Payroll Tax Debt Calculator
Estimate your unpaid Form 941 payroll tax liabilities, including penalties and interest for late payroll deposits.
This calculator helps employers who are behind on payroll deposits get a rough estimate of back taxes owed. The estimator assumes a combined payroll tax rate of 15.3% and applies simplified penalty and interest models.
What This Tool Does
- Estimate unpaid Form 941 payroll tax liabilities based on your employee count and payroll
- Calculate potential deposit penalties using IRS penalty rate guidelines
- Include estimated interest charges on outstanding balances
- Get a comprehensive view of total potential payroll tax debt exposure
Who Can Use This Tool
- Business owners behind on payroll tax deposits
- Employers needing to estimate Form 941 back taxes before contacting the IRS
- Companies preparing for payroll tax resolution consultations
- Bookkeepers and accountants helping clients understand payroll tax exposure
Calculate Your Payroll Tax Debt
Enter your payroll details to estimate potential Form 941 liabilities
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Form 941 payroll tax?
Form 941 is the IRS return used to report income taxes, Social Security tax, and Medicare tax withheld from employees, and the employer's portion of Social Security and Medicare taxes.
How are payroll tax penalties calculated?
Penalties for late payroll deposits depend on how late deposits are and the total unpaid amount. This calculator uses a simplified capped monthly penalty model for estimation only. Actual IRS penalties may vary.
What is the Trust Fund Recovery Penalty (TFRP)?
The TFRP is a serious penalty that holds responsible individuals personally liable for unpaid payroll taxes. This can include business owners, officers, and even bookkeepers who have check-signing authority.
Can this estimate be used for official filings?
No. This tool provides an estimate of potential back taxes, penalties, and interest. Consult a tax professional or the IRS for exact amounts and filing requirements.
Facing Payroll Tax Problems?
This calculator provides estimates only. Speak with an experienced tax professional to get personalized advice tailored to your specific situation.