Who is a responsible person on payroll taxes. Also what is a defense if I signed checks but had no ownership.?

Answer 1

Hate to say it, but if you are an officer, owner, or check signer, you are a responsible person in the IRS's eyes. I have included a link to explain "responsible person".

Answer 2

I have heard that even the person that is responsible for stamping and mailing the payroll tax deposits are considered responsible persons by the IRS.

I don't know if that is true, but I shows the IRS doesn't fool around with trustee taxes (like payroll taxes)

Answer 3

In the IRS's screwed up world, you can be held responsible for the taxes (and to the bank) if you were an authorized signatory on the checking account.

This is why I NEVER sign payroll checks, or payroll tax forms. I let the bosses do it. Even now, working in my husband's corporation I do not sign payroll, ever.

And if I do sign a non-payroll check, I sign his name like this
Joe Blow, Pres by gem.

Good luck

Answer 4

Company officers and the person responsible for the payment of the taxes.

Answer 5

http://www.irs.gov/businesses/small/article/0,,id=108357,00.html

See the 5th bullet point. I think it applies to you.