Category: payroll tax

What Happens When You Close a Business with Tax Debt?

23 July, 2025 | payroll tax tax collections

Shutting Down a Business With Tax Debt What to Expect and What You Need to Do: Making the decision to shutter your company can be stressful, but it also means having to manage existing tax debt. It’s a misconception that closing your doors gets you off the hook. If you owe federal or New York State taxes, the business is financially responsible for paying them, and in some cases, you may be personally liable for unpaid... CONTINUE READING

Can Unpaid Payroll Taxes Lead to Jail Time?

28 June, 2025 | payroll tax

Can You Really Go to Jail for Unpaid Payroll Taxes? The bad news is, yes, you can go to jail for unpaid payroll taxes. The good news is, this is generally only a risk if you're willfully avoiding the IRS’s attempts to remedy the situation or you’re intentionally attempting to defraud the IRS or evade paying taxes. Not paying payroll taxes isn't necessarily a crime. But... CONTINUE READING

Behind on Payroll Taxes? Watch Out for IRS Letter 5857

8 March, 2025 | payroll tax

Summary 1. IRS Letter 5857 is sent to taxpayers who have fallen behind on their employment tax deposits, notifying them of an impending phone call from a Revenue Officer to discuss the issue. 2. The IRS prefers to resolve tax issues early and may offer payment arrangements or other relief options. 3. Ignoring the letter can lead to escalating collection efforts, including in-person meetings, liens, levies, and the Trust Fund Recovery Penalty (TFRP), which can hold in... CONTINUE READING

What is the IRS Failure to Deposit Penalty: How Can I Avoid It?

8 March, 2025 | payroll tax

Summary 1. The failure to deposit penalty is assessed when a company fails to collect and transfer payroll taxes, including federal income taxes, Social Security taxes, and Medicare taxes. 2. The penalty is based on the number of days the deposit is late and can range from 2% to 15% of the unpaid amount. 3. This penalty can add up quickly, especially if it’s part of an ongoing issue with late or missed deposits. 4. The IRS also charges interest on penalties... CONTINUE READING

NYS Payroll Tax: Rules, Deadlines, & Tips for Employers

Behind on Payroll Taxes in New York? What You Need to Know Employees in New York must deal with federal, state, and sometimes, local payroll taxes. Failure to pay or file these taxes can lead to significant penalties a...