What is the penalty for an employer who does not deposit FICA taxes on time?

The correct answer indicates that there is a fixed penalty amount for employers who fail to deposit FICA taxes on time. When employers do not adhere to the deposit schedule for FICA taxes, they become subject to specific penalties outlined by the IRS. The penalties can vary based on how late the deposits are made, but they typically start at a certain fixed percentage of the unpaid tax amount.

This ensures that there is a consequence for not complying with tax obligations, which helps maintain the integrity of the Social Security and Medicare programs. Penalties are in place to encourage timely payments and compliance with tax laws, helping the government to fund these essential social programs.

In this case, the other options are not accurate representations of the consequences for late payments. Interest charges alone do not address the penalties for late deposits, and there is indeed a penalty in place, so stating that there is no penalty is also incorrect. Additionally, imposing additional taxes on future deposits is not a standard outcome of failing to make timely tax deposits. The structured penalty system requires employers to be diligent in meeting their tax responsibilities.