Changes to withholding tax and wage reporting take effect March 2025
The Tax Department is streamlining withholding tax and wage reporting forms and Web File applications. Beginning March 2025, these improvements will affect the way you file. For detailed information, see Significant changes coming to withholding tax and wage reporting.
We’re updating our website, publications, and other content to reflect the coming changes. To stay up to date, check back frequently or subscribe to Withholding tax emails.
Important information regarding scheduling withholding tax payments and e-filing first-quarter 2025 returns
Due to the upcoming changes to withholding tax and wage reporting, you cannot currently schedule payments for dates after March 20, 2025, or electronically file first-quarter 2025 returns. When our changes are live, you will be able to resume scheduling payments and begin electronically filing first-quarter NYS-45 returns.
If you need to report you permanently ceased paying wages subject to withholding prior to March 20, 2025, you must submit a paper Form NYS-45, Quarterly Combined Withholding, Wage Reporting, and Unemployment Insurance Return.
Effective April 30, 2015, you must electronically file your withholding tax returns. (See Electronic filing mandate for business taxpayers for details.) Review the table below to determine which filing methods you can use for your return.
If you're an employer, you can Web File Form NYS-1 through your Business Online Services account (you’ll need to create an account if you don’t already have one).
If you're a PrompTax filer, you cannot use the Web File option; see PrompTax, below.
If you're a tax preparer or payroll service reporting for 10 or more employers, you can use NYS-1 Upload to file and make NYS-1 withholding tax payments for multiple employers in one transmission.
You can choose from two payment options:
an ACH debit from the submitter's account, or
a paper check (mailed with the payment voucher that's provided upon completion of the upload).
If you're an employer, you can use certain department-approved tax software to e-file through the Federal State Employment Taxes (FSET) program. You can file the following forms through FSET:
The PrompTax program is an electronic filing and payment program that's mandatory for certain businesses. If you're required to participate, we'll contact you by mail. If you're an employer, you can also voluntarily participate in the program through your Business Online Services account.
If you're enrolled in PrompTax, you do not need to file Form NYS-1; your electronic payment serves as your NYS-1 filing.
For more information, see Form TR-370-N,Program Overview: PrompTax Payment Program for Withholding Tax.
You cannot amend Form NYS-45 online. If you need to amend your return, file paper Form NYS-45-X, Amended Quarterly Combined Withholding, Wage Reporting, and Unemployment Insurance Return. For filing instructions, see Form NYS-45-X-I, Instructions for Form NYS-45-X.