TaxBandits Knowledge Base

What is Form 945-A, and when it should be filed?

Form 945-A is an Annual Record of Federal Tax Liability used by employers who withhold federal income tax from non-payroll payments, such as pensions, annuities, and certain deferred compensation. The purpose of Form 945-A is to reconcile the amount of federal income tax withheld from these payments with the total tax liability for the year. However, If you file this Form 945-A, you must check the boxes as ‘semi-weekly depositor’ on Form 945 and efile Form 945 to the IRS.

In general, this Form must be filed by January 31 of the year following the calendar year in which the non-payroll payments were made. For example, if non-payroll payments were made in 2024, Form 945-A would be due by January 31, 2025.

It's important to note that Form 945-A is not required to be filed if the total amount of federal income tax withheld from non-payroll payments during the year is less than $2,500. In this case, the employer can report the tax withheld on their annual income tax return (Form 1040 or Form 1120, for example) rather than filing Form 945-A.