Never Worry About Payroll Taxes Again

Yes, Paychex files payroll tax returns on behalf of employers who outsource their payroll services. Our automated tax filing service handles federal, state, and local tax returns—including quarterly and annual filings—ensuring accuracy and on-time submission to help you avoid penalties.

Employers are responsible for depositing and reporting employment taxes according to IRS and state tax authority deadlines. This includes withholding taxes from employee paychecks and remitting both employee and employer portions to the appropriate agencies. Paychex can handle these deposits and filings automatically when you use our payroll tax services.

Paychex clients can access their tax forms by logging into Paychex Flex®. Navigate to the "Tax Documents" section where you can view and download your W-2, 1099, or other tax forms.

Managing multi-state payroll taxes requires registering with tax authorities in each state where you have employees, tracking different tax rates and rules, and filing returns in multiple jurisdictions. For businesses with remote workers or staff across state lines, Paychex simplifies multi-state payroll tax compliance by automatically calculating state-specific taxes, handling registrations, and managing filings in all applicable states.

Yes, you can handle payroll taxes yourself, but the process can be complex and time-consuming. Managing payroll taxes independently requires staying current with changing federal, state, and local tax laws, calculating withholdings accurately, meeting strict filing deadlines, and maintaining detailed records for audits. Many businesses choose to outsource payroll taxes to ensure compliance, reduce the risk of costly penalties from errors or late filings, and free up time to focus on growing their business.

The main types of payroll taxes include:

• Federal Income Tax – Withheld from employee wages based on W-4 elections
• FICA Taxes – Social Security (6.2%) and Medicare (1.45%) taxes paid by both employers and employees
• Federal Unemployment Tax (FUTA) – Paid by employers to fund unemployment benefits
• State Income Tax – Withheld in most states based on employee elections
• State Unemployment Insurance (SUI) – Paid by employers, with rates varying by state and claims history
• Local Taxes – City or county taxes that apply in certain jurisdictions

Employers are responsible for withholding employee portions, contributing employer portions, and remitting all payroll taxes to the appropriate agencies on schedule.