 Employer’s Outsourcing Payroll Responsibilities
Many employers outsource some of their payroll and related tax duties to third-party payroll service providers. They can help assure filing deadlines and deposit requirements are met and greatly streamline business operations. But remember, employers are ultimately responsible for the payment of income tax withheld and both the employer and employee portions of social security and Medicare taxes.
Third Party Arrangements
Employers may designate or enter into an agreement with a third party in which the third party agrees to take over some or all of the employer’s Federal employment tax withholding, reporting and payment responsibilities and obligations. The following common third party arrangements are discussed in this section:
- Payroll Service Provider (PSP)
- Reporting Agent (RAF)
- Section 3504 Agent
Depending on the facts and circumstances, and the type of third-party arrangement, an employer who uses a third party to perform Federal employment tax functions on its behalf may remain solely liable for Federal employment taxes, or may become jointly and severally liable for such taxes.
Third Party Arrangement Chart
The attached chart illustrates some differences in authority between a payroll service provider, reporting agent authorized under Form 8655, Reporting Agent Authorization (PDF) and an agent appointed using Form 2678, Employer/Payer Appointment of Agent (PDF).
Reporting Agents (RAF)
General Information
Reporting Agents have long served an important role in our nation’s tax collection system as a conduit between employers and the IRS. Reporting Agents improve the efficiency of IRS tax collection and compliance. Reporting Agents assist employers in making required tax deposits and tax information filings to the Federal Government and to state and local governments.
Aggregate Form 941 and Form 940 filers must use Schedule R
IRC section 3504 agents must use the Schedule R for Form 941 and the Schedule R for Form 940 to provide an allocation of aggregate employment tax returns the agents file for multiple clients.
TIN Matching Service
Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) Matching
TIN matching is part of a suite of Internet based pre-filing e-services that allow “authorized payers” the opportunity to match 1099 payee information against IRS records prior to filing information returns. This service may assist in improving the accuracy of Form 1099 data, and reduce subsequent penalties and error notices. E-services users must register to have access to products such as TIN Matching. To get started using TIN Matching, please visit our e-services.
References/Related Topics
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