September Payroll Tax Deadlines for US Small Businesses

Payroll tax deadlines aren’t just routine admin work—they’re essential to keeping your business compliant and avoiding penalties. For any US small business, tracking what’s due and when is key, especially as the third quarter ends. Whether you’re managing payroll yourself or working with accounting services in US, staying organized this September will help you meet your federal and state responsibilities on time.

Key Payroll Tax Compliance Tasks Before or By September 15, 2025

1. August Payroll Tax Deposit

Due Date: September 15, 2025 (for monthly depositors)

If your business follows a monthly payroll tax deposit schedule, you’ll need to submit taxes for August wages by this date. That includes:

• Federal income tax withheld

• Employer and employee shares of Social Security and Medicare

2. Prepare Form 941 for Q3 2025

Filing Deadline: October 31, 2025

It’s a good idea to begin reviewing payroll data for July through September now so you’re ready to file on time. Form 941 reports:

• Employee wages

• Tax withholdings

• Employer payroll taxes

3. Federal Unemployment Tax (FUTA) Deposit

Check whether your total FUTA liability for the third quarter (July–September) exceeds $500. If it does, a deposit may be due this quarter.

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4. State Payroll Tax Deposits and Filings

States have different payroll deposit schedules and filing requirements. Depending on your state:

• August deposits might be due in September

• Q3 filings may also fall within the month

Be sure to verify deadlines with your state tax agency.

5. Mid-Year Payroll Review

Now is a great time to review:

• Wage summaries for each employee

• Year-to-date tax withholdings and deposits

• Any adjustments or corrections needed before year-end filings

How Accounting Services Help with Payroll Compliance

Using professional accounting services can take the pressure off small business owners, especially around deadline-heavy months like September. These services can help:

• Track and calculate payroll taxes to ensure accurate withholdings

• Remind you of due dates and submit deposits and filings on time

• Generate and file forms like 941, 940, and W-2s without errors

• Stay updated on changing tax laws, deposit thresholds, and filing requirements

• Provide clear audit trails in case of IRS or state reviews

Smart bookkeeping tools and automation features, when handled by experienced professionals, can streamline these processes—so you can focus on running your business instead of racing against compliance deadlines.

Summary

September brings key payroll tax responsibilities for US small businesses, including federal deposits, state filings, and unemployment tax checks. Staying organized now sets you up for a smoother year-end. Whether you handle things manually or rely on accounting services, planning ahead ensures you’re always on time, accurate, and penalty-free.

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