Understanding Your CP236 Notice

What this notice is about

This is a reminder that you may not be following the semi-weekly (twice per week) payroll tax deposit schedule.  We sent CP236 notices to those taxpayers who didn’t make tax deposits in January. Semi-weekly depositors must deposit the Wednesday or Friday after their payroll date.

What you need to do

Follow the semi-weekly deposit schedule. If you pay employees or others on Wednesday, Thursday, or Friday, deposit the taxes by the next Wednesday. If you pay on Saturday, Sunday, Monday, or Tuesday, deposit by the next Friday.

Frequently asked questions

How do you determine the deposit requirements?

We use a lookback period. For Form 941, it’s the four quarters that end on June 30 of the prior year. For annual forms, it’s the second previous year. If the total tax on the original return(s) for the lookback period is over $50,000, you are a semi-weekly depositor. If the tax was $50,000 or less, you are a monthly depositor.

What if I did not pay employees during the first three weeks of January?

You don’t need to reply. Just follow the semi-weekly deposit schedule when you have a deposit liability.

Helpful information

• Publication 15 (Circular E), Employer’s Tax Guide (For Forms 941, 944, 945) PDF
• Publication 51 (Circular A), Agricultural Employer’s Tax Guide (For Form 943) PDF
• Form 941, Employer's Quarterly Federal Tax Return PDF and Instructions PDF
• Form 943, Employer’s Annual Federal Tax Return for Agricultural Employees PDF and Instructions PDF
• Form 944, Employer’s ANNUAL Federal Tax Return PDF and Instructions PDF
• Form 945, Annual Return of Withheld Federal Income Tax PDF and Instructions PDF

Tips for next year

Review the lookback period every October to determine your correct deposit requirements for next year.