who had a shortfall for the payroll period as determined under paragraph (f)(1)(v) of this section.
(vii) For each directly tipped employee who had a shortfall for the payroll period, multiply the amount determined under paragraph (f)(1)(vi) of this section by a fraction, the numerator of which is the amount of such employee's shortfall (determined under paragraph (f)(1)(v) of this section and the denominator of which is the aggregate of all shortfalls for the payroll period for all directly tipped employees. The product is the employee's allocation for the payroll period.
(2) The provisions of this paragraph may be illustrated by the following examples:
(1) $100,000 (gross receipts) × 0.08 = $8,000.
(2) Tips reported by indirectly tipped employees = $500.
(3) $8,000−$500 (indirect employees tips) = $7,500.
(4)
(6) $8,000−6,200 (total tips reported) = $1,800 (amount allocable among shortfall employees).
(7)
(1) $100,000 (gross receipts) × 0.08 = $8,000
(2) Tips reported by indirectly tipped employees = $500
(3) $8,000−$500 (indirect employees tips) = $7,500
(4)
(6) $8,000−6,200 (total tips reported) = $1,800 (amount allocable among shortfall employees).
(7)
(1) $1,500,000 (gross receipts) × 0.08 = $120,000.
(2) Tips reported by indirectly tipped employees = $16,000.
(3) $120,000−16,000 (indirect employees tips) = $104,000.
(4)
(6) $120,000−110,000 (total tips reported) = $10,000 (amount allocable among shortfall employees).
(7)
(1) $1,000,000 (gross receipts) × 0.08 = $80,000.
(2) Tips reported by indirectly tipped employees = $4,000.
(3) $80,000 − $4,000 (indirect employee tips) = $76,000.
(4)
(6) $80,000 − 74,000 (total tips reported) = $6,000.
(7)
(g) Period of allocation. In applying paragraphs (d), (e), (f), and (h)(3) of this section an employer may substitute the calendar year or any period that results from a reasonable division of a calendar year for the term “payroll period” each place it appears in such paragraphs. If an employer makes such a substitution with respect to a large food or beverage establishment the substituted period shall be stated on Form 8027 for such large food or beverage establishment and shall be effective for such employer's large food or beverage establishment for the entire calendar year.
(h) Lowering the percentage to be used —(1) In general. On and after July 18, 1984, an employer or a majority of the employees (as defined in paragraph (h)(2)(iii) of this section) of an employer may petition the district director for the internal revenue district in which the employer's establishment is located to have the percentage of gross receipts that is used to determine the amount to be allocated under section 6053(c)(3)(A) and paragraph (d) of § 31.6053-3 reduced from 8 percent to the percentage that the petitioning employer or employees believe to be the actual percentage of the amount of the establishment's gross receipts that reflects the amount of tips. The district director may thereafter reduce the percentage of gross receipts used to determine the amount to be so allocated to the percentage that the district director determines to be the proper estimate of the actual percentage of gross receipts constituting tips. The district director, however, may not reduce the percentage below 2 percent. For the rules in effect prior to July 18, 1984, see 26 CFR 31.6053-3(h) (Rev. as of April 1, 1984).
(2) Time and manner for petition to have percentage reduced —(i) In general. The petition shall be in writing and shall include sufficient information to allow the district director to estimate with reasonable accuracy the actual tip rate of the establishment. For example, such information might include the charged tip rate, the type of establishment, menu prices, the location of the establishment, the amount of “self-service” required, the days and hours open for business, and whether the customer receives the check from or pays the server for the meal.
(ii) Employer petitions. In the case of employer-originated petitions, the employer has the burden of supplying sufficient information to allow the district director to estimate with reasonable accuracy the actual tip rate of the establishment. The employer also shall attach to the petition copies of Form 8027 (if any) filed for the establishment for the 3 years preceding calendar years.
(iii) Employee petitions. (A) In the case of employee-originated petitions, a majority of the employees of an establishment must consent to the petition. A majority for purposes of this paragraph is more than one-half of all the directly tipped employees (within the meaning of paragraph (j)(12) of this section) employed by the establishment at the time the petition is filed. In the case of a single petition for certain multi-establishment employers (see paragraph (h)(4) of this section), more than one-half of the aggregate directly tipped employees (at the time the petition is filed) of the establishments covered by the petition must consent. The petition filed with the district director must state the total number of directly tipped employees employed by the establishment (or establishments) and the number of the directly tipped employees consenting to the petition.
(B) The petitioning employees have the burden of supplying sufficient information to allow the district director to estimate with reasonable accuracy the actual tip rate of the establishment to the extent they possess such information. If the employer possesses relevant information, the employer must provide such information to the district director upon the request of the petitioning employees or district director. Employees who file a petition under this paragraph must promptly notify their employer of the petition. Promptly upon receipt of such notification, their employer must submit to the district director copies of the Form 8027 (if any) filed for the establishment for the 3 immediately preceding calendar years. Any information supplied by the employer during the petitioning process constitutes return information (as defined in section 6103(b)(2)) which shall not be disclosed by the Internal Revenue Service (except as provided in section 6103) to any employees of the employer or to representatives of such employees.
(3) Effective date for reduced percentage. The district director shall determine the term for which the reduced percentage is to be effective. At the end of such term, the reduced percentage shall cease to apply unless previously extended by the district director for the district in which the large food or beverage establishment is located. In no event shall the reduced percentage be applied to payroll periods before the date the petition described in paragraph (h)(2) of this section is filed unless the establishment is a new business (as described in paragraph (i) of § 31.6053-3). In the case of a new business or a petition for reduction filed prior to September 30, 1983, the district director may allow the approved reduced percentage to be applied retroactively to the first day of the calendar year of the petition. Until such time as the employer is notified in writing by the district director of approval of a reduction, the employer must continue to use 8 percent of gross receipts for purposes of complying with section 6053(c) and this section.
(4) Single petition for certain multi-establishment employers. An employer (including a single employer as defined in section 52 (a) or (b)) or a majority of the employees of such employer may use a single petition for two or more of the employer's establishments if such establishments are essentially the same type of business, the petitioning employer or employees have made a good faith determination that the tip rates at such establishments are essentially the same, and the establishments are located in the same internal revenue region. Single petitions shall include the names and locations of the establishments for which a reduction is requested and the information required by paragraph (h)(2) of this section for a typical establishment. A single petition for multi-establishments located within an internal revenue region shall be filed with the district director for the internal revenue district in which the greatest number of the establishments included in the petition are located. If there is an equal number of establishments located in two or more internal revenue districts the employer or employees petitioning may choose the district to which the petition is sent.
(i) Application of reporting requirements to new businesses —(1) In general. A food or beverage operation is a new business if the employer of the operation did not operate any food or beverage operations during the preceding calendar year. An employer will not be considered to have operated a food or beverage operation during a calendar year if each food or beverage operation of the employer was operated for less than one calendar month during such year. In a calendar year in which a food or beverage operation is a new business, the determination of whether the operation is a large food or beverage establishment shall be made as provided in paragraph (i)(2) of this section and the employer shall comply with section 6053(c) and this section as provided in paragraph (i)(3) of this section.
(2) Determination of status as a large food or beverage establishment. A food or beverage operation shall be considered a large food or beverage establishment during the calendar year in which it is a new business if the average number of hours worked per business day by all employees of the employer at the new business during each of any two consecutive calendar months of the calendar year, computed in the manner provided in the second sentence of paragraph (j)(9) of this section, is greater than 80 hours.
(3) New business compliance under section 6053(c). A new business that is determined to be a large food or beverage establishment under paragraph (i)(2) of this section shall comply with section 6053(c) and this section beginning with the first payroll period that begins after the first period of two consecutive calendar months described in paragraph (i)(2) of this section.
(j) Definitions. For purposes of section 6053(c) and this section:
(1) Gross receipts. Gross receipts shall include all receipts (other than nonallocable receipts), from the provision of food or beverages by a large food or beverage establishment from cash sales, charge receipts (including charged tips only to the extent the cash sales amount has been reduced due to the employer paying cash to tipped employees for charged tips due them), charges to a hotel room (excluding tips charged to a hotel room only to the extent that the employer's accounting procedures allow such tips to be segregated out and excluding charges that are otherwise included in charge receipts), and the retail value of complimentary food or beverages (as defined in paragraph (j)(16) of this section) served to customers. Gross receipts shall not include state or local taxes. In the case of a trade or business that does not charge separately for the provision of food or beverages ( i.e., a trade or business that provides other goods or services along with food or beverages for a combined price, such as a “package deal” for food and lodging), the employer shall make a good faith estimate of the gross receipts attributable to the provision of the food or beverages that reflects the cost to the employer of providing the food or beverages plus a reasonable profit factor.
(2) Gross receipts attributable to a directly tipped employee. Gross receipts attributable to a directly tipped employee are those gross receipts (as defined in paragraph (j)(1) of this section) from the provision of food or beverages to customers with respect to which the employee provided services. For example, if a directly tipped employee's name is on every check given to customers for whom the employee has provided services, the gross receipts attributable to such employee could be determined by aggregating the amounts of all checks bearing that employee's name (other than amounts from nonallocable receipts).
(3) Nonallocable receipts. Nonallocable receipts are receipts which are attributable to carryout sales or to services with respect to which a service charge of 10 percent or more is added. Carryout sales are sales of food or beverages for consumption off the premises of the establishment. Room service is not a carryout sale. If an establishment's accounting system does not segregate receipts from carryout sales from the establishment's other receipts, receipts from carryout sales may be determined as an estimated percentage of total receipts. The applicable percentage shall be determined in good faith by the employer on the basis of generally accepted accounting practices, including but not limited to, surveys of carryout sales as a percentage of gross sales. An employer may rely upon estimates as to carryout sales which are established in good faith between the employer and state or local governments for purposes of state or local taxation.
(4) Charge receipts. Charge receipts shall include credit card charges and charges under any other credit arrangement (e.g., house charges, city ledger, and charge arrangements to country club members). Charges to a hotel room may be excluded from charge receipts if such exclusion is consistent with the employer's normal accounting practices and the employer applies such exclusion consistently for a given large food or beverage establishment. Otherwise, charges to a hotel room shall be included in charge receipts.
(5) Charged tips. A tip included on a charge receipt is a charged tip.
(6) Food or beverage operation. A “food or beverage operation” is any business activity which provides food or beverages for consumption on the premises (other than “fast food” operations). If an employer conducts activities that provide food or beverages at more than one location, the activity at each separate location shall be considered to be a separate food or beverage operation, Each activity conducted within a single building shall be considered to be conducted at a separate location if the customers of the activity, while being provided with food or beverages, occupy an area separate from that occupied by customers of other activities and the gross receipts of the activity are recorded separately from the gross receipts of other activities. For example, a gourmet restaurant, a coffee shop, and a cocktail lounge in a hotel would each be treated as a separate food or beverage operation if gross receipts from each activity are recorded separately. In addition, an employer may treat different activities conducted in the identical place at different times as separate food or beverage operations if the gross receipts of the activities at each time are recorded separately. For example, a restaurant may record the gross receipts from its cafeteria style lunch operation separately from the gross receipts of its full service food or beverage operations.
