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The Daily Insight

Where do payroll taxes go on 1120S?

Author

Andrew Ramirez

Published Apr 07, 2026

Claiming the Deduction Social Security and Medicare taxes paid by the company out of its own pocket go on Line 12 of Form 1120S — “Taxes and licenses.” Note that Line 12 isn’t just for payroll taxes.

Can an S Corp deduct wages?

Impact of Tax Reform Law Starting in 2018, owners of S corporations and other pass-through entities may deduct up to 20% of their net business income from their income taxes. Employee wages are a business deduction that reduces business income.

Is employer payroll tax an expense?

Employer Payroll Taxes Companies are responsible for paying their portion of payroll taxes. These taxes are an added expense over and above the expense of an employee’s gross pay.

Can a business deduct payroll taxes?

Yes, employer payroll taxes are a business expense that you can deduct on your business taxes. Employee wages are also a business tax write-off. Employee wages include employee payroll taxes, so your business deducts everything you pay your employees, including the portion that goes toward employee payroll taxes.

Can you write off payroll?

Salaries and Wages as Tax-Deductible Expenses. Generally speaking, the salaries, wages, commissions, and bonuses you have paid to the employees of your small business are tax-deductible expenses if they are deemed to be: Ordinary and necessary. Reasonable in amount.

What do you need to know about Form 1120?

Corporations can generally electronically file (e-file) Form 1120, related forms, schedules, and attachments; Form 7004 (automatic extension of time to file); and Forms 940, 941, and 944 (employment tax returns). If there is a balance due, the corporation can authorize an electronic funds withdrawal while e-filing.

Can a sole proprietorship file a Form 1120?

If you are filing as a sole proprietorship, file Schedule C on your personal tax return. If you are filing as a partnership, file Form 1065. If you are filing as a C Corporation, file form 1120. The 1120S is only for S Corps.

How are payroll taxes deducted on a corporate tax return?

Corporations deduct payroll tax expenses on Form 1120 (the corporate income tax return). These expenses are considered “taxes and licenses” and are fully deductible. The sum amount of payroll taxes paid (Social Security, Medicare, and Unemployment) is deducted on line 17 of the form.

What are the penalties for not filing Form 1120?

Failure to furnish information timely. Trust fund recovery penalty. Other penalties. Small business taxpayer. Change in accounting method. Electing a tax year under section 444. Reportable transaction disclosure statement. Penalties. Reportable transactions by material advisors. Transfers to a corporation controlled by the transferor.