- Workers should use the IRS Tax Withholding Estimator after life changes to avoid over- or under-withholding on paychecks.
- Employers must accurately withhold, electronically deposit, and timely file employment taxes while protecting payroll data from fraud.
- National Payroll Week recognizes payroll professionals and promotes use of IRS resources such as Publication 15 and webinars for updates.
Background on National Payroll Week
Each September, National Payroll Week highlights the contributions of payroll professionals who ensure workers receive accurate and timely pay. The 2026 observance ran from Sept. 7-11 and served as a timely reminder from the IRS for both employees and employers to examine their tax-related practices.
The IRS issued the reminder on Sept. 4, 2026, noting that payroll professionals support America’s workers, businesses, and the tax system. IRS Chief Executive Officer Frank J. Bisignano emphasized the agency’s commitment to equipping these professionals with necessary tools and services.
Why Workers Should Check Withholding
Federal income tax is typically withheld from paychecks based on earnings and the information employees provide on Form W-4. The IRS recommends periodic reviews of withholding, especially after major life events such as marriage, divorce, birth or adoption of a child, job changes, multiple jobs, or significant income shifts.
The free IRS Tax Withholding Estimator helps determine if the correct amount of tax is being withheld. Users input details from recent pay statements along with information on income, deductions, and credits. Results can guide completion of a new Form W-4, which is submitted only to the employer, not the IRS.
Employer and Payroll Responsibilities
Employers and payroll professionals are responsible for accurately withholding federal income, Social Security, and Medicare taxes from employee wages. They must deposit these taxes electronically through systems such as the Electronic Federal Tax Payment System (EFTPS), IRS Direct Pay for businesses, or Business Tax Account.
Timely filing of employment tax returns, including Forms 940, 941, 943, 944, and 945, is required, with electronic filing options available. Records must be maintained for at least four years. To guard against fraud, employers should verify changes to direct deposit information through trusted channels, limit system access, implement multifactor authentication, and watch for phishing attempts.
The IRS provides Publication 15 (Circular E), Employer’s Tax Guide, and Publication 15-T, Federal Income Tax Withholding Methods, to assist with these obligations.
Resources and Upcoming Updates
A free webinar titled IRS and Payroll Professionals – Partners in Every Paycheck was scheduled for Sept. 8, 2026. It covered federal employment tax deposits, Trump Account employer contributions, 2026 Form W-2 reporting changes, and available IRS payroll resources.
Ongoing support includes the Payroll Professionals Tax Center, the Tax Withholding Estimator, Business Tax Account, e-filing options, and subscription to e-News for Payroll Professionals for updates on reporting, procedures, and announcements.
Considering Your Overall Tax Situation
While National Payroll Week focuses on current withholding and employment tax duties, some individuals may have separate questions about resolving prior tax debts with the IRS or state agencies. In those cases, a private firm such as Republic Tax Relief can provide a free, no-obligation initial consultation to discuss suitability, scope, fees, and availability of tax-resolution services for communicating with the IRS.
Readers should remember that the payroll observance and related IRS resources address withholding and compliance, while any existing tax-debt matters fall outside this announcement.
Announcement covered: Sep 4, 2026.
General information only, not individual tax, legal, or financial advice. Rules, deadlines, and eligibility depend on your circumstances. Check current official guidance or consult a qualified professional.
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