(7) Large food or beverage establishment. A food or beverage operation is a “large food or beverage establishment” if:
(i) The employer at the food or beverage operation normally employed more than 10 employees on a typical business day during the preceding calendar year, and
(ii) The tipping of food or beverage employees of the food or beverage operation is customary. Generally, tipping would not be considered customary for a cafeteria style operation (as defined in paragraph (j)(18) of this section) or for a food or beverage operation where at least 95 percent of its total sales are nonallocable receipts, within the meaning of paragraph (j)(3) of this section, by reason of the addition of a service charge of 10 percent or more. Total sales shall include only gross receipts (as defined in paragraph (j)(1) of this section) and nonallocable receipts (other than carryout receipts) from the provision of food or beverages. In the case of an operation such as a restaurant that is a cafeteria style operation at lunch and that has full service with tipping customary at dinner, the entire operation is generally a large food or beverage establishment if the employer meets the 10-employee test. However, if the gross receipts of the cafeteria style operation at lunch are recorded separately from the dinner operation gross receipts the employer may treat the dinner operation as a large food or beverage establishment and the lunch operation as a separate food or beverage operation that is not a large food or beverage establishment due to the fact that tipping is not considered customary for cafeteria style operations.
(8) Employee. The term “employee” has the same meaning as in section 3401(c) and § 31.3401(c)-1.
(9) More than 10 employees on a typical business day. An employer shall be considered to have normally employed more than 10 employees on a typical business day during a calendar year if one-half of the sum of the average number of employee hours worked per business day during the calendar month in which the aggregate gross receipts from food or beverage operations were the greatest plus the average number of employee hours worked per business day during the calendar month in which the aggregate gross receipts from food or beverage operations were the least, is greater than 80 hours. The average number of employee hours worked per business day during a month shall be computed by dividing the total number of hours worked during the month by all employees of the employer who are employed in a food or beverage operation by the average of the number of days during the month that each food or beverage operation at which such employees worked was open for business. If an employer operates both a food or beverage operation and a nonfood or beverage operation, and one or more of his or her employees work for both operations, the employer may make a good faith estimate of the number of hours such employees worked for each operation in a given month. Similarly, in cases where one or more of an employer's employees work for more than one of such employer's food or beverage operations, a good faith estimate may be made of the number of hours such employees worked for each operation in a given month. For purposes of this subparagraph, employees who are employed in a food or beverage operation include all employees of the operation, not just food or beverage employees. The employees of an employer shall include all employees at all food or beverage operations who, along with the employees of such employer, would be treated as employees of a single employer under section 52 (a) or (b) (as in effect on September 3, 1982) and the regulations thereunder. For example, if an employer at a food or beverage operation is a member of a controlled group of corporations, then all employees of all corporations which are members of such controlled group of corporations shall be treated as employed by each such employer for purposes of this paragraph. However, an individual who owns 50 percent or more in value of the stock of a corporation operating an establishment shall not be treated as an employee of any establishment owned by the corporation.
(10) Food or beverage employee. A “food or beverage employee” is an employee who provides services in connection with the provision of food or beverages. Such employees include, but are not limited to, waiters, waitresses, busboys, bartenders, persons in charge of seating (such as a hostess, maitre d' or dining room captain), wine stewards, cooks, and kitchen help. Examples of employees who are not food or beverage employees include, but are not limited to, coat check persons, bellhops, and doormen.
(11) Tipped employee. A “tipped employee” of a food or beverage operation is an employee who is a food or beverage employee that customarily receives tip income from employment at that operation. An employee who occasionally receives small amounts of tip income is not a tipped employee. Generally, an employee who receives less than $20 per month in tip income would not be considered as customarily receiving tip income.
(12) Directly tipped employee. A “directly tipped employee” is any tipped employee who receives tips directly from customers, including an employee who after receiving tips directly from customers turns all the tips over to a tip pool. Examples of directly tipped employees are waiters, waitresses, and bartenders.
(13) Indirectly tipped employee. An “indirectly tipped employee” is a tipped employee who does not normally receive tips directly from customers. Examples of indirectly tipped employees are busboys, service bartenders and cooks. An employee, such as a maitre d', who receives tips both directly from customers and indirectly through tip splitting or tip pooling shall be treated as a directly tipped employee.
(14) Calendar year. The term “calendar year” shall mean either the period from January 1 through December 31 or the period that begins with the first day of the first payroll period ending on or after January 1 and ends with the last day of the last payroll period ending in December of the same year. With respect to any establishment, the employer shall choose one of these two descriptions and apply it consistently.
(15) Tips reported for a specified period. Tips reported to an employer for a specified period under section 6053(a) are those tips actually received by an employee during such period without regard to the time when the tips are reported to the employer. Thus, if an employee reports to the employer in calendar year 1984 tips the employee actually received in calendar year 1983, the amount of tips actually received in calendar year 1983 must be included by the employer when making such information returns, statements and allocations required under section 6053(c) and this section for calendar year 1983.
(16) Complimentary food or beverages. Food or beverages served to customers without charge are complimentary if:
(i) Tipping for the provision of such food or beverages is customary at the establishment, and
(ii) Such food or beverages are provided in connection with an activity that is engaged in for profit and whose receipts would not be included in gross receipts as defined in paragraph (j)(1) of this section but for this subparagraph and are not nonallocable receipts which are attributable to services with respect to which a service charge of 10 percent or more is added.
(17) Fast food operation. An operation is a “fast food” operation only if its customers order, pick up, and pay for food or beverages at a counter, window, etc., and then carry the food or beverages to another location (either on or off the premises of such activities).
(18) Cafeteria style operation. The term “cafeteria style” operation means a food or beverage operation which is primarily self-service and in which the total cost of food or beverages selected by a customer is paid prior to the customer's being seated or is stated on a check provided to the customer prior to the customer's being seated and is paid by the customer to a cashier. Generally, operations are primarily self-service if food or beverages are ordered or selected by a customer at one location and carried by the customer from such location to the customer's seat. For example, cafeteria lines, buffets, and smorgasbords are primarily self-service. If, after a customer is seated, a food or beverage employee delivers items such as an item that required additional preparation after being selected by the customer, condiments, beverages, or refills at no additional cost to the customer, a food or beverage operation's status as primarily self-service would not be affected.
(19) Less than the equivalent of 25 full-time employees. For purposes of paragraph (f)(1)(iv) of this section, an employer shall be considered to employ less than the equivalent of 25 full-time employees at an establishment during a payroll period (as defined in section 3401(b) and the regulations thereunder) if the average number of employee hours worked per business day during a payroll period is less than 200 hours. The average number of employee hours worked per business day during a payroll period shall be computed by dividing the total number of hours worked during the period by all employees of the employer who are employed in a food or beverage operation by the average of the number of days during the period that each food or beverage operation at which such employees worked was open for business. If an employer operates both a food or beverage operation and a nonfood or beverage operation, and one or more of his employees work for both operations, the employer may make a good faith estimate of the number of hours such employees worked for each operation in a given payroll period. Similarly, in cases where one or more of an employer's employees work for more than one of such employer's food or beverage operations, a good faith estimate may be made of the number of hours such employees worked for each operation in a given payroll period. If there is more than one payroll period for the establishment, the payroll period which is used for the greatest number of employees shall be the payroll period for purposes of this paragraph (j)(19). For purposes of this paragraph (j)(19), employees who are employed in a food or beverage operation include all employees of the operation, not just food or beverage employees. The employees of an employer shall include all employees at all food or beverage operations who, along with the employees of such employer, would be treated as employees of a single employer under section 52 (a) or (b) (as in effect on September 3, 1982) and the regulations thereunder. For example, if an employer at a food or beverage operation is a member of a controlled group of corporations, then all employees of all corporations which are members of such controlled group of corporations shall be treated as employed by each such employer for purposes of this paragraph.
(k) Permission to submit information on magnetic tape. For rules relating to permission to submit the information required by section 6053(c) and this section on magnetic tape of other media, see § 31.6011(a)-8.
(l) Recordkeeping requirements. An employer shall keep records sufficient to substantiate any information returns, employer statements to employees, applications, or tip allocations made pursuant to section 6053(c) and this section. The records required by this paragraph shall be retained for 3 years after the due date of the return or statement to which they pertain.
(m) Food or beverage operations outside the United States. Employers at food or beverage operations outside the United States (as defined in section 7701(a)(9)) are not subject to the reporting requirements under section 6053(c) and this section.
(n) Effective date. This section is effective for calendar year 1983 and thereafter.
§ 31.6053-4   Substantiation requirements for tipped employees.
(a) Substantiation of tip income —(1) In general. An employee shall maintain sufficient evidence to establish the amount of tip income received by the employee during a taxable year. A daily record maintained by the employee (as described in paragraph (a)(2) of this section) shall constitute sufficient evidence. If the employee does not maintain a daily record, other evidence of the amount of tip income received during the year, such as documentary evidence (as described in paragraph (a)(3) of this section), shall constitute sufficient evidence, but only if such other evidence is as credible and as reliable as a daily record. The Commissioner may by revenue ruling, procedure or other guidance of general applicability provide for other methods of demonstrating evidence of tip income. However, notwithstanding any other provision of this paragraph (a) (1), a daily record or other evidence that is as credible and as reliable as a daily record may not be sufficient evidence if there are facts or circumstances which indicate that the employee received a larger amount of tip income. Moreover, oral statements of the employee, without corroboration, cannot constitute sufficient evidence.
(2) Daily record. The daily record shall state the employee's name and address, the employer's name, and the establishment's name. The daily record shall show for each work day the amount of cash tips and charge tips received directly from customers or from other employees, and the amount of tips, if any, paid out to other employees through tip sharing, tip pooling or other arrangements and the names of such employees. The record shall also show the date that each entry is made. Form 4070A, Employee's Daily Record of Tips, may be used to maintain such daily record. In addition, an electronic system maintained by the employer that collects substantially similar information as Form 4070A may be used to maintain such daily record, provided the employee receives and maintains a paper copy of the daily record. The daily record of tips received by an employee shall be prepared and maintained in such manner that each entry is made on or near the date the tip income is received. A daily record made on or near the date the tip income is received has a high degree of credibility not present with respect to a record prepared subsequent thereto when generally there is a lack of accurate recall. An entry is made “near the date the tip income is received” if the required information with respect to tips received and paid out by the employee for the day is recorded at a time when the employee has full present knowledge of those receipts and payments.
(3) Documentary evidence. Documentary evidence consists of copies of any documents that contain (i) amounts that were added to a check by customers as a tip and paid over to the employee or (ii) amounts that were paid by a customer for food or beverages with respect to which tips generally would be received by the employee. Examples of documentary evidence are copies of restaurant bills, credit card charges, or charges under any other arrangement (see § 31.6053-3(j)(4)) containing amounts added by the customer as a tip.
(b) Retention of records. Records maintained under this section shall be kept at all times available for inspection by authorized internal revenue officers or employees, and shall be retained so long as the contents thereof may become material in the administration of any internal revenue law.
(c) Effective date. The substantiation requirements of this § 31.6053-4 shall be effective for tips received on or after October 1, 1985. For the rules in effect prior to October 1, 1985, see section 6001 and the regulations thereunder. Substantiation considered sufficient as provided in this § 31.6053-4 will also be considered sufficient for tips received before October 1, 1985.
§ 31.6060-1   Reporting requirements for tax return preparers.
(a) In general. A person that employs one or more tax return preparers to prepare a return or claim for refund of employment tax under chapters 21 through 25 of subtitle C of the Internal Revenue Code, other than for the person, at any time during a return period, shall satisfy the recordkeeping and inspection requirements in the manner stated in § 1.6060-1 of this chapter.
(b) Effective/applicability date. This section is applicable to returns and claims for refund filed after December 31, 2008.
§ 31.6061-1   Signing of returns.
Each return required under the regulations in this subpart shall, if signature is called for by the form or instructions relating to the return, be signed by (a) the individual, if the person required to make the return is an individual; (b) the president, vice president, or other principal officer, if the person required to make the return is a corporation; (c) a responsible and duly authorized member or officer having knowledge of its affairs, if the person required to make the return is a partnership or other unincorporated organization; or (d) the fiduciary, if the person required to make the return is a trust or estate. The return may be signed for the taxpayer by an agent who is duly authorized in accordance with § 31.6011(a)-7 to make such return.
