study guides for every class

that actually explain what's on your next test

Federal Unemployment Tax Act (FUTA)

from class:

Financial Accounting I

Definition

The Federal Unemployment Tax Act (FUTA) is a U.S. law that imposes a payroll tax on employers to fund state workforce agencies. The funds collected are used for paying unemployment compensation to workers who have lost their jobs.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

  1. Employers are responsible for paying FUTA taxes; employees do not contribute.
  2. The current FUTA tax rate is 6% on the first $7,000 of each employee's wages.
  3. Employers can receive a credit of up to 5.4% if they pay state unemployment taxes on time.
  4. FUTA taxes must be reported annually using IRS Form 940.
  5. Certain types of employment are exempt from FUTA, including agricultural labor and household work in private homes under specific conditions.

Review Questions

  • Who is responsible for paying FUTA taxes?
  • What is the current FUTA tax rate and what wage cap does it apply to?
  • Which form is used to report FUTA taxes annually?
© 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.
AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.