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pyork1
September 23, 2024
Question

Quarterly filing of Form 941 error message "Your return is being filed too early"

  • September 23, 2024
  • 1 reply
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Form 941 for the current quarter is available after running all updates (QB system and payroll updates). I can open it and type information into it but the EIN is RED on the first fillable page of Form 941. When I hover over this red number the following message pops out "Your return is being filed too early. The agency does not accept electronic filings of this form before the end of the period being reported. ...If you are receiving this message and the end of the period has occurred, you may have created the form too early. You need to create a new form before sending."

 

I am not trying to FILE early. I would only like to work ahead by completing the form and saving the DRAFT FORM to file later as I have quite a few clients to file for. Obviously we all know we cannot file early. Given that we have all the information needed (Final payroll for the quarter is complete) why not allow us to complete the form early, save the draft, and submit the filing once allowed by the agency?   The error tells me that even if I complete the form early and save it as a DRAFT it will still be rejected due to being completed too early; which means I will need to complete the form once again from the beginning. This is completely inconvenient and quite frankly doesn't make any sense. Has anyone found a workaround? Is there perhaps a setting I can change in the program?  Any help appreciated!

1 reply

S
Shania_C
September 23, 2024

Hi there, pyork1.

 

In QuickBooks Desktop (QBDT), it is possible to save a draft for Form 941. You can fill out the form, save it as draft and submit it on or after the official release date. However, if you're unable to save the draft you can open the draft then file it. Moreover, all changes you make on the draft will override the info. if you can no longer open the draft option you have to create a new form.

 

The IRS regularly updates tax forms to stay current with tax rules and regulations, so QuickBooks Desktop may not provide the option to save Form 941 before its official release date to protect small business owners from fines for filing incorrect returns or underreporting employment taxes.

 

I recommend saving the draft in a separate location and copying and pasting it into QBDT when you're ready to file.

 

Additionally, here are some articles you can check to help you file your 1099-MISC or 1099-NEC forms with the IRS, you may also need to file with your state: File your state 1099 forms.

 

Also,  how to correct or amend previously filed federal forms 941 and 940: File a corrected Federal Form 941 and 940 in QuickBooks Desktop Payroll.

 

I also recommend downloading the latest tax table update every time you pay your employees, or at least every 45 days. This is to ensure your payroll has accurate information.

 

We appreciate your patience as we work diligently to resolve your concern in managing your 941 error message, pyork1. Feel free to reach out again if you have any other questions or need assistance with managing your invoices in QuickBooks. I'm here to help!

BigRedConsulting
BigRedConsulting
September 23, 2024

@Shania_C  RE: In QuickBooks Desktop (QBDT), it is not possible to save a draft for Form 941.

 

Of course it is possible and has been for about 20 years.

 

Why don't you know that? I do. And @pyork1 does.

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