§ 31.6065(a)-1   Verification of returns or other documents.
If a return, statement, or other document made under the regulations in this part is required by the regulations contained in this part, or the form and instructions issued with respect to such return, statement, or other document, to contain or be verified by a written declaration that it is made under the penalties of perjury, such return, statement, or other document shall be so verified by the person signing it.
§ 31.6071(a)-1   Time for filing returns and other documents.
(a) Federal Insurance Contributions Act and income tax withheld from wages and from nonpayroll payments —(1) Quarterly or annual returns. Except as provided in paragraph (a)(4) of this section, each return required to be made under § 31.6011(a)-1, in respect of the taxes imposed by the Federal Insurance Contributions Act (26 U.S.C. 3101-3128), or required to be made under § 31.6011(a)-4, in respect of income tax withheld, shall be filed on or before the last day of the first calendar month following the period for which it is made. A return may be filed on or before the 10th day of the second calendar month following such period if timely deposits under section 6302(c) of the Code and the regulations have been made in full payment of such taxes due for the period.
(2) Monthly tax returns. Each return in respect of the taxes imposed by the Federal Insurance Contributions Act or of income tax withheld which is required to be made under paragraph (a) of § 31.6011(a)-5 shall be filed on or before the fifteenth day of the first calendar month following the period for which it is made.
(3) Information returns —(i) General rule. Each information return in respect of wages as defined in the Federal Insurance Contributions Act or of income tax withheld from wages as required under § 31.6051-2 must be filed on or before January 31 of the year following the calendar year for which it is made, except that, if a tax return under § 31.6011(a)-5(a) is filed as a final return for a period ending prior to December 31, the information return must be filed on or before the last day of the first month following the period for which the tax return is filed.
(ii) Expedited filing. If an employer who is required to make a return pursuant to § 31.6011(a)-1 or § 31.6011(a)-4 is required to make a final return on Form 941, or a variation thereof, under § 31.6011(a)-6(a)(1) (relating to the final return for Federal Insurance Contributions Act taxes and income tax withholding from wages), the return which is required to be made under § 31.6051-2 must be filed on or before the last day of the first month following the period for which the final return is filed. The requirements set forth in this paragraph (a)(3)(ii) do not apply to employers with respect to employees whose wages are for domestic service in the private home of the employer. See § 31.6011(a)-1(a)(3).
(4) Employee returns under Federal Insurance Contributions Act. A return of employee tax under section 3101 required under paragraph (d) of § 31.6011(a)-1 to be made by an individual for a calendar year on Form 1040 shall be filed on or before the due date of such individual's return of income (see § 1.6012-1 of this chapter (Income Tax Regulations)) for the calendar year, or, if the individual makes his return of income on a fiscal year basis, on or before the due date of his return of income for the fiscal year beginning in the calendar year for which a return of employee tax is required. A return of employee tax under section 3101 required under paragraph (d) of § 31.601(a)-1 to be made for a calendar year—
(i) On Form 1040SS or Form 1040PR, or
(ii) On Form 1040 by an individual who is not required to make a return of income for the calendar year or for a fiscal year beginning in such calendar year,
(b) Railroad Retirement Tax Act. Each return of the taxes imposed by the Railroad Retirement Tax Act required to be made under § 31.6011(a)-2 shall be filed on or before the last day of the second calendar month following the period for which it is made.
(c) Federal Unemployment Tax Act. Each return of the tax imposed by the Federal Unemployment Tax Act required to be made under § 31.6011(a)-3 shall be filed on or before the last day of the first calendar month following the period for which it is made. However, a return may be filed on or before the 10th day of the second calendar month following such period if timely deposits under section 6302(c) of the Code and the regulations thereunder have been made in full payment of such taxes due for the period.
(d) Last day for filing. For provisions relating to the time for filing a return when the prescribed due date falls on Saturday, Sunday, or a legal holiday, see the provisions of § 301.7503-1 of this chapter (Regulations on Procedure and Administration).
(e) Late filing. For additions to the tax in case of failure to file a return within the prescribed time, see the provisions of § 301.6651-1 of this chapter (Regulations on Procedure and Administration).
(f) Cross reference. For extensions of time for filing returns and other documents, see § 31.6081(a)-1.
(g) Applicability date. This section applies to returns filed on or after January 30, 2020. Section 31.6071(a)-1T (as contained in 26 CFR part 31, revised April 2019) applies to returns filed before January 30, 2020.
§ 31.6071(a)-1A   Time for filing returns with respect to the railroad unemployment repayment tax.
(a) In general. Each return of the taxes imposed under section 3321 (a) and (b) required to be made under § 31.6011(a)-3A shall be filed on or before the last day of the second calendar month following the period for which it is made.
(b) Last day for filing. For provisions relating to the time for filing a return when the prescribed due date falls on Saturday, Sunday, or a legal holiday, see the provisions of § 301.7503-1 of this chapter (Regulations on Procedure and Administration).
(c) Late filing. For additions to the tax in the case of failure to file a return within the prescribed time, see the provisions of § 301.6651-1 of this chapter (Regulations on Procedure and Administration).
§ 31.6081(a)-1   Extensions of time for filing returns and other documents.
(a) Federal Insurance Contributions Act; income tax withheld from wages; and Railroad Retirement Tax Act —(1) In general. Except as otherwise provided in subparagraphs (2) and (3) of this paragraph, no extension of time for filing any return or other document required in respect of the Federal Insurance Contributions Act, income tax withheld from wages, or the Railroad Retirment Tax Act will be granted.
(2) Information returns of employers on Forms W-2 and W-3 — In general. The Commissioner may grant an extension of time in which to file the Social Security Administration copy of Forms W-2 and the accompanying transmittal form which constitutes an information return under § 31.6051-2(a). For further guidance regarding extensions of time to file the Social Security Administration copy of Forms W-2 and W-3, see § 1.6081-8 of this chapter.
(ii) Automatic Extension of Time. The Commissioner may, in appropriate cases, publish procedures for automatic extensions of time to file Forms W-2 where the employer is required to file the Form W-2 on an expedited basis.
(b) Federal Unemployment Tax Act. The Commissioner may, upon application of the employer, grant a reasonable extension of time (not to exceed 90 days) in which to file any return required in respect of the Federal Unemployment Tax Act. Any application for an extension of time for filing the return shall be in writing, properly signed by the employer or his duly authorized agent. Except as provided in paragraph (b) of § 301.6091-1 (relating to hand-carried documents), each application shall be addressed to the internal revenue officer with whom the employer will file the return. Each application shall contain a full recital of the reasons for requesting the extension, to aid such officer in determining the period of the extension, if any, which will be granted. Such a request in the form of a letter to such internal revenue officer will suffice as an application. The application shall be filed on or before the due date prescribed in paragraph (c) of § 31.6071(a)-1 for filing the return, or on or before the date prescribed for filing the return in any prior extension granted. An extension of time for filing a return does not operate to extend the time for payment of the tax or any part thereof.
(c) Duly authorized agent. In any case in which an employer is unable, by reason of illness, absence, or other good cause, to sign a request for an extension, any person standing in close personal or business relationship to the employer may sign the request on his behalf, and shall be considered as a duly authorized agent for this purpose, provided the requests sets forth the reasons for a signature other than the employer's and the relationship existing between the employer and the signer.
(d) Effective date. Paragraph (a)(2)(i) of this section applies to requests for extensions of time to file the Social Security Administration copy of Forms W-2 and W-3 due after December 7, 2004.
§ 31.6091-1   Place for filing returns.
(a) Persons other than corporations. Except as provided in paragraph (c) of this section, the return of a person other than a corporation shall be filed with any person assigned the responsibility to receive returns in the local Internal Revenue Service office that serves the principal place of business or legal residence of such person. If such person has no principal place of business or legal residence in any internal revenue district, the return shall be filed with the District Director at Baltimore, Maryland, except as provided in paragraph (c) of this section.
(b) Corporations. The return of a corporation shall be filed with any person assigned the responsibility to receive returns in the local Internal Revenue Service office that serves the principal place of business or principal office or agency of the corporation, except as provided in paragraph (c) of this section.
(c) Returns of taxpayers outside the United States. The return of a person (other than a corporation) outside the United States having no legal residence or principal place of business in the United States, or the return of a corporation having no principal place of business or principal office or agency in the United States, shall be filed with the Internal Revenue Service, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19255, or as otherwise directed in the applicable forms and instructions.
(d) Returns filed with internal revenue service centers or Social Security Administration office. Notwithstanding paragraphs (a), (b), and (c) of this section, whenever instructions applicable to such returns provide that the returns shall be filed with an internal revenue service center or an office of the Social Security Administration, such returns shall be so filed in accordance with such instructions.
(e) Hand-carried returns. Except as provided in subparagraph (3) of this paragraph, and notwithstanding paragraphs (1) and (2) of section 6091(b) and paragraph (d) of this section—
(1) Persons other than corporations. Returns of persons other than corporations which are filed by hand carrying shall be filed with any person assigned the responsibility to receive hand-carried returns in the local Internal Revenue Service office as provided in paragraph (a) of this section.
(2) Corporations. Returns of corporations which are filed by hand carrying shall be filed with any person assigned the responsibility to receive hand-carried returns in the local Internal Revenue Service office as provided in paragraph (b) of this section.
(3) Exceptions. This paragraph shall not apply to returns of—
(i) Persons who have no legal residence, no principal place of business, nor principal office or agency served by a local Internal Revenue Service office,
(ii) Citizens of the United States whose principal place of abode for the period with respect to which the return is filed is outside the United States,
(iii) Persons who claim the benefits of section 911 (relating to earned income from sources without the United States), section 922 (relating to special deduction for Western Hemisphere trade corporations), section 931 (relating to income from sources within possessions of the United States), section 933 (relating to income from sources within Puerto Rico), or section 941 (relating to the special deduction for China Trade Act corporations), and
(iv) Nonresident alien persons and foreign corporations.
(f) Permission to file in office other than required office. The Commissioner may permit the filing of any return required to be made under the regulations in this subpart in any local Internal Revenue Service office, notwithstanding the provisions of paragraphs (1), (2), and (4) of section 6091(b) and paragraphs (a), (b), (c), (d), and (e) of this section.
(g) Returns of officers and employees of the Internal Revenue Service. The Commissioner may require any officer or employee of the Internal Revenue Service to file any return required of him under the regulations in this subpart in any local Internal Revenue Service office selected by the Commissioner, notwithstanding the provisions of paragraphs (1), (2), and (4) of section 6091(b) and paragraphs (a), (b), (c), (d), and (e) of this section.
§ 31.6101-1   Period covered by returns.
The period covered by any return required under the regulations in this subpart shall be as provided in those provisions of the regulations under which the return is required to be made. See § 31.6011(a)-1, relating to returns of taxes under the Federal Insurance Contributions Act; § 31.6011(a)-2, relating to returns of taxes under the Railroad Retirement Tax Act; § 31.6011(a)-3, relating to returns of tax under the Federal Unemployment Tax Act; § 31.6011(a)-4, relating to returns of income tax withheld under section 3402; and § 31.6011(a)-5, relating to monthly returns of taxes under the Federal Insurance Contributions Act and of income tax withheld under section 3402.
§ 31.6107-1   Tax return preparer must furnish copy of return to taxpayer and must retain a copy or record.
