Financopedia / Accounting / What is FUTA
What is FUTA?
- By Jordan Salas
- May 8, 2023
- Accounting
The federal unemployment tax act-FUTA is a tax imposed by the federal government on employers. The tax is used to fund the unemployment compensation program, which provides benefits to workers who have lost their jobs.
Employers must pay FUTA tax quarterly, and they are responsible for filing annual reports with the IRS. The federal unemployment tax act was enacted in 1935, and it has been amended several times since then. The 1976 tax rate is still valid until this day.
Basics of FUTA
Employers are responsible for paying this FUTA tax, and it is typically withheld from employee paychecks along with other taxes like Social Security and Medicare.
The FUTA tax rate is 6%, but employers are only responsible for paying 3% of that amount. The state unemployment tax is a great way to cover 3% of your salary while still working.
FUTA taxes are an important part of the US tax system
FUTA tax revenue is used to help unemployed workers cover living expenses while they are looking for new jobs. It can also be used to fund job training programs and other initiatives that help people re-enter the workforce.
These taxes are an important part of the US tax system, and they play a vital role in helping people during periods of unemployment.
Form 940
Form 940 is the Employer’s Annual Federal Unemployment Tax Return. This form reports your FUTA tax liability, which is the payroll tax that funds unemployment benefits.
When you file Form 940, you will also receive a tax credit if you have paid your state unemployment tax on time. This credit can reduce your FUTA tax liability by up to 5.4%. Filing your 940 tax form is the responsibility of employers with one or more employees.
However, there are some exceptions. For example, if you are a governmental agency or a nonprofit organization, you may be exempt from paying the FUTA tax. You can find more information about these exceptions on the IRS website.
How do I calculate FUTA tax?
Calculating FUTA tax can be a bit confusing, but luckily there are only a few things you need to know in order to do it correctly. First, it’s important to understand that the FUTA tax is one of the payroll taxes employers pay.
The FUTA tax rate is 6%, and employers are responsible for futa tax payments on the first $7,000 of wages they pay to each employee during the year. So, if you have two employees who each earn $7,000 during the year, your FUTA tax liability would be $420 ((6% x 2) x $7,000).
Be sure to include your employer identification number
Once you’ve calculated your FUTA tax liability, you’ll need to make a FUTA tax payment to the IRS. This payment is due on the last day of the quarter, and you can make it by mailing a check or paying futa tax online.
when paying by check, make sure to include your employer identification number (EIN) to make sure you get your money right. Calculating your FUTA tax liability doesn’t have to be difficult – just follow the steps above and you’ll be all set.
Jordan Salas
Jordan is an experienced CPA and an author & editor at Financopedia. Over the past 12 years, he has written tax and financial content for leading brands. His writing has been featured in Forbes, The Los Angeles Times, Walstreet journal, and more. Jordan enjoys watching old movies and hiking in his free time.
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