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Business Owners in Georgia Under IRS Scrutiny — Payroll Tax Mistakes That Trigger Audits

Georgia business owners are under increasing IRS scrutiny in 2025, especially when it comes to payroll tax compliance. Even minor errors in reporting, deposits, or classifications can trigger IRS audits, federal tax liens, and personal liability under the Trust Fund Recovery Penalty (TFRP).

Why Payroll Taxes Are High Risk

Employers are legally responsible for withholding and remitting federal income and FICA taxes on behalf of employees. The IRS considers these “trust fund taxes,” making errors extremely serious. Common payroll tax mistakes include:

  • Missing or late Form 941 deposits.

  • Misclassifying employees as independent contractors.

  • Using withheld tax funds to cover business expenses.

  • Filing inaccurate, incomplete, or late returns.

The Consequences of Payroll Tax Errors

The penalties for noncompliance can be severe:

  • TFRP Assessments: The IRS can make business owners personally liable for unpaid payroll taxes.

  • Federal and State Liens: Both IRS and Georgia DOR can attach liens to business and personal assets.

  • Seizures and Audits: Ongoing noncompliance can lead to asset seizures, garnishments, and full-scale audits.

Georgia-Specific Payroll Tax Issues

In addition to federal oversight, Georgia adds its own layer of enforcement:

  • The Georgia Department of Revenue (DOR) imposes state penalties and interest for payroll violations.

  • Errors in state unemployment tax (SUTA) filings often surface during IRS or DOR audits.

  • Multi-county or multi-location businesses must manage complex reporting requirements.

How MJ Tax Relief Helps Business Owners

Our firm provides hands-on assistance to protect Georgia businesses from payroll tax fallout:

  • Review payroll systems for errors and discrepancies before audits occur.

  • Negotiate affordable payment plans that keep operations running smoothly.

  • Defend clients during TFRP investigations, limiting exposure.

  • Implement ongoing compliance programs to prevent future violations.

Proactive Prevention Tips for Georgia Employers

To avoid payroll tax crises:

  • Partner with certified payroll service providers.

  • Reconcile payroll and tax accounts monthly.

  • Contact a tax professional immediately upon receiving an IRS or DOR notice.

Conclusion

Payroll tax issues can destroy businesses and expose owners to personal liability. MJ Tax Relief helps Georgia business owners correct errors, settle debts, and build long-term compliance to protect their future operations and reputation.


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