(a) In general. A person who is a signing tax return preparer of any return or claim for refund of employment tax under chapters 21 through 25 of subtitle C of the Internal Revenue Code shall furnish a completed copy of the return or claim for refund to the taxpayer and retain a completed copy or record in the manner stated in § 1.6107-1 of this chapter.
(b) Effective/applicability date. This section is applicable to returns and claims for refund filed after December 31, 2008.
§ 31.6109-1   Supplying of identifying numbers.
(a) In general. The returns, statements, and other documents required to be filed under this subchapter shall reflect such identifying numbers as are required by each return, statement, or document and its related instructions. See § 301.6109-1 of this chapter (Regulations on Procedure and Administration).
(b) Effective date. The provisions of this section are effective for information which must be furnished after April 15, 1974. See 26 CFR § 31.6109-1 (revised as of April 1, 1973) for provisions with respect to information which must be furnished before April 16, 1974.
§ 31.6109-2   Tax return preparers furnishing identifying numbers for returns or claims for refund.
(a) In general. Each employment tax return or claim for refund of employment tax under chapters 21 through 25 of subtitle C of the Internal Revenue Code prepared by one or more signing tax return preparers must include the identifying number of the preparer required by § 1.6695-1(b) of this chapter to sign the return or claim for refund in the manner stated in § 1.6109-2 of this chapter.
(b) Effective/applicability date. Paragraph (a) of this section is applicable to returns and claims for refund filed after December 31, 2008.
§ 31.6151-1   Time for paying tax.
(a) In general. The tax required to be reported on each tax return required under this subpart is due and payable to the internal revenue officer with whom the return is filed at the time prescribed in § 31.6071(a)-1 for filing such return. See the applicable sections in Part 301 of this chapter (Regulations on Procedure and Administration), for provisions relating to interest on underpayments, additions to tax, and penalties.
(b) Cross references. For provisions relating to the use of authorized financial institutions in depositing the taxes, see §§ 31.6302(c)-1, 31.6302(c)-2, and 31.6302(c)-3. For rules relating to the payment of taxes in nonconvertible foreign currency, see § 301.6316-7 of this chapter (Regulations on Procedure and Administration).
§ 31.6157-1   Cross reference.
For provisions relating to the time and manner of depositing the tax imposed by section 3301, see the provisions of § 31.6302(c)-3. For provisions relating to the time and manner of depositing the railroad unemployment repayment tax imposed by section 3321(a), see § 31.6302(c)-2A.
§ 31.6161(a)(1)-1   Extensions of time for paying tax.
No extension of time will be granted for payment of any of the taxes to which the regulations in this part have application.
§ 31.6205-1   Adjustments of underpayments.
(a) In general. (1) An employer who has underreported and underpaid employee Federal Insurance Contributions Act (FICA) tax under section 3101 or employer FICA tax under section 3111, employee Railroad Retirement Tax Act (RRTA) tax under section 3201 or employer RRTA tax under section 3221, or income tax required under section 3402 to be withheld, with respect to any payment of wages or compensation, shall correct such error as provided in this section. Such correction may constitute an interest-free adjustment as provided in paragraph (b) or (c) of this section.
(2) No correction will be eligible for interest-free adjustment treatment if the failure to report relates to an issue that was raised in an examination of a prior return period or if the employer knowingly underreported its employment tax liability.
(3) Every correction under this section of an underpayment of tax with respect to a payment of wages or compensation shall be made on the form prescribed by the IRS that corresponds to the return being corrected. The form, filed in accordance with this section and the instructions, will constitute an adjusted return for the return period being corrected.
(4) Every adjusted return on which an underpayment is corrected pursuant to this section shall designate the return period in which the error was ascertained and the return period being corrected, explain in detail the grounds and facts relied upon to support the correction, and set forth such other information as may be required by the regulations in this section and by the instructions relating to the adjusted return.
(5) For purposes of this section, an error is ascertained when the employer has sufficient knowledge of the error to be able to correct it.
(6) No correction will be eligible for interest-free adjustment treatment pursuant to this section after the earlier of the following:
(i) Receipt from the IRS of notice and demand for payment thereof based upon an assessment.
(ii) Receipt from the IRS of a Notice of Determination of Worker Classification (Notice of Determination) in connection with such underpayment. Prior to receipt of a Notice of Determination, the taxpayer may, in lieu of making a payment, make a cash bond deposit that would have the effect of stopping the accrual of any interest, but would not deprive the taxpayer of its right to receive a Notice of Determination and to petition the Tax Court under section 7436.
(7) Subject to the exceptions specified in paragraphs (a)(2) and (a)(6) of this section, Form 2504, “Agreement and Collection of Additional Tax and Acceptance of Overassessment (Excise or Employment Tax),” Form 2504-WC, “Agreement to Assessment and Collection of Additional Tax and Acceptance of Overassessment in Worker Classification Cases (Employment Tax),” and such other forms as may be prescribed by the IRS, constitute adjusted returns for purposes of this section.
(8) For provisions related to furnishing employee statements and corrected employee statements reporting wages and withheld taxes, see sections 6041 and 6051 and §§ 1.6041-2 and 31.6051-1. For provisions relating to filing information returns and corrected information returns reporting wages and withheld taxes, see sections 6041 and 6051 and §§ 1.6041-2 and 31.6051-2.
(9) For the period of limitations upon assessment and collection of taxes, see § 301.6501(a)-1.
(b) Federal Insurance Contributions Act and Railroad Retirement Tax Act —(1) Undercollection ascertained before return is filed. If an employer collects less than the correct amount of employee FICA or RRTA tax from an employee with respect to a payment of wages or compensation, and if the employer ascertains the error before filing the return on which the employee tax with respect to such wages or compensation is required to be reported, the employer shall nevertheless report on the return and pay to the IRS the correct amount of employee tax. If the employer does not report the correct amount of tax in these circumstances, the employer may not later correct the error through an interest-free adjustment.
(2) Error ascertained after return is filed. (i) If an employer files a return on which FICA tax or RRTA tax is required to be reported, and reports on the return less than the correct amount of employee or employer FICA or RRTA tax with respect to a payment of wages or compensation, and if the employer ascertains the error after filing the return, the employer shall correct the error through an interest-free adjustment as provided in this section, except as provided in paragraph (b)(4) of this section for Additional Medicare Tax. The employer shall adjust the underpayment of tax by reporting the additional amount due on an adjusted return for the return period in which the wages or compensation was paid, accompanied by a detailed explanation of the amount being reported on the adjusted return and any other information as may be required by this section and by the instructions relating to the adjusted return. The reporting of the underpayment on an adjusted return constitutes an adjustment within the meaning of this section only if the adjusted return is filed within the period of limitations for assessment for the return period being corrected, and by the due date for filing the return for the return period in which the error is ascertained. For purposes of the preceding sentence, the due date for filing the adjusted return is determined by reference to the return being corrected, without regard to the employer's current filing requirements. For example, an employer with a current annual filing requirement who is correcting an error on a previously filed quarterly return must file the adjusted return by the due date for filing a quarterly return for the quarter in which the error is ascertained. The amount of the underpayment adjusted in accordance with this section must be paid to the IRS by the time the adjusted return is filed. If an adjustment is reported pursuant to this section, but the amount of the adjustment is not paid when due, interest accrues from that date (see section 6601).
(ii) If an employer files a return reporting FICA tax for a return period although the employer was required to file a return reporting RRTA tax, and if the employer ascertains the error after filing the return, the employer shall correct the error through an interest-free adjustment as provided in this section. However, if the employer also reported less than the correct amount of Additional Medicare Tax, the employer shall correct the underwithheld and underpaid Additional Medicare Tax in accordance with paragraph (b)(4) of this section. The employer shall adjust the underpayment of RRTA tax by reporting the correct amount of RRTA tax on an original return for reporting RRTA tax for the return period for which the incorrect return was filed, accompanied by an adjusted return corresponding to the incorrect return that was filed to correct the erroneously reported and paid FICA tax. The adjusted return must include a detailed explanation of the amounts being reported on the original return and the adjusted return and any other information as may be required by the regulations in this section and by the instructions relating to the adjusted return. The reporting of the correct amounts for the period constitutes an adjustment within the meaning of this section only if the returns are filed by the due date of the return for reporting the RRTA tax for the return period in which the error is ascertained. Pursuant to § 31.3503-1, the amount of erroneously paid FICA tax will be credited against the underpaid RRTA tax. Any remaining underpayment of RRTA tax adjusted in accordance with this section must be paid to the IRS by the time the returns are filed in accordance with this paragraph. If an adjustment is reported pursuant to this section, but the amount of the remaining underpayment is not paid when due, interest accrues from that date (see section 6601).
(iii) If an employer files a return reporting RRTA tax for a return period although the employer was required to file a return reporting FICA tax, and if the employer ascertains the error after filing the return, the employer shall correct the error through an interest-free adjustment as provided in this section. However, if the employer also reported less than the correct amount of Additional Medicare Tax, the employer shall correct the underwithheld and underpaid Additional Medicare Tax in accordance with paragraph (b)(4) of this section. The employer shall adjust the underpayment of FICA tax by reporting the correct amount of FICA tax on an original return for reporting FICA tax for the return period for which the incorrect return was filed (or an adjusted return for reporting the FICA tax if an original return was already filed for such return period to report the income tax required to be withheld under section 3402), accompanied by an adjusted return corresponding to the incorrect return that was filed to correct the erroneously reported and paid RRTA tax. The adjusted return(s) must include a detailed explanation of the amount being reported on the original return and/or the adjusted return(s) and any other information as may be required by the regulations in this section and by the instructions relating to the form. The reporting of the correct amounts for the period constitutes an adjustment within the meaning of this section only if the returns are filed by the due date of the return for reporting the FICA tax for the return period in which the error is ascertained. Pursuant to § 31.3503-1, the amount of erroneously paid RRTA tax will be credited against the underpaid FICA tax. Any remaining underpayment of FICA tax adjusted in accordance with this section must be paid to the IRS by the time the returns are filed in accordance with this paragraph (b)(2)(iii). If an adjustment is reported pursuant to this section, but the amount of the remaining underpayment is not paid when due, interest accrues from that date (see section 6601).
(3) Return not filed because of failure to treat individual as employee. If an employer fails to file a return for a return period solely because the employer failed to treat any individuals properly as employees for the return period (and, therefore, failed to withhold and pay any employer or employee FICA or RRTA tax with respect to wages or compensation paid to the employees) and if the employer ascertains the error after the due date of the return, the employer shall correct the error through an interest-free adjustment as provided in this section. The employer shall report the amount due by filing an original return required to be filed to report the tax for the return period for which the employer failed to file a return, accompanied by an adjusted return as provided in the instructions to the adjusted return. The adjusted return must include a detailed explanation of the amount being reported on the original return and adjusted return and any other information as may be required by this section and by the instructions relating to the adjusted return. The reporting of the correct amount of tax for the return period constitutes an adjustment within the meaning of this section only if the original and adjusted returns are filed by the due date of the return for reporting such tax for the return period in which the error is ascertained. For purposes of the preceding sentence, the due date for filing the adjusted return is determined by reference to the return being corrected, without regard to the employer's current filing requirements. For example, an employer with a current annual filing requirement who is correcting an error on a previously filed quarterly return must file the adjusted return by the due date for filing a quarterly return for the quarter in which the error is ascertained. However, an adjustment of Additional Medicare Tax required to be withheld under section 3101(b)(2) or section 3201(a) may only be reported pursuant to this section if the error is ascertained within the same calendar year that the wages or compensation were paid to the employee, or if section 3509 applies to determine the amount of the underpayment, or if the adjustment is reported on a Form 2504 or Form 2504-WC. See paragraph (b)(4) of this section. The amount of the underpayment adjusted in accordance with this section must be paid to the IRS by the time the returns are filed in accordance with this paragraph. If an adjustment is reported pursuant to this section, but the amount of the adjustment is not paid when due, interest accrues from that date (see section 6601).
