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New Member
posted Jun 6, 2019 1:01:23 AM

Can I deduct full payroll taxes in schedule C?

In schedule C for line number 23, can I deduct full Payroll tax or I have to enter just the employer portion of the taxes?

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1 Best answer
Expert Alumni
Jun 6, 2019 1:01:25 AM

You should only include the "employer" portion of the taxes.

To find the correct numbers from your Payroll Returns to determine payroll taxes paid, please use these figures: 

  • Form 940, Employer's Annual Federal Unemployment (FUTA) Tax Return: Line 12 (Total FUTA tax after adjustments)
  • Form 941: Add boxes 5a and 5c, then divide by 2 to calculate employer's match for Social security and Medicare taxes. 
  • Your State most likely has an Unemployment Tax as well which requires you to file a return, so be sure to include that figure.
  • You do not claim any taxes withheld from your Employee's pay as a payroll expense.  This is because you have already claimed their "gross pay" as a deduction under Wages.

3 Replies
Expert Alumni
Jun 6, 2019 1:01:25 AM

You should only include the "employer" portion of the taxes.

To find the correct numbers from your Payroll Returns to determine payroll taxes paid, please use these figures: 

  • Form 940, Employer's Annual Federal Unemployment (FUTA) Tax Return: Line 12 (Total FUTA tax after adjustments)
  • Form 941: Add boxes 5a and 5c, then divide by 2 to calculate employer's match for Social security and Medicare taxes. 
  • Your State most likely has an Unemployment Tax as well which requires you to file a return, so be sure to include that figure.
  • You do not claim any taxes withheld from your Employee's pay as a payroll expense.  This is because you have already claimed their "gross pay" as a deduction under Wages.

New Member
Jun 6, 2019 1:01:27 AM

Thank you for the quick response. This is really helpful..

So just to be clear the Gross Wages can include Employee Portion of Taxes (Federal Tax) + Net Pay, right?

Expert Alumni
Jun 6, 2019 1:01:28 AM

Yes.  For example your employee worked 10 hours and is paid $10 per hour.  His gross wages would be $100.  You use $100 as "wages" paid.  So the amount BEFORE any subtractions for fed, state, social security, and medicare taxes.