For U.S. employers, payroll tax compliance goes far beyond issuing paychecks. One of the most critical—but often misunderstood—requirements is Federal Unemployment Tax (FUTA) reporting through Form 940. This tax plays a vital role in supporting unemployment benefits for workers who lose their jobs, and it is entirely the employer’s responsibility.
At APAKUS, we help businesses navigate complex tax obligations with clarity and precision. This in-depth guide explains Form 940, FUTA tax rules, eligibility tests, calculations, deposits, reporting deadlines, and compliance best practices—based strictly on official guidance from the Internal Revenue Service.
What Is Federal Unemployment (FUTA) Tax?
Understanding the Purpose of FUTA
The Federal Unemployment Tax Act (FUTA) establishes a nationwide system that works alongside state unemployment programs to provide financial assistance to unemployed workers. While states administer benefits, FUTA tax funds federal oversight and loan support for state unemployment systems.
Unlike other payroll taxes:
- Only employers pay FUTA tax
- It is not withheld from employee wages
- It is reported annually using Form 940
Most employers are subject to both federal (FUTA) and state unemployment taxes (SUTA).
For a directory of state unemployment agencies, employers may refer to:
oui.doleta.gov/unemploy/agencies.asp
What Is Form 940?
Form 940, Employer’s Annual Federal Unemployment (FUTA) Tax Return, is used to:
- Report FUTA-taxable wages
- Calculate FUTA tax owed
- Claim credits for state unemployment tax payments
- Reconcile quarterly FUTA deposits
Unlike quarterly payroll forms, Form 940 is filed once per year, making accuracy throughout the year essential.
Who Must Pay FUTA Tax?
Employers determine FUTA liability using three independent tests. If any one applies, FUTA tax is owed for that employee category.
General Employer Test
You are subject to FUTA tax if:
- You paid $1,500 or more in wages during any calendar quarter in 2025 or 2026, or
- You had one or more employees for part of a day in 20 or more different weeks during 2025 or 2026
This test applies to most non-farm, non-household employees.
Household Employees Test
You must pay FUTA tax if:
- You paid $1,000 or more in cash wages to household employees in any calendar quarter
A household employee performs services in:
- A private home
- A local college club
- A fraternity or sorority chapter
Farmworkers Test
FUTA applies to farmworkers if:
- You paid $20,000 or more in cash wages during any calendar quarter, or
- You employed 10 or more farmworkers during at least part of a day in 20 or more different weeks
FUTA Tax Rates and Wage Base Explained
FUTA Tax Rate for 2026
For 2026:
- Standard FUTA rate: 6.0%
- Federal wage base: $7,000 per employee per year
Once an employee’s wages exceed $7,000, FUTA tax no longer applies to that employee for the remainder of the year.
FUTA Credit for State Unemployment Taxes
Most employers qualify for a credit of up to 5.4% for state unemployment taxes paid.
If eligible for the full credit:
- Effective FUTA rate: 0.6%
To qualify:
- State unemployment taxes must be paid in full
- Payments must be made on time
- Wages must match FUTA-taxable wages
- The state must not be designated a credit reduction state
Failure to meet these conditions may increase FUTA liability.
How to Calculate FUTA Tax
Step-by-Step FUTA Calculation
- Identify FUTA-taxable wages
- Apply the $7,000 wage base per employee
- Multiply taxable wages by 0.6% (if full credit applies)
Example:
If you paid an employee $7,000 in FUTA-taxable wages:
$7,000 × 0.6% = $42 FUTA tax
Successor Employer Rules
If you acquire a business from another employer who was subject to FUTA:
- You may count wages already paid by the predecessor
- Applies only to employees who continue working for you
- Prevents duplicate taxation on the same wage base
Details are outlined in the Instructions for Form 940.
Depositing FUTA Tax
Quarterly FUTA Liability Rules
Although Form 940 is filed annually, FUTA tax must be calculated quarterly.
- If quarterly liability is $500 or less, you may carry it forward
- If liability exceeds $500, you must deposit the tax electronically
- Stop depositing once an employee reaches the $7,000 wage base
Deposits must be made via EFT (Electronic Funds Transfer).
FUTA Deposit Schedule
| Quarter Ending | Deposit Due Date |
| March 31 | April 30 |
| June 30 | July 31 |
| September 30 | October 31 |
| December 31 | January 31 |
If the due date falls on a weekend or Legal holiday, the deposit is due the next business day.
How to Pay FUTA Tax
Employers may pay FUTA tax using:
- EFTPS
- Credit or debit card payments via IRS.gov/Pay
Special Rules for Household Employees
Employers are not required to deposit FUTA tax for household employees unless wages are reported on:
- Form 941
- Form 943
- Form 944
If household wages were not reported on those forms:
- FUTA tax is reported on Schedule H (Form 1040)
- An Employer Identification Number (EIN) is required
See IRS Publication 926 for detailed household employer guidance.
Reporting FUTA Tax With Form 940
Filing Deadlines for Form 940
- Standard deadline: February 2, 2026
- Extended deadline (if all FUTA taxes were deposited on time): February 10, 2026
Late filing may result in penalties and interest.
Electronic Filing Options
Employers may electronically file Form 940 using the IRS e-file program:
IRS.gov/EmploymentEfile
This platform supports:
- Original Form 940 filings
- Amended Form 940 returns
Credit Reduction States and Additional Liabilities
In years when states have outstanding federal unemployment loans, employers may owe additional FUTA tax.
Key points:
- Credit reduction liability applies to fourth quarter
- Liability must be included with the Q4 deposit
- Recorded as incurred in the fourth quarter
Details are provided in:
Common FUTA Compliance Mistakes Employers Make
- Applying FUTA tax beyond the $7,000 wage limit
- Missing the $500 quarterly deposit threshold
- Ignoring credit reduction state status
- Filing Form 940 late
- Incorrectly reporting household or farmworker wages
Best Practices for FUTA and Payroll Tax Compliance
To remain compliant and audit-ready:
- Maintain accurate payroll records year-round
- Track FUTA-taxable wages by employee
- Monitor state unemployment payments
- Automate payroll and tax calculations
- Review IRS guidance annually
Businesses working with experienced payroll and compliance partners—such as APAKUS—reduce risk while improving operational efficiency.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is FUTA tax withheld from employees?
No. FUTA tax is paid entirely by the employer.
Can FUTA tax be paid annually instead of quarterly?
No. It must be calculated quarterly, though deposits may be carried forward if under $500.
What happens if FUTA deposits are late?
Late deposits may trigger penalties, interest, and enforcement actions.
Do all employers qualify for the 5.4% credit?
Only if state unemployment taxes are paid in full, on time, and the state is not a credit reduction state.
Conclusion: Staying FUTA-Compliant With Confidence
Form 940 compliance is a vital responsibility for U.S. employers. By understanding FUTA eligibility rules, tax rates, wage bases, deposit thresholds, and filing deadlines, businesses can avoid penalties and ensure uninterrupted operations.
At APAKUS, we help employers simplify payroll tax compliance through structured processes, secure systems, and expert guidance—so you can focus on growth while staying fully compliant.
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