Jacobs and Newmark, CPAs logo

Jacobs & Newmark, CPAs

 

100 Lexington Drive, Suite 250, Buffalo Grove, IL 60089

Phone: 847-537-0100

October 2024

Don't Even Think About It

Business financing accounting banking concept. Businesswoman hand doing finances and calculate on desk about cost at home office. Woman working on desk with using calculator, finance accounting.

There is zero wiggle room when it comes to handling the federal income taxes and FICA taxes withheld from employees' paychecks. The taxes are government property, which employers hold "in trust" and then remit to the IRS on a set schedule. Employers are not permitted to use this "trust fund" money for other purposes.


SERIOUS PENALTY
The penalty for breaking the rules is harsh. Any person involved in collecting, accounting for, or paying the trust fund taxes — a "responsible person" — who willfully fails to do so may be liable for a penalty equal to 100% of the unpaid taxes. The penalty is aggressively enforced.


RESPONSIBLE PERSONS
Generally, a responsible person is anyone with the power to ensure that the taxes are paid. This might include a corporation's officers, directors, shareholders, employees, and partnership partners. Under certain circumstances, even family members and professional advisors may be subject to the penalty.


It's not uncommon for there to be more than one responsible person. When that's the case, each responsible person could be found liable for the full penalty.


A WORD ABOUT WILLFUL
Failure to pay trust fund taxes can be willful without being an intentional attempt to evade paying the taxes. Temporarily "borrowing" from the trust fund to meet bona fide business expenses in a pinch can qualify as being willful.


SUBSCRIBE

Enter your Name and Email address to get
the newsletter delivered to your inbox.

Please include name of person that directed you to my online newsletter so I can thank them personally.


CONTACT US

Enter your Name, Email Address and a short message. We'll respond to you as soon as possible.

The information and opinions contained in this web site are obtained from sources believed to be reliable, but their accuracy cannot be guaranteed. The publishers assume no responsibility for errors and omissions or for any damages resulting from the use of the published information. This web site is published with the understanding that it does not render legal, accounting, financial, or other professional advice. Whole or partial reproduction of this web site is forbidden without the written permission of the publisher.