IRS Form 940 Spanish – IRS Forms, Instructions, Pubs 2026 – If you’re an employer in the United States handling federal unemployment taxes, understanding IRS Form 940 Spanish—also known as Form 940-SP—is essential. This form allows Spanish-speaking employers to report their annual Federal Unemployment Tax Act (FUTA) obligations more comfortably. Whether you’re a small business owner, HR professional, or tax preparer, this SEO-optimized guide covers everything you need to know about the Employer’s Annual Federal Unemployment (FUTA) Tax Return (Spanish Version), including its purpose, filing requirements, and step-by-step instructions. We’ll draw from official IRS resources to ensure accuracy for the 2025 tax year, which is filed in 2026.
What Is IRS Form 940-SP?
IRS Form 940-SP is the Spanish version of Form 940, used to report an employer’s annual FUTA tax. The FUTA tax funds unemployment compensation for workers who lose their jobs through no fault of their own. Together with state unemployment taxes, it supports the national unemployment insurance system.
The form calculates the FUTA tax on the first $7,000 of wages paid to each employee, after subtracting exempt payments. For the 2025 tax year, the FUTA tax rate is 6.0% (0.006), but employers can claim a credit of up to 5.4% (0.054) for timely state unemployment taxes paid, reducing the effective federal rate to as low as 0.6%. This credit can be further adjusted if your state has a credit reduction or if payments were late.
Key differences from the English version: Form 940-SP is identical in structure and requirements but translated into Spanish for ease of use, including by employers in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. It’s ideal for bilingual or Spanish-preferring filers, ensuring compliance without language barriers.
Who Must File Form 940-SP?
Not every employer needs to file Form 940-SP. You’re required to file if:
- You paid wages of $1,500 or more to employees in any calendar quarter during 2024 or 2025.
- You had one or more employees for at least some part of a day in any 20 or more different weeks in 2024 or 2025 (count full-time, part-time, or temporary workers, but not independent contractors).
- You’re a household employer who paid cash wages of $1,000 or more in any calendar quarter in 2024 or 2025 for household work.
- You’re an agricultural employer who paid cash wages of $20,000 or more in any quarter or employed 10 or more farmworkers during any part of a day in 20 or more weeks.
Exemptions include certain tax-exempt organizations, but if you’re subject to FUTA, you must file even if your liability is zero after credits. Special rules apply for successor employers, certified professional employer organizations (CPEOs), and aggregate filers.
If you didn’t pay any wages in 2025, mark the appropriate box on the form to indicate this and avoid future notices.
When and Where to File Form 940-SP?
The due date for Form 940-SP for the 2025 tax year is February 2, 2026. If you timely deposited all FUTA taxes, you get an extension to February 10, 2026.
Filing options:
- Electronically: Preferred method via IRS e-file for accuracy and faster processing. Required for aggregate filers or if you’re reporting for 10 or more employees.
- By Mail: Send without payment to Department of the Treasury, Internal Revenue Service, Kansas City, MO 64999-0046. With payment, use P.O. Box 932000, Louisville, KY 40293-2000.
Deposits: If your FUTA liability exceeds $500 in a quarter, deposit electronically using EFTPS (Electronic Federal Tax Payment System). Quarters end April 30, July 31, October 31, and January 31 (next year). Penalties apply for late deposits or filings—up to 5% per month for late filing and additional interest.
Step-by-Step Guide to Filling Out IRS Form 940-SP
Filling out Form 940-SP involves seven parts. Always use your Employer Identification Number (EIN), not a Social Security Number. Here’s a breakdown:
Part 1: Type of Return and State Information
- Check boxes for amended, successor employer, no wages paid, or final return.
- Line 1a/1b: Enter state(s) where you paid unemployment taxes. Check if multi-state.
- Line 2: Check if you paid wages in a credit reduction state (use Schedule A for calculations).
Part 2: Determine FUTA Tax Before Adjustments
- Line 3: Total payments to employees.
- Line 4: Exempt payments (e.g., fringe benefits, group-term life insurance, retirement/pensions—check applicable boxes).
- Line 5: Payments over $7,000 per employee.
- Line 6: Subtotal (4 + 5).
- Line 7: Taxable FUTA wages (3 – 6).
- Line 8: FUTA tax (7 × 0.006).
Part 3: Adjustments
- Line 9: If all FUTA wages excluded from state tax, 7 × 0.054.
- Line 10: For partial exclusions or late state payments, use the worksheet in instructions.
- Line 11: Credit reduction from Schedule A (Form 940-SP).
Part 4: Determine FUTA Tax and Balance
- Line 12: Total FUTA after adjustments (8 + 9 + 10 + 11).
- Line 13: FUTA deposited.
- Line 14: Balance due (if > $500, must deposit; otherwise, pay with return).
- Line 15: Overpayment (apply to next return or refund via direct deposit).
Part 5: Report Liability by Quarter (If Line 12 > $500)
- Lines 16a-16d: Quarterly liabilities.
- Line 17: Total (must equal Line 12).
Parts 6 and 7: Third-Party Designee and Signature
- Authorize a third party if needed.
- Sign and date; paid preparers must also sign.
Use Schedule A (Form 940-SP) for multi-state or credit reduction calculations. Note: Moving expenses and bicycle commuting reimbursements are subject to FUTA tax in 2025.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Filing Form 940-SP
- Using an incorrect EIN or forgetting to notify changes with Form 8822-B.
- Miscalculating exempt payments or overlooking credit reductions.
- Failing to deposit taxes electronically if required, leading to penalties.
- Not attaching Schedule A or R when necessary.
- Rounding errors—keep cents in calculations.
Where to Download IRS Form 940-SP?
You can download the latest Form 940-SP PDF directly from the IRS website. For the 2025 version, use this official link: https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f940sp.pdf. Instructions are available at https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/i940sp.pdf.
FAQs About IRS Form 940 Spanish
- Can I file Form 940-SP electronically? Yes, and it’s encouraged for most filers.
- What if my state has a credit reduction? You’ll pay more FUTA; check the Department of Labor for affected states.
- Do I need to file if I have no tax due? Yes, if you meet the filing thresholds.
- How do I amend a filed Form 940-SP? Check the “amended” box on a new form and explain changes.
Conclusion
Navigating IRS Form 940 Spanish doesn’t have to be complicated. By understanding your FUTA obligations and using the Spanish version for clarity, you can ensure timely compliance and avoid penalties. Always consult the latest IRS instructions or a tax professional for personalized advice. For more details, visit IRS.gov or download the form today. Stay updated, as tax rules can change annually.