(4) Additional Medicare Tax. If an employer files a return on which FICA tax or RRTA tax is required to be reported, and reports on the return less than the correct amount of Additional Medicare Tax required to be withheld with respect to a payment of wages or compensation, and if the employer ascertains the error after filing the return, the employer shall correct the error through an interest-free adjustment as provided in this section. An adjustment of Additional Medicare Tax may only be reported pursuant to this paragraph (b)(4) if the error is ascertained within the same calendar year that the wages or compensation were paid to the employee, unless the underpayment is attributable to an administrative error (that is, an error involving the inaccurate reporting of the amount actually withheld), section 3509 applies to determine the amount of the underpayment, or the adjustment is reported on a Form 2504 or Form 2504-WC. The employer shall adjust the underpayment of Additional Medicare Tax by reporting the additional amount due on an adjusted return for the return period in which the wages or compensation were paid, accompanied by a detailed explanation of the amount being reported on the adjusted return and any other information as may be required by this section and by the instructions relating to the adjusted return. The reporting of the underpayment on an adjusted return constitutes an adjustment within the meaning of this section only if the adjusted return is filed within the period of limitations for assessment for the return period being corrected, and by the due date for filing the return for the return period in which the error is ascertained. For purposes of the preceding sentence, the due date for filing the adjusted return is determined by reference to the return being corrected, without regard to the employer's current filing requirements. For example, an employer with a current annual filing requirement who is correcting an error on a previously filed quarterly return must file the adjusted return by the due date for filing a quarterly return for the quarter in which the error is ascertained. The amount of the underpayment adjusted in accordance with this section must be paid to the IRS by the time the adjusted return is filed. If an adjustment is reported pursuant to this section, but the amount of the adjustment is not paid when due, interest accrues from that date (see section 6601).
(c) Income tax required to be withheld from wages —(1) Undercollection ascertained before return is filed. If an employer collects less than the correct amount of income tax required to be withheld from wages under section 3402, and if the employer ascertains the error before filing the return on which the withheld tax is required to be reported, the employer shall nevertheless report on the return and pay to the IRS the correct amount of tax required to be withheld. If the employer does not report the correct amount of tax in these circumstances, the employer may not correct the error through an interest-free adjustment.
(2) Error ascertained after return is filed. If an employer files a return on which income tax required to be withheld from wages is required to be reported and reports on the return less than the correct amount of income tax required to be withheld, and if the employer ascertains the error after filing the return, the employer shall correct the error through an interest-free adjustment as provided in this section. The employer shall adjust the underpayment of tax by reporting the additional amount due on an adjusted return for the return period in which the wages were paid, accompanied by a detailed explanation of the amount being reported on the adjusted return and any other information as may be required by this section and by the instructions relating to the adjusted return. The reporting of the underpayment on an adjusted return constitutes an adjustment within the meaning of this section only if the adjusted return is filed by the due date for filing the return for the return period in which the error is ascertained. For purposes of the preceding sentence, the due date for filing the adjusted return is determined by reference to the return being corrected, without regard to the employer's current filing requirements. For example, an employer with a current annual filing requirement who is correcting an error on a previously filed quarterly return must file the adjusted return by the due date for filing a quarterly return for the quarter in which the error is ascertained. However, an adjustment may only be reported pursuant to this section if the error is ascertained within the same calendar year that the wages to the employee were paid, unless the underpayment is attributable to an administrative error (that is, an error involving the inaccurate reporting of the amount actually withheld), section 3509 applies to determine the amount of the underpayment, or the adjustment is reported on a Form 2504 or Form 2504-WC. The amount of the underpayment adjusted in accordance with this section must be paid to the IRS by the time the adjusted return is filed. If an adjustment is reported pursuant to this section, but the amount of the adjustment is not paid when due, interest accrues from that date (see section 6601).
(3) Return not filed because of failure to treat individual as employee. If an employer fails to file a return for a return period solely because the employer failed to treat any individuals properly as employees for the return period (and, therefore, failed to withhold and pay any income tax required to be withheld from wages), the employer shall correct the error through an interest-free adjustment as provided in this section. The employer shall report the amount due by filing an original return for the return period for which the employer failed to file a return, accompanied by an adjusted return as provided in the instructions to the adjusted return. The adjusted return must include a detailed explanation of the amount being reported on the original and adjusted returns and any other information as may be required by this section and by the instructions relating to the adjusted return. The reporting of the correct amount of tax for the return period constitutes an adjustment within the meaning of this section only if the original and adjusted returns are filed by the due date of the return for reporting such tax for the return period in which the error is ascertained. For purposes of the preceding sentence, the due date for filing the adjusted return is determined by reference to the return being corrected, without regard to the employer's current filing requirements. For example, an employer with a current annual filing requirement who is correcting an error on a previously filed quarterly return must file the adjusted return by the due date for filing a quarterly return for the quarter in which the error is ascertained. However, an adjustment may only be reported pursuant to this section if the error is ascertained within the same calendar year that the wages to the employee were paid, or if section 3509 applies to determine the amount of the underpayment, or if the adjustment is reported on a Form 2504 or Form 2504-WC. The amount of the underpayment adjusted in accordance with this section must be paid to the IRS by the time the returns are filed in accordance with this paragraph. If an adjustment is reported pursuant to this section, but the amount of the adjustment is not paid when due, interest accrues from that date (see section 6601).
(d) Deductions from employee —(1) Federal Insurance Contributions Tax Act and Railroad Retirement Tax Act. If an employer collects less than the correct amount of employee FICA or RRTA tax from an employee with respect to a payment of wages or compensation, the employer must collect the amount of the undercollection by deducting the amount from remuneration of the employee, if any, paid after the employer ascertains the error. If an employer collects less than the correct amount of Additional Medicare Tax required to be withheld under section 3101(b)(2) or section 3201(a), the employer must collect the amount of the undercollection on or before the last day of the calendar year by deducting the amount from remuneration of the employee, if any, paid after the employer ascertains the error. Such deductions may be made even though the remuneration, for any reason, does not constitute wages or compensation. The correct amount of employee tax must be reported and paid, as provided in paragraph (b) of this section, whether or not the undercollection is corrected by a deduction made as prescribed in this paragraph (d)(1), and even if the deduction is made after the return on which the employee tax must be reported is due. If such a deduction is not made, the obligation of the employee to the employer with respect to the undercollection is a matter for settlement between the employee and the employer. If an employer makes an erroneous collection of employee tax from two or more of its employees, a separate settlement must be made with respect to each employee. An overcollection of employee tax from one employee may not be used to offset an undercollection of such tax from another employee. For provisions relating to the employer's liability for the tax, whether or not it collects the tax from the employee, see §§ 31.3102-1(d), 31.3102-4(c), and 31.3202-1. This paragraph (d)(1) does not apply if section 3509 applies to determine the employer's liability.
(2) Income tax required to be withheld from wages. If an employer collects less than the correct amount of income tax required to be withheld from wages during a calendar year, the employer must collect the amount of the undercollection on or before the last day of the year by deducting the amount from remuneration of the employee, if any, paid after the employer ascertains the error. Such deductions may be made even though the remuneration, for any reason, does not constitute wages. The correct amount of income tax must be reported and paid, as provided in paragraph (c) of this section, whether or not the undercollection is corrected by a deduction made as prescribed in this paragraph (d)(2), and even if the deduction is made after the return on which the tax must be reported is due. If such a deduction is not made, the obligation of the employee to the employer with respect to the undercollection is a matter for settlement between the employee and the employer within the calendar year. If an employer makes an erroneous collection of income tax from two or more of its employees, a separate settlement must be made with respect to each employee. An overcollection of income tax from one employee may not be used to offset an undercollection of such tax from another employee. For provisions relating to the employer's liability for the tax, whether or not it collects the tax from the employee, see § 31.3403-1. For provisions relating to the employer's liability for an underpayment of tax unless the employer can show that the income tax against which the tax under section 3402 may be credited has been paid, see § 31.3402(d)-1. This paragraph (d)(2) does not apply if section 3509 applies to determine the employer's liability.
(e) Effective/applicability date. Paragraphs (b) and (d) of this section apply to adjusted returns filed on or after November 29, 2013.
§ 31.6205-2   Adjustments of underpayments of hospital insurance taxes that accrue after March 31, 1986, and before January 1, 1987, with respect to wages of State and local government employees.
(a) Adjustments without interest. A State or local government employer who makes, or has made, an undercollection or underpayment of the hospital insurance taxes imposed by sections 3101(b) and 3111(b) that—
(1) Are required to be paid by reason of section 3121(u)(2), and
(2) Are required to be reported on returns due July 31, 1986, October 31, 1986, or February 2, 1987.
(b) Example. The application of the provisions of this section are illustrated by the following example:
§ 31.6302-0   Table of contents.
This section lists the table of contents for §§ 31.6302-1 through 31.6302-4.
(a) Introduction.
(b) Determination of status.
(1) In general.
(2) Monthly depositor.
(i) In General.
(ii) Special rule.
(3) Semi-weekly depositor.
(4) Lookback period.
(i) In general.
(ii) Adjustments and claims for refund.
(c) Deposit rules.
(1) Monthly rule.
(2) Semi-Weekly rule.
(i) In general.
(ii) Semi-weekly period spanning two return periods.
(iii) Special rule for computing days.
(3) Exception—One Day rule.
(4) Deposits required only on business days.
(5) Exception to the monthly and semi-weekly deposit rules for employers in the Employers' Annual Federal Tax Program (Form 944).
(6) Extension of time to deposit for employers in the Employers' Annual Federal Tax Program (Form 944) during the preceding year.
(7) Exception to the monthly and semi-weekly deposit rules for employers making interest-free adjustments.
(d) Examples.
(e) Employment taxes defined.
(f) Safe harbor/De Minimis rules.
(1) Single deposit safe harbor.
(2) Shortfall defined.
(3) Shortfall make-up date.
(i) Monthly rule.
(ii) Semi-Weekly and One-Day rule.
(4) De minimis rule.
(i) De minimis deposit rules for quarterly and annual return periods beginning on or after January 1, 2001.
(ii) De minimis deposit rule for quarterly return periods beginning on or after January 1, 2010.
(iii) De minimis deposit rule for employers who file Form 944.
(5) Examples.
(g) Agricultural employers—Special rules.
(1) In general.
(2) Monthly depositor.
(3) Semi-weekly depositor.
(4) Lookback period.
(i) In general.
(ii) Adjustments and Claims for Refund.
(5) Example.
(h) Time and manner of deposit—deposits required to be made by electronic funds transfer.
(1) In general.
(2) Applicability of requirement.
(i) Deposits for return periods beginning before January 1, 2000.
(ii) Deposits for return periods beginning after December 31, 1999, and made before January 1, 2011.
(iii) Deposits made after December 31, 2010.
(iv) Voluntary deposits.
(3) Taxes required to be deposited by electronic funds transfer.
(4) Definitions.
(i) Electronic funds transfer.
(ii) Taxpayer.
(5) Exemptions.
(6) Separation of deposits.
(7) Payment of balance due.
(8) Time deemed deposited.
(9) Time deemed paid.
(i) Time and manner of deposit.
(1) General rules.
(2) Payment of balance due.
(3) Time deemed paid.
(4) Procurement of FTD coupons.
(5) Time deemed deposited.
(6) Time deemed paid.
(j) Voluntary payments by electronic funds transfer.
