IRS Form 945 (2015): Late & Amended Filing Guide

What IRS Form 945 (2015) Is For

IRS Form 945 (2015) serves as the Annual Return of Withheld Federal Income Tax for non-payroll income payments. It ensures that businesses, payers, and individuals report the correct amount of federal income tax withheld from payments such as pensions, gambling winnings, and taxable income from investments. Each taxpayer must file this form if income was subject to backup withholding during that tax year.

The form applies to all payments reported under the taxpayer identification number and aligns with federal tax brackets and applicable tax rates. It also supports proper reporting of income, credits, and deductions to prevent filing errors. Using this form correctly ensures compliance with federal requirements and helps taxpayers maintain accurate tax records.

Employers must complete all required Payroll & Employment Tax Forms to report wages and taxes accurately.

When You’d Use Form 945 for 2015 (Late or Amended Filing)

Taxpayers and businesses file IRS Form 945 (2015) when federal income tax from non-payroll income was not reported or requires correction. Late or amended filing ensures withheld income payments, credits, and deductions are correctly matched to the taxpayer identification number for that tax year. Accurate filing maintains compliance and prevents further notices or account adjustments.

Late Filing

File when the original 2015 return was not submitted by the February 2016 deadline. A timely correction prevents additional tax rates, interest, or penalties from being applied to unpaid balances.

Amended Return

Use Form 945-X to correct income, payments reported, or payer information. Accurate revisions ensure that federal income tax records are aligned with current IRS data.     

Key Rules or Details for 2015

IRS Form 945 (2015) followed specific tax year requirements for reporting federal income tax on non-payroll income payments. These details enabled taxpayers to calculate their taxable income, apply credits, and ensure accurate payments to the IRS. Meeting these standards prevented late filing issues and incorrect tax rates.

Deposit Schedules and Deadlines

• Monthly depositors applied if the 2013 liability was $50,000 or less; semiweekly deposits applied if the amount was higher.
  
  
• The filing deadline was February 1, 2016, or February 10, 2016, for taxpayers who made timely deposits.
  
  
• Payments must be made through an electronic transfer using the EFTPS system to complete federal income tax deposits.
  
  
• Taxpayers must use only the 2015 version of all forms and ensure that taxpayer identification details are accurately and consistently recorded.
  
  
• Taxpayers should keep all records, payments, and IRS notices to support future audits and confirm accurate filing.

Step-by-Step: How to File IRS Form 945 (2015)

Filing IRS Form 945 (2015) ensures that federal income tax withheld from non-payroll income payments is accurately reported to the IRS. Each step must reflect the correct tax year’s income payments, deductions, and credits to maintain compliance and prevent late filing issues.

1. Gather Required Records: Taxpayers should collect forms that show taxable income, payments, and backup withholding for the 2015 tax year.
   
   
2. Confirm IRS Information: Taxpayers should request account transcripts using Form 4506-T to verify previous filings and payments.
   
   
3. Use the Correct Form Year: Taxpayers must file using the 2015 version of Form 945 and attach Form 945-A if semiweekly deposits apply.
   
   
4. Submit and Keep Proof: Taxpayers should file electronically or mail to the 2015 address, then retain confirmation receipts and payment records.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Taxpayers often face issues when filing IRS Form 945 (2015) due to incorrect data entry or missing information. Understanding how to avoid these problems helps ensure accurate reporting of federal income tax withheld from non-payroll income payments. Each point below highlights a standard error and a practical way to correct it before submission.

• Using the Wrong Form Year: Taxpayers should always file with the official 2015 version to ensure accuracy with the correct tax rates and deductions.
  
  
• Incorrect Deposit Reporting: Taxpayers must confirm that payments align with the withholding periods shown on their records to prevent penalties.
  
  
• Incomplete Payer Details: Taxpayers should include a valid taxpayer identification number and contact information to avoid processing delays.
  
  
• Omitting Form 945-A: Taxpayers should attach this document if it is required to report annual tax liability properly.
  
  
• Failing to Verify Signatures: Taxpayers should review every form and signature before filing to prevent late filing notices and account issues.

For more information on business tax problems, visit our guide.

What Happens After You File IRS Form 945 (2015)

Once IRS Form 945 for 2015 is filed, the IRS reviews the return to confirm the accuracy of income payments, taxpayer identification numbers, and payment records. The review period can take several weeks, depending on whether the filing was electronic or mailed. If discrepancies appear, the IRS issues a notice requesting clarification or additional documentation to resolve account issues.

When a return is filed late, penalties and interest apply based on the original 2016 due date. The failure-to-file penalty is 5% per month, while unpaid balances accrue a 0.5% monthly interest charge until full payment is made. Taxpayers unable to pay may request an installment agreement using Form 9465 or apply for penalty relief through Form 843. Maintaining open communication with the IRS helps ensure compliance and prevents future withholding problems.

FAQs About IRS Form 945 (2015)

How late can I file IRS Form 945 (2015)?

Taxpayers can still file a late tax return for the 2015 tax year if federal income tax was withheld from income payments. Late filing may result in added interest and payment penalties until the total taxes owed are paid in full. Filing accurately ensures that the IRS applies the reported payments and credits to the correct account.

Can I still receive a refund for the 2015 tax year?

Refund claims must be submitted within three years of the original due date or two years from the final payment date. The IRS reviews each request to confirm reported income, deductions, and credits before approving refunds. Timely filing helps taxpayers recover eligible overpayments and maintain accurate tax records.

How do tax brackets and tax rates affect my filing?

Federal income tax brackets determine how taxable income is calculated for each taxpayer during the 2015 tax year. Using the correct tax rates prevents overpayment or underpayment on non-payroll income. Taxpayers should review all forms to ensure the correct bracket applies to their income level.

How can I stop backup withholding on my income payments?

To stop backup withholding, individuals must provide a correct taxpayer identification number to the payer. Submitting Form W-9 allows the payer to certify account information and prevent unnecessary withholding. Once the IRS verifies the data, future income payments will no longer be subject to backup withholding.

What should I do if I receive an IRS notice about Form 945?

If you receive an IRS notice about your Form 945 filing, respond promptly to prevent interest or additional payment demands. The notice may request updated forms, missing taxpayer details, or corrections to taxable income amounts. Communicating with the IRS ensures your account remains current and properly filed.