Form 945 Annual Return Deadline: January 31, 2026 | Federal Withholding Tax Guide

Form 945 is filed by employers and payers to report federal income tax withheld from non-payroll payments like pensions, IRAs, and gambling winnings. The filing deadline for tax year 2025 is January 31, 2026.

Form 945 Annual Return Deadline: January 31, 2026. Call +1-866-513-4656.

Form 945 – Annual Return of Withheld Federal Income Tax

Form 945 is used by employers, payers, and plan administrators to report federal income tax withheld from non-payroll payments. This includes:

  1. Pension and annuity distributions

  2. IRA payments

  3. Military retirement pay

  4. Gambling winnings

Filing Form 945 on time ensures compliance with IRS regulations and avoids penalties.

Who Must File Form 945?

You must file Form 945 if:

  1. Federal income tax was withheld from non-payroll payments during the tax year

  2. You are a pension plan administrator, financial institution, or government agency responsible for these payments

For detailed IRS guidance, see IRS Form 945 Instructions.

Information Reported on Form 945

Form 945 captures:

  1. Total federal income tax withheld

  2. Deposits made during the year

  3. Adjustments or corrections from prior periods

Accurate reporting ensures proper IRS recordkeeping and avoids penalties or underpayment issues.

Form 945 Filing Deadline

For tax year 2025:

  1. Due date: January 31, 2026

Filing after the deadline can result in penalties and interest. Early preparation ensures smooth compliance.

How to Pay Federal Withholding Tax

  1. Taxes should be deposited through EFTPS (Electronic Federal Tax Payment System) or via check/money order with the return.

  2. Ensure total withheld amounts match your deposits to avoid errors.

Timely and accurate deposits prevent penalties and IRS notices.

FAQs: Form 945

1. Do I need to file Form 945 if I only handle payroll taxes?
No. Form 945 is specifically for non-payroll federal withholding. Payroll withholding is reported on Form 941 or 944.

2. What if I miss the Form 945 deadline?
Late filing may result in penalties and interest on unpaid withholding.

3. Can Form 945 be filed electronically?
Yes. The IRS encourages filing via E-File for faster processing and fewer errors.

4. Are there exemptions from filing Form 945?
Yes. If no federal income tax is withheld from non-payroll payments, filing is not required.

Get Professional Help With Form 945

Non-payroll withholding, including pensions, IRAs, and gambling winnings, can be complicated. Professional assistance ensures accurate filing, correct calculations, and IRS compliance.

Call +1-866-513-4656 for expert help with Form 945, withholding calculations, and reporting.

Final Note

Employers and payers should carefully review all non-payroll withholding records. The Form 945 filing deadline is January 31, 2026, and timely, accurate filing ensures compliance and avoids penalties.

Call +1-866-513-4656 today for trusted guidance on Form 945 and federal withholding taxes.

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EfillTaxFormDeadline2026 helps individuals and businesses track accurate 2026 e-file tax form deadlines, IRS due dates, and extension rules—so you can file on time and stay compliant.