(k) Special rules.
(1) Notice exception.
(2) Wages paid in nonconvertible foreign currency.
(l) [Reserved]
(m) Cross references.
(1) Failure to deposit penalty.
(2) Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday.
(n) Effective/applicability dates.
(o) Effective/Applicability date.
(a) General rule.
(b) Separate application of deposit rules.
(c) Modification of Monthly rule determination.
(1) General rule.
(2) Exception.
(d) Effective/Applicability date.
(a) General Rule.
(b) Treatment of backup withholding amounts separately.
(c) Example.
§ 31.6302-1   Deposit rules for taxes under the Federal Insurance Contributions Act (FICA) and withheld income taxes.
(a) Introduction. With respect to employment taxes attributable to payments made after December 31, 1992, an employer is either a monthly depositor or a semi-weekly depositor based on an annual determination. An employer must generally deposit employment taxes under one of two rules: the Monthly rule in paragraph (c)(1) of this section, or the Semi-Weekly rule in paragraph (c)(2) of this section. Various exceptions and safe harbors are provided. Paragraph (f) of this section provides certain safe harbors for employers who inadvertently fail to deposit the full amount of taxes. Paragraph (c)(3) of this section provides an overriding exception to the Monthly and Semi-Weekly rules where an employer has accumulated $100,000 or more of employment taxes. Paragraph (e) of this section provides the definition of employment taxes.
(b) Determination of status —(1) In general. The determination of whether an employer is a monthly or semi-weekly depositor for a calendar year is based on an annual determination and generally depends upon the aggregate amount of employment taxes reported by the employer for the lookback period as defined in paragraph (b)(4) of this section.
(2) Monthly depositor —(i) In general. An employer is a monthly depositor for the entire calendar year if the aggregate amount of employment taxes reported for the lookback period is $50,000 or less.
(ii) Special rule. An employer ceases to be a monthly depositor on the first day after the employer is subject to the One-Day ($100,000) rule in paragraph (c)(3) of this section. At that time, the employer immediately becomes a semi-weekly depositor for the remainder of the calendar year and for the following calendar year.
(3) Semi-weekly depositor. An employer is a semi-weekly depositor for the entire calendar year if the aggregate amount of employment taxes reported for the lookback period exceeds $50,000.
(4) Lookback period —(i) In general. For employers who file Form 941, “Employer's QUARTERLY Federal Tax Return,” (or any related Spanish-language returns or returns for U.S. possessions) the lookback period for each calendar year is the twelve month period ended the preceding June 30. For example, the lookback period for calendar year 2006 is the period July 1, 2004, to June 30, 2005. The lookback period for employers who file Form 944, “Employer's ANNUAL Federal Tax Return,” or filed Form 944 (or any related Spanish-language returns or returns for U.S. possessions) for either of the two previous calendar years, is the second calendar year preceding the current calendar year. For example, the lookback period for calendar year 2006 is calendar year 2004. In determining status as either a monthly or semi-weekly depositor, an employer should determine the aggregate amount of employment tax liabilities reported on its return(s) (Forms 941 or Form 944) for the lookback period. The amount of employment tax liabilities reported for the lookback period is the amount the employer reported on either Forms 941 or Form 944 even if the employer is required to file the other form for the current calendar year. New employers shall be treated as having employment tax liabilities of zero for any part of the lookback period before the date the employer started or acquired its business.
(ii) Adjustments and claims for refund. The employment tax liability reported on the original return for the return period is the amount taken into account in determining whether the aggregate amount of employment taxes reported for the lookback period exceeds $50,000. Any amounts reported on adjusted returns or claims for refund pursuant to sections 6205, 6402, 6413, and 6414 filed after the due date of the original return are not taken into account when determining the aggregate amount of employment taxes reported for the lookback period. Prior period adjustments reported on Forms 941 or Form 944 for 2008 and earlier years are taken into account in determining the employment tax liability for the return period in which the adjustments are reported.
(c) Deposit rules —(1) Monthly rule. An employer that is a monthly depositor must deposit employment taxes accumulated with respect to payments made during a calendar month by electronic funds transfer by the 15th day of the following month. If the 15th day of the following month is a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday in the District of Columbia under section 7503, taxes will be treated as timely deposited if deposited on the next succeeding day which is not a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday.
(2) Semi-Weekly rule —(i) In general. An employer that is a semi-weekly depositor for a calendar year must deposit employment taxes by electronic funds transfer by the dates set forth below:
(ii) Semi-weekly period spanning two return periods. If the return period ends during a semi-weekly period in which an employer has two or more payment dates, two deposit obligations may exist. For example, if one quarterly return period ends on Thursday and a new quarterly return period begins on Friday, employment taxes from payments on Wednesday and Thursday are subject to one deposit obligation, and employment taxes from payments on Friday are subject to a separate deposit obligation. Two separate federal tax deposits are required.
(iii) Special rule for computing days. Semi-weekly depositors have at least three business days following the close of the semi-weekly period by which to deposit employment taxes accumulated during the semi-weekly period. Business days include every calendar day other than Saturdays, Sundays, or legal holidays in the District of Columbia under section 7503. If any of the three weekdays following the close of a semi-weekly period is a legal holiday, the employer has an additional day for each day that is a legal holiday by which to make the required deposit. For example, if the Monday following the close of a Wednesday to Friday semi-weekly period is Memorial Day, a legal holiday, the required deposit for the semi-weekly period is not due until the following Thursday rather than the following Wednesday.
(3) Exception—One-Day rule. Notwithstanding paragraphs (c)(1) and (c)(2) of this section, if on any day within a deposit period (monthly or semi-weekly) an employer has accumulated $100,000 or more of employment taxes, those taxes must be deposited by electronic funds transfer in time to satisfy the tax obligation by the close of the next day. If the next day is a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday in the District of Columbia under section 7503, the taxes will be treated as timely deposited if deposited on the next succeeding day which is not a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday. For purposes of determining whether the $100,000 threshold is met—
(i) A monthly depositor takes into account only those employment taxes accumulated in the calendar month in which the day occurs; and
(ii) A semi-weekly depositor takes into account only those employment taxes accumulated in the Wednesday-Friday or Saturday-Tuesday semi-weekly period in which the day occurs.
(4) Deposits required only on business days. No taxes are required to be deposited under this section on any day that is a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday. Deposits are required only on business days. Business days include every calendar day other than Saturdays, Sundays, or legal holidays. For purposes of this paragraph (c), legal holidays shall have the same meaning provided in section 7503. Pursuant to section 7503, the term legal holiday means a legal holiday in the District of Columbia. For purposes of this paragraph (c), the term “legal holiday” does not include other Statewide legal holidays.
(5) Exception to the monthly and semi-weekly deposit rules for employers in the Employers' Annual Federal Tax Program (Form 944). Generally, an employer who files Form 944 for a taxable year may remit its accumulated employment taxes with its timely filed return for that taxable year and is not required to deposit under either the monthly or semi-weekly rules set forth in paragraphs (c)(1) and (c)(2) of this section during that taxable year. An employer who files Form 944 whose actual employment tax liability exceeds the eligibility threshold, as set forth in §§ 31.6011(a)-1(a)(5) and 31.6011(a)-4(a)(4), will not qualify for this exception and should follow the deposit rules set forth in this section.
(6) Extension of time to deposit for employers in the Employers' Annual Federal Tax Program (Form 944) during the preceding year. An employer who filed Form 944 for the preceding year but will file Form 941 instead for the current year will be deemed to have timely deposited its current year's January deposit obligation(s) under paragraphs (c)(1) through (c)(4) of this section if the employer deposits the amount of such deposit obligation(s) by March 15 of that year.
(7) Exception to the monthly and semi-weekly deposit rules for employers making interest-free adjustments. An employer filing an adjusted return under § 31.6205-1 to report taxes that were accumulated in a prior return period shall pay the amount of the adjustment by the time it files the adjusted return, and the amount timely paid will be deemed to have been timely deposited by the employer. The payment may be made by a check or money order with the adjusted return, by electronic funds transfer, or by other methods of payment as provided by the instructions relating to the adjusted return.
(d) Examples. The provisions of paragraphs (a), (b) and (c) of this section are illustrated by the following examples:
(ii) Monthly rule. During December 2011, A (a monthly depositor) accumulates $3,500 in employment taxes. A has a $3,500 deposit obligation that must be satisfied by the 15th day of the following month. Since January 15, 2012, is a Sunday, and January 16, 2012, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s Birthday, is a legal holiday, A's deposit obligation will be satisfied if the deposit is made by electronic funds transfer by the next business day, January 17, 2012.
(ii) Semi-weekly rule. On Friday, January 7, 2011, B (a semi-weekly depositor) has a pay day on which it accumulates $4,000 in employment taxes. B has a $4,000 deposit obligation that must be satisfied by the following Wednesday, January 12, 2011.
(iii) Deposit made within three business days. On Friday, January 14, 2011, B (a semi-weekly depositor) has a pay day on which it accumulates $4,200 in employment taxes. Generally, B would have a required deposit obligation of employment taxes that must be satisfied by the following Wednesday, January 19, 2011. Because Monday, January 17, 2011, is Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s Birthday, a legal holiday, B has an additional day to make the required deposit. B has a $4,200 deposit obligation that must be satisfied by the following Thursday, January 20, 2011.
(e) Employment taxes defined. (1) For purposes of this section, the term “employment taxes” means—
(i) The employee portion of the tax withheld under section 3102;
(ii) The employer tax under section 3111;
(iii) The income tax withheld under sections 3402 and 3405, except income tax withheld with respect to payments made after December 31, 1993, on the following—
(A) Certain gambling winnings under section 3402(q);
(B) Retirement pay for service in the Armed Forces of the United States under section 3402;
(C) Certain annuities described in section 3402(o)(1)(B); and
(D) Pensions, annuities, IRAs, and certain other deferred income under section 3405; and
(iv) The income tax withheld under section 3406, relating to backup withholding with respect to reportable payments made before January 1, 1994.
(2) The term employment taxes does not include taxes with respect to wages for domestic service in a private home of the employer, unless the employer is otherwise required to file a Form 941 or Form 944 under § 31.6011(a)-4 or § 31.6011(a)-5. In the case of employers paying advance earned income credit amounts for periods ending before January 1, 2011, the amount of taxes required to be deposited shall be reduced by advance amounts paid to employees. Also, see § 31.6302-3 concerning a taxpayer's option with respect to payments made before January 1, 1994, to treat backup withholding amounts under section 3406 separately.
(f) Safe harbor/De minimis rules —(1) Single deposit safe harbor. An employer will be considered to have satisfied its deposit obligation imposed by this section if—
(i) The amount of any shortfall does not exceed the greater of $100 or 2 percent of the amount of employment taxes required to be deposited; and
(ii) The employer deposits the shortfall on or before the shortfall make-up date.
(2) Shortfall defined. For purposes of this paragraph (f), the term “shortfall” means the excess of the amount of employment taxes required to be deposited for the period over the amount deposited for the period. For this purpose, a period is either a monthly, semi-weekly or daily period.
(3) Shortfall make-up date —(i) Monthly rule. A shortfall with respect to a deposit required under the Monthly rule must be deposited or remitted no later than the due date for the quarterly return, in accordance with the applicable form and instructions.
(ii) Semi-Weekly rule and One-Day rule. A shortfall with respect to a deposit required under the Semi-Weekly rule or the One-Day rule must be deposited on or before the first Wednesday or Friday (whichever is earlier), falling on or after the 15th day of the month following the month in which the deposit was required to be made or, if earlier, the return due date for the return period.
