Second Quarter Tax Deadlines: What Business Owners Need to File in July
As the second quarter wraps up, July becomes one of the busiest months for business tax filings. Whether you're running payroll, collecting sales tax, or managing compliance reports, this is the time to take action and avoid penalties. In this post, we'll cover what second quarter taxes include, who needs to file, key 2nd Quarter deadlines, and how to stay organized — so you can focus on running your business with confidence.
Paulette Fenton, MSA, EA
6/18/20251 min read
What Is Included in Second Quarter Tax Filings?
The second quarter covers the months of April, May, and June. For business owners, this period comes with multiple responsibilities, including:
Filing federal payroll tax returns (Form 941)
Submitting sales tax collected to your state
Completing excise tax filings or renewing business licenses (if applicable)
These aren’t optional options. Missing a deadline can trigger penalties, interest, or compliance issues.
Key Filings Due in July
Here are the most common second quarter filings for U.S. business owners:
1. IRS Form 941 – Employer’s Quarterly Federal Tax Return
If you pay employees — or if you're an S-Corp owner who pays yourself a salary — you're required to file Form 941 each quarter.
Q2 Form 941 is due: July 31, 2025
Form 941 reports:
Federal income tax withheld
Social Security and Medicare taxes (FICA)
The employer’s share of payroll taxes
💡 Tip: Payroll deposits are due either semi-weekly or monthly depending on your schedule. Don’t forget those deadlines!
2. State Sales Tax Returns
If your business collects sales tax, you must file a return and remit payment to your state’s Department of Revenue
Due dates vary by state and may be:
Monthly (if you meet a sales threshold)
Quarterly (if you're below that threshold)
Most quarterly sales tax returns are due between July 15–31.
Check your state’s portal for exact due dates.
3. Other Local or Industry-Specific Filings
Depending on your business type or location, you may also need to handle:
Excise tax filings
Local business license renewals
Special state compliance filings
⚠️ What Happens If You Miss a Deadline?
Missing your Q2 filing deadlines can lead to:
Late filing penalties
Interest on unpaid taxes
Loss of good standing with your state
IRS notices and payroll audits (especially for Form 941)
For payroll tax noncompliance, you could also face the Trust Fund Recovery Penalty, which makes the business owner personally liable for unpaid taxes.
✅ Conclusion
Second quarter taxes don’t have to be overwhelming. With the right checklist, tools, and reminders in place, you can handle Form 941, sales tax, and other obligations on time — and keep your business running smoothly.
Have questions about your second quarter filings? Get in touch with us here. We’re happy to help.