Quick answer: The next payroll deadlines for most Washington employers are the IRS Form 941 due date on November 2, 2026, the tip reporting due date on November 10, and the monthly federal deposit for October payroll on November 16. Washington ESD reports follow their own quarterly schedule.
Last updated: November 11, 2026
November 2026 deadlines
| Date | Deadline | Who it applies to |
|---|---|---|
| Nov 2 | Form 941 (third quarter 2026) and payment | All employers with federal payroll tax |
| Nov 10 | Employees’ tip reports for October (tips of $20 or more) | Employers with tipped employees |
| Nov 16 | Monthly federal tax deposit for October payroll | Monthly depositors |
Washington payroll items to track
- WA Cares premium: 0.58% of each employee’s gross wages, with no Social Security cap. Remit according to your ESD filing schedule.
- Paid Leave premiums and reports: Quarterly, with the Q3 deadline of October 31, 2026 already passed. See the catch-up guide if you are behind.
- Unemployment insurance reports: Quarterly through ESD.
January 2027
Plan for the Q4 2026 federal and state filings in January. Check the ESD and IRS calendars when the dates are published, because some deadlines move when they fall on weekends or holidays.
Frequently asked questions
Why do the dates differ by deposit schedule?
Federal deposit timing depends on whether you are a monthly or semiweekly depositor, so confirm your schedule in your payroll system.
Where should I verify these dates?
Use the IRS Form 941 instructions and the Employment Security Department employer pages before you file.
Related services
For help keeping up with these deadlines, see our payroll processing and management services.