(4) De minimis rule —(i) De minimis deposit rules for quarterly and annual return periods beginning on or after January 1, 2001. If the total amount of accumulated employment taxes for the return period is de minimis and the amount is fully deposited or remitted with a timely filed return for the return period, the amount deposited or remitted will be deemed to have been timely deposited. The total amount of accumulated employment taxes is de minimis if it is less than $2,500 for the return period or if it is de minimis pursuant to paragraph (f)(4)(ii) of this section.
(ii) De minimis deposit rule for quarterly return periods beginning on or after January 1, 2010. For purposes of paragraph (f)(4)(i) of this section, if the total amount of accumulated employment taxes for the immediately preceding quarter was less than $2,500, unless § 31.6302-1(c)(3) applies to require a deposit at the close of the next day, then the employer will be deemed to have timely deposited the employer's employment taxes for the current quarter if the employer complies with the time and method payment requirements contained in paragraph (f)(4)(i) of this section.
(iii) De minimis deposit rule for employers who file Form 944. An employer who files Form 944 whose employment tax liability for the year equals or exceeds $2,500 but whose employment tax liability for a quarter of the year is de minimis pursuant to paragraph (f)(4)(i) of this section will be deemed to have timely deposited the employment taxes due for that quarter if the employer fully deposits the employment taxes accumulated during the quarter by the last day of the month following the close of that quarter. Employment taxes accumulated during the fourth quarter can be either deposited by January 31 or remitted with a timely filed return for the return period.
(5) Examples. The provisions of this paragraph (f) may be illustrated by the following examples:
(g) Agricultural employers—special rules —(1) In general. An agricultural employer reports wages paid to farm workers annually on Form 943 (Employer's Annual Tax Return for Agricultural Employees) and reports wages paid to nonfarm workers quarterly on Form 941 or annually on Form 944. Accordingly, an agricultural employer must treat employment taxes reportable on Form 943 (“Form 943 taxes”) separately from employment taxes reportable on Form 941 or Form 944 (“Form 941 or Form 944 taxes”). Form 943 taxes and Form 941 or Form 944 taxes are not combined for purposes of determining whether a deposit of either is due, whether the One-Day rule of paragraph (c)(3) of this section applies, or whether any safe harbor is applicable. In addition, Form 943 taxes and Form 941 or Form 944 taxes must be deposited separately. (See paragraph (b) of this section for rules for determining an agricultural employer's deposit status for Form 941 taxes). Whether an agricultural employer is a monthly or semi-weekly depositor of Form 943 taxes is determined according to the rules of this paragraph (g).
(2) Monthly depositor. An agricultural employer is a monthly depositor of Form 943 taxes for a calendar year if the amount of Form 943 taxes accumulated in the lookback period (as defined in paragraph (g)(4) of this section) is $50,000 or less. An agricultural employer ceases to be a monthly depositor of Form 943 taxes on the first day after the employer is subject to the One-Day rule in paragraph (c)(3) of this section. At that time, the agricultural employer immediately becomes a semi-weekly depositor of Form 943 taxes for the remainder of the calendar year and the succeeding calendar year.
(3) Semi-weekly depositor. An agricultural employer is a semi-weekly depositor of Form 943 taxes for a calendar year if the amount of Form 943 taxes accumulated in the lookback period (as defined in paragraph (g)(4) of this section) exceeds $50,000.
(4) Lookback period —(i) In general. For purposes of this paragraph (g), the lookback period for Form 943 taxes is the second calendar year preceding the current calendar year. For example, the lookback period for calendar year 1993 is calendar year 1991. New employers shall be treated as having employment tax liabilities of zero for any lookback period before the date the employer started or acquired its business.
(ii) Adjustments and Claims for Refund. The employment tax liability reported on the original return for the return period is the amount taken into account in determining whether the amount of Form 943 taxes accumulated in the lookback period exceeds $50,000. Any amounts reported on adjusted returns or claims for refund pursuant to sections 6205, 6402, 6413 and 6414 filed after the due date of the original return are not taken into account when determining the amount of Form 943 taxes accumulated in the lookback period. However, prior period adjustments reported on Form 943 for 2008 and earlier years are taken into account in determining the employment tax liability for the return period in which the adjustments are reported.
(5) The following example illustrates the provisions of this section.
(h) Time and manner of deposit—deposits required to be made by electronic funds transfer —(1) In general. Section 6302(h) requires the Secretary to prescribe such regulations as may be necessary for the development and implementation of an electronic funds transfer system to be used for the collection of the depository taxes as described in paragraph (h)(3) of this section. Section 6302(h)(2) provides a phase-in schedule that sets forth escalating minimum percentages of those depository taxes to be deposited by electronic funds transfer. This paragraph (h) prescribes the rules necessary for implementing an electronic funds transfer system for collection of depository taxes and for effecting an orderly and expeditious phase-in of that system.
(2) Applicability of requirement —(i) Deposits for return periods beginning before January 1, 2000. (A) Taxpayers whose aggregate deposits of the taxes imposed by Chapters 21 (Federal Insurance Contributions Act), 22 (Railroad Retirement Tax Act), and 24 (Collection of Income Tax at Source on Wages) of the Internal Revenue Code during a 12-month determination period exceed the applicable threshold amount are required to deposit all depository taxes described in paragraph (h)(3) of this section by electronic funds transfer (as defined in paragraph (h)(4) of this section) unless exempted under paragraph (h)(5) of this section. If the applicable effective date is January 1, 1995, or January 1, 1996, the requirement to deposit by electronic funds transfer applies to all deposits required to be made on or after the applicable effective date. If the applicable effective date is July 1, 1997, the requirement to deposit by electronic funds transfer applies to all deposits required to be made on or after July 1, 1997 with respect to deposit obligations incurred for return periods beginning on or after January 1, 1997. If the applicable effective date is January 1, 1998, or thereafter, the requirement to deposit by electronic funds transfer applies to all deposits required to be made with respect to deposit obligations incurred for return periods beginning on or after the applicable effective date. In general, each applicable effective date has one 12-month determination period. However, for the applicable effective date January 1, 1996, there are two determination periods. If the applicable threshold amount is exceeded in either of those determination periods, the taxpayer becomes subject to the requirement to deposit by electronic funds transfer, effective January 1, 1996. The threshold amounts, determination periods and applicable effective dates for purposes of this paragraph (h)(2)(i)(A) are as follows:
(B) Unless exempted under paragraph (h)(5) of this section, a taxpayer that does not deposit any of the taxes imposed by chapters 21, 22, and 24 during the applicable determination periods set forth in paragraph (h)(2)(i)(A) of this section, but that does make deposits of other depository taxes (as described in paragraph (h)(3) of this section), is nevertheless subject to the requirement to deposit by electronic funds transfer if the taxpayer's aggregate deposits of all depository taxes exceed the threshold amount set forth in this paragraph (h)(2)(i)(B) during an applicable 12-month determination period. This requirement to deposit by electronic funds transfer applies to all depository taxes due with respect to deposit obligations incurred for return periods beginning on or after the applicable effective date. The threshold amount, determination periods, and applicable effective dates for purposes of this paragraph (h)(2)(i)(B) are as follows:
(C) This paragraph (h)(2)(i) applies only to deposits required to be made for return periods beginning before January 1, 2000. Thus, a taxpayer, including a taxpayer that is required under this paragraph (h)(2)(i) to make deposits by electronic funds transfer beginning in 1999 or an earlier year, is not required to use electronic funds transfer to make deposits for return periods beginning after December 31, 1999, unless deposits by electronic funds transfer are required under paragraph (h)(2)(ii) of this section.
(ii) Deposits for return periods beginning after December 31, 1999, and made before January 1, 2011. Unless exempted under paragraph (h)(5) of this section, for deposits for return periods beginning after December 31, 1999, and made before January 1, 2011, a taxpayer that deposits more than $200,000 of taxes described in paragraph (h)(3) of this section during a calendar year beginning after December 31, 1997, must use electronic funds transfer (as defined in paragraph (h)(4) of this section) to make all deposits of those taxes that are required to be made for return periods beginning after December 31 of the following year and must continue to deposit by electronic funds transfer in all succeeding years. As an example, a taxpayer that exceeds the $200,000 deposit threshold during calendar year 1998 is required to make deposits for return periods beginning in or after calendar year 2000 by electronic funds transfer.
(iii) Deposits made after December 31, 2010. Unless exempted under paragraph (h)(5) of this section, a taxpayer that has a required tax deposit obligation described in paragraph (h)(3) of this section must use electronic funds transfer (as defined in paragraph (h)(4) of this section) to make all deposits of those taxes made after December 31, 2010.
(iv) Voluntary deposits. A taxpayer that is authorized to make payment of taxes with a return under regulations may voluntarily make a deposit by electronic funds transfer.
(3) Taxes required to be deposited by electronic funds transfer. The requirement to deposit by electronic funds transfer under paragraph (h)(2) of this section applies to all the taxes required to be deposited under §§ 1.6302-1, 1.6302-2, and 1.6302-3 of this chapter; §§ 31.6302-1, 31.6302-2, 31.6302-3, 31.6302-4, and 31.6302(c)-3; and § 40.6302(c)-1 of this chapter.
(4) Definitions —(i) Electronic funds transfer. An electronic funds transfer is any transfer of depository taxes made in accordance with Revenue Procedure 97-33, (1997-30 I.R.B.), (see § 601.601(d)(2) of this chapter), or in accordance with procedures subsequently prescribed by the Commissioner.
(ii) Taxpayer. For purposes of this section, a taxpayer is any person required to deposit federal taxes, including not only individuals, but also any trust, estate, partnership, association, company or corporation.
(5) Exemptions. If any categories of taxpayers are to be exempted from the requirement to deposit by electronic funds transfer, the Commissioner will identify those taxpayers by guidance published in the Internal Revenue Bulletin. (See § 601.601(d)(2)(ii)( b ) of this chapter.)
(6) Separation of deposits. A deposit for one return period must be made separately from a deposit for another return period.
(7) Payment of balance due. If the aggregate amount of taxes reportable on the applicable tax return for the return period exceeds the total amount deposited by the taxpayer with regard to the return period, then the balance due must be remitted in accordance with the applicable form and instructions.
(8) Time deemed deposited. A deposit of taxes by electronic funds transfer will be deemed made when the amount is withdrawn from the taxpayer's account, provided the U.S. Government is the payee and the amount is not returned or reversed.
(9) Time deemed paid. In general, an amount deposited under this paragraph (h) will be considered to be a payment of tax on the last day prescribed for filing the applicable return for the return period (determined without regard to any extension of time for filing the return) or, if later, at the time deemed deposited under paragraph (h)(8) of this section. In the case of the taxes imposed by chapters 21 and 24 of the Internal Revenue Code, solely for purposes of section 6511 and the regulations thereunder (relating to the period of limitation on credit or refund), if an amount is deposited prior to April 15th of the calendar year immediately succeeding the calendar year that includes the period for which the amount was deposited, the amount will be considered paid on April 15th.
(i) Time and manner of remittance with a return —(1) General rules. A remittance required to be made by this section that is authorized to be made with a return under regulations and is made with a return must be made separately from a remittance required by any other section. Further, a remittance for a deposit period in one return period must be made separately from a remittance for a deposit period in another return period.
(2) Payment of balance due. If the aggregate amount of taxes reportable on the return for the return period exceeds the total amount deposited by the employer with regard to the return period pursuant to this section, the balance due must be remitted in accordance with the applicable form and instructions.
