Who Must File
Each system unit and local lodge unit must file an annual tax return, Form CT-1, Employer's Annual Railroad Retirement Tax Return, with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). The grand lodge may choose to file one Form CT-1 with the IRS for all units.
Where to File
Please review the "Where to File" section of the IRS's CT-1 Instructions.
Due Date
Form CT-1 for a calendar year is due at the IRS by the last day of February of the following year.
IRS/RRB Jurisdiction Coordination
The IRS and the RRB have coordination procedures for their respective functions is connection with railroad retirement. A copy of each employer's completed Form CT-1 is sent to the RRB for tax reconciliation with that employer's reported creditable compensation for the year.
Form CT-1 is also used to report the amount of Medicare tax paid, but there is no corresponding employee earnings report which must be filed with the RRB for payment of the Medicare tax.
Representatives from the RRB have no authority to give definitive answers to railroad retirement tax questions. Although the Quality Reporting Service Center reporting specialist may help you with some railroad retirement tax or Form CT-1 questions, it may be necessary for them to refer you to an IRS railroad retirement tax specialist.
Obtaining Form CT-1
Form CT-1 is an IRS form, not a RRB form. The IRS releases Form CT-1, and its separate instructions, to employers in December. Form CT-1 is also available on the IRS Internet site at www.irs.gov. If you do not receive a Form CT-1 by December 31, contact the IRS. If you are still unable to obtain Form CT-1, contact QRSC at the number or e-mail address shown on the title page.
Tax Rates and Compensation Bases
The RRB notifies employers by December each year of the tax rates and compensation bases applicable for the following year. This information is also available here.
How to Make Tax Deposits
Railroad retirement taxes must be deposited with an authorized financial institution or a Federal Reserve Bank /branch by electronic funds transfer using the Electronic Federal Tax Payment Systems (EFTPS). To get more information about EFTPS or to enroll in EFTPS, visit the EFTPS website at www.eftps.gov, or call 1-800-555-4477 or 1-800-733-4829 (TDD).
Additional information about EFTPS is also available in the Internal Revenue Service Publication (Pub.) 966, Electronic Federal Tax Payment System: A Guide to Getting Started. See Form CT-1 for deposit requirements.
If you do not want to use EFTPS, you can arrange for your tax professional, financial institution, payroll service, or other trusted third party to make a deposit on your behalf. However, EFTPS is a free service provided by the Department of Treasury. Services provided by your tax professional, financial institution, payroll service, or other party may have a fee.
As previously stated, taxes must be deposited with the U.S. Department of the Treasury; taxes must not be paid to the IRS or to the RRB.
CT-2, Employee Representative's Quarterly Railroad Retirement Tax Return
Do not use Form CT-2, Employee Representative's Quarterly Railroad Retirement Tax Return, to make deposits. Only Employee Representatives use Form CT-2. An “employee representative” within the meaning of the Railroad Retirement Act does not refer to an employee of a national rail labor organization employer.
When to Make Tax Deposits
In general, your total RRTA tax liability in the previous year determines the frequency of your tax deposits. Each November, the IRS will notify employers of their deposit frequency for the coming calendar year. If you do not receive a notification, you must determine your own deposit status. See the deposit rules in the Form CT-1 instructions.
Medicare Tax
Form CT-1 is also used to report the amount of SSA Medicare tax paid. There is no corresponding employee earnings report that must be filed with the RRB for payment of the Medicare tax.
Penalties and Interest
The law provides penalties for failure to file and late filing of a Form CT-1 and failure to pay taxes or late payment or deposit of taxes. Interest is also charged on taxes deposited late at the rate set by law. If you are unavoidably late in filing or paying taxes, send an explanation with Form CT-1. If taxes are not withheld and paid, you may be subject to a penalty of 100% of the unpaid taxes.
RRB/IRS Coordination
The IRS and the RRB have coordination procedures for their respective functions concerning railroad retirement. Form CT-1 information is sent to the RRB for tax reconciliation with that employer's reported creditable compensation for the year.
Representatives from the RRB have no authority to give definitive answers to railroad retirement tax questions. Questions about railroad retirement taxes or completion of Form CT-1 may be directed to a Quality Reporting Service Center reporting specialist at the RRB. However, it may be necessary for them to refer you to an IRS railroad retirement tax specialist for the answers to some questions about railroad retirement taxes.