(3) Time deemed paid. In general, amounts remitted with a return under this section will be considered as paid on the date payment is received by the Internal Revenue Service at the place prescribed for filing by regulations or forms and instructions (or if section 7502(a) applies, by the date the payment is treated as received under section 7502(a)), or on the last day prescribed for filing the return (determined without regard to any extension of time for filing the return), whichever is later. In the case of the taxes imposed by chapter 21 and 24 of the Internal Revenue Code, solely for purposes of section 6511 and the regulations thereunder (relating to the period of limitation on credit or refund), if an amount is remitted with a return under this section prior to April 15th of the calendar year immediately succeeding the calendar year that contains the period for which the amount was remitted, the amount will be considered paid on April 15th of the succeeding calendar year.
(j) Voluntary payments by electronic funds transfer. Any person may voluntarily remit by electronic funds transfer any payment of tax imposed by subtitle C of the Internal Revenue Code. Such payment must be made in accordance with procedures prescribed by the Commissioner.
(k) Special rules —(1) Notice exception. The provisions of this section are not applicable with respect to employment taxes for any month in which the employer receives notice that a return is required under § 31.6011(a)-5 (or for any subsequent month for which such a return is required), if those taxes are also required to be deposited under the separate accounting procedures provided in § 301.7512-1 of the Regulations on Procedure and Administration (which procedures are applicable if notification is given by the Commissioner of failure to comply with certain employment tax requirements). In cases in which a monthly return is required under § 31.6011(a)-5 but the taxes are not required to be deposited under the separate accounting procedures provided in § 301.7512-1, the provisions of this section shall apply except those provisions shall not authorize the deferral of any deposit to a date after the date on which the return is required to be filed.
(2) Wages paid in nonconvertible foreign currency. The provisions of this section are not applicable with respect to wages paid in nonconvertible foreign currency pursuant to § 301.6316-7.
(l) [Reserved]
(m) Cross references —(1) Failure to deposit penalty. For provisions relating to the penalty for failure to make a deposit within the prescribed time, see section 6656.
(2) Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday. For provisions relating to the time for performance of acts where the last day falls on Saturday, Sunday, or a legal holiday, see the provisions of § 301.7503-1.
(n) Effective/applicability dates. Sections 31.6302-1 through 31.6302-3 apply with respect to the deposit of employment taxes attributable to payments made after December 31, 1992. To the extent that the provisions of §§ 31.6302-1 through 31.6302-3 are inconsistent with the provisions of §§ 31.6302(c)-1 and 31.6302(c)-2, a taxpayer will be considered to be in compliance with §§ 31.6302-1 through 31.6302-3 if the taxpayer makes timely deposits during 1993 in accordance with §§ 31.6302(c)-1 and 31.6302(c)-2. Paragraphs (b)(4), (c)(5), (c)(6), (d) Example 6, (e)(2), (f)(4)(i), (f)(4)(iii), (f)(5) Example 3, and (g)(1) of this section apply to taxable years beginning on or after December 30, 2008. Paragraph (f)(4)(ii) of this section applies to taxable years beginning on or after January 1, 2010. The rules of paragraphs (e)(2) and (g)(1) of this section that apply to taxable years beginning before December 30, 2008, are contained in § 31.6302-1 as in effect prior to December 30, 2008. The rules of paragraphs (b)(4), (c)(5), (c)(6), (d) Example 6, (f)(4)(i), (f)(4)(iii), and (f)(5) Example 3 of this section that apply to taxable years beginning on or after January 1, 2006, and before December 30, 2008, are contained in § 31.6302-1T as in effect prior to December 30, 2008. The rules of paragraphs (b)(4) and (f)(4) of this section that apply to taxable years beginning before January 1, 2006, are contained in § 31.6302-1 as in effect prior to January 1, 2006. The rules of paragraph (g) of this section eliminating use of Federal tax deposit coupons apply to deposits and payments made after December 31, 2010.
(o) Effective/applicability date. Paragraphs (c), (d) Examples 1 through 5, (h)(2)(ii), (h)(2)(iii), (h)(2)(iv),(i)(1) and (i)(3) of this section apply to deposits and payments made after December 31, 2010.
§ 31.6302-2   Deposit rules for taxes under the Railroad Retirement Tax Act (RRTA).
(a) General rule. Except as otherwise provided in this section, the rules of § 31.6302-1 determine the time and manner of making deposits of employee tax withheld under section 3202 and employer tax imposed under sections 3221 (a) and (b) attributable to payments made after December 31, 1992. Railroad retirement taxes described in section 3221(c) arising during the month must be deposited on or before the first date after the 15th day of the following month on which taxes are otherwise required to be deposited under § 31.6302-1.
(b) Separate application of deposit rules. A person who accumulates tax under sections 3202 or 3221 shall not take that tax into account for purposes of determining when taxes described in paragraph (e) of § 31.6302-1 must otherwise be deposited.
(c) Modification of Monthly rule determination —(1) General rule. Except as otherwise provided in this section, any person is allowed to use the Monthly rule of § 31.6302-1(c)(1) for an entire calendar year unless the amount of R.R.T.A. taxes required to be deposited under this section during the lookback period was more than $50,000. The lookback period is defined as the calendar year preceding the calendar year just ended. Thus, for purposes of determining if an R.R.T.A. employer qualifies to use the Monthly rule for calendar year 1993, a lookback must be made to calendar year 1991. New employers shall be treated as having employment tax liabilities of zero for any calendar year during which the employer did not exist.
(2) Exception. An employer shall immediately cease to be allowed to use the Monthly rule after any day on which that employer is subject to the One-Day rule set forth in § 31.6302-1(c)(3). Such employer immediately becomes subject to the Semi-Weekly rule of § 31.6302-1(c)(2) for the remainder of the calendar year and the following calendar year.
(d) Effective/applicability date. This section applies to deposits and payments made after December 31, 2010.
§ 31.6302-3   Federal tax deposit rules for amounts withheld under the backup withholding requirements of section 3406 for payments made after December 31, 1992.
(a) General rule. The rules of § 31.6302-1 shall apply to determine the time and manner of making deposits of amounts withheld under the backup withholding requirements of section 3406.
(b) Treatment of backup withholding amounts separately. A taxpayer that withholds income tax under section 3406 with respect to reportable payments made after December 31, 1992, and before January 1, 1994, may, in accordance with the instructions provided with Form 941, deposit such tax under the rules of § 31.6302-1 without taking into account the other taxes described in paragraph (e) of § 31.6302-1 for purposes of determining when tax withheld under section 3406 must be deposited. A taxpayer that treats backup withholding amounts separately with respect to reportable payments made after December 31, 1992, and before January 1, 1994, shall not take tax withheld under section 3406 into account for purposes of determining when the other taxes described in paragraph (e) of § 31.6302-1 must otherwise be deposited under that section. See § 31.6302-4 for rules regarding the deposit of income tax withheld under section 3406 with respect to reportable payments made after December 31, 1993.
(c) Example. The following example illustrates the provisions of this section.
§ 31.6302-4   Deposit rules for withheld income taxes attributable to nonpayroll payments.
(a) General rule. With respect to nonpayroll withheld taxes attributable to nonpayroll payments made after December 31, 1993, a taxpayer is either a monthly or a semi-weekly depositor based on an annual determination. Except as provided in this section, the rules of § 31.6302-1 shall apply to determine the time and manner of making deposits of nonpayroll withheld taxes as though they were employment taxes. Paragraph (b) of this section defines nonpayroll withheld taxes. Paragraph (c) of this section provides rules for determining whether a taxpayer is a monthly or a semi-weekly depositor.
(b) Nonpayroll withheld taxes defined. For purposes of this section, effective with respect to payments made after December 31, 1993, nonpayroll withheld taxes means—
(1) Amounts withheld under section 3402(q), relating to withholding on certain gambling winnings;
(2) Amounts withheld under section 3402 with respect to amounts paid as retirement pay for service in the Armed Forces of the United States;
(3) Amounts withheld under section 3402(o)(1)(B), relating to certain annuities;
(4) Annuities withheld under section 3405, relating to withholding on pensions, annuities, IRAs, and certain other deferred income; and
(5) Amounts withheld under section 3406, relating to backup withholding with respect to reportable payments.
(c) Determination of deposit status —(1) Rules for calendar years 1994 and 1995. On January 1, 1994, a taxpayer's depositor status for nonpayroll withheld taxes is the same as the taxpayer's status on January 1, 1994, for taxes reported on Form 941 under § 31.6302-1. A taxpayer generally retains that depositor status for nonpayroll withheld taxes for all of calendar years 1994 and 1995. However, a taxpayer that under this paragraph (c) is a monthly depositor for 1994 and 1995 will immediately lose that status and become a semi-weekly depositor of nonpayroll withheld taxes if the One-Day rule of § 31.6302-1(c)(3) is triggered with respect to nonpayroll withheld taxes. See paragraph (d) of this section for a special rule regarding the application of the One-Day rule of § 31.6302-1(c)(3) to nonpayroll withheld taxes.
(2) Rules for calendar years after 1995 —(i) In general. For calendar years after 1995, the determination of whether a taxpayer is a monthly or a semi-weekly depositor for a calendar year is based on an annual determination and generally depends on the aggregate amount of nonpayroll withheld taxes reported by the taxpayer for the lookback period as defined in paragraph (c)(2)(iv) of this section.
(ii) Monthly depositor. A taxpayer is a monthly depositor of nonpayroll withheld taxes for a calendar year if the amount of nonpayroll withheld taxes accumulated in the lookback period (as defined in paragraph (c)(2)(iv) of this section) is $50,000 or less. A taxpayer ceases to be a monthly depositor of nonpayroll withheld taxes on the first day after the taxpayer is subject to the One-Day rule in § 31.6302-1(c)(3) with respect to nonpayroll withheld taxes. At that time, the taxpayer immediately becomes a semi-weekly depositor of nonpayroll withheld taxes for the remainder of the calendar year and the succeeding calendar year. See paragraph (d) of this section for a special rule regarding the application of the One-Day rule of § 31.6302-1(c)(3) to nonpayroll withheld taxes.
(iii) Semi-weekly depositor. A taxpayer is a semi-weekly depositor of nonpayroll withheld taxes for a calendar year if the amount of nonpayroll withheld taxes accumulated in the lookback period (as defined in paragraph (c)(2)(iv) of this section) exceeds $50,000.
(iv) Lookback period. For purposes of this section, the lookback period for nonpayroll withheld taxes is the second calendar year preceding the current calendar year. For example, the lookback period for calendar year 1996 is calendar year 1994. A new taxpayer is treated as having nonpayroll withheld taxes of zero for any calendar year in which the taxpayer did not exist.
(d) Special rules. A taxpayer must treat nonpayroll withheld taxes, which are reported on Form 945, “Annual Return of Withheld Federal Income Tax,” separately from taxes reportable on Form 941, “Employer's QUARTERLY Federal Tax Return” (or any other return, for example, Form 943, “Employer's Annual Federal Tax Return for Agricultural Employees”). Taxes reported on Form 945 and taxes reported on Form 941 are not combined for purposes of determining whether a deposit of either is due, whether the One-Day rule of § 31.6302-1(c)(3) applies, or whether any safe harbor is applicable. In addition, taxes reported on Form 945 and taxes reported on Form 941 must be deposited separately. ( See paragraph (b) of § 31.6302-1 for rules for determining an employer's deposit status for taxes reported on Form 941.) Taxes reported on Form 945 for one calendar year must be deposited separately from taxes reported on Form 945 for another calendar year.
(e) Effective/applicability date. Section 31.6302-4(d) applies to deposits and payments made after December 31, 2010.
§ 31.6302(b)-1   Method of collection.
For provisions relating to collection by means of returns of the taxes imposed by chapter 21 (Federal Insurance Contributions Act), see §§ 31.6011(a)-1 and 31.6011(a)-5.