How Do I Figure Out The Suta Tax On A Payroll?

Each state has Suta tax, also known as state unemployment tax.  They also have a wage base limit and each employer is assigned a state unemployment rate.  For example, in the State of Florida, the suta wage base limit is $7000.  An employer has to pay suta tax on the first $7000 that each employee makes.  Once an employee makes $7000 for an employee, the employer does not have to pay suta tax for that employee until the new year.  Every quarter, the employer has to file a Florida state unemployment form, called UCT-6.   Second example, you only have one employee working for you.  In the first quarter, the employee made $3000.  In the second quarter, the employee made $5000.  For the first quarter, your UCT-6, would read total gross $3000, excess wages $0(because the employee did not make more than $7000), and taxable wages $3000.  Then you would multiply your taxable wages times your unemployment rate.  Let's assume is 2.4%.  $3000 x 2.4%, total taxes due for the first quarter is $72.  For the second quarter return, the employee made $5000.  On your UCT-6 total wages would be $5000, your excess wages would be $1000.  The reason for this is because you have to take into consideration the wages that the employee made in the first quarter of $3000 plus what you need to get to the wage base limit, which is $4000.  The excess is a $1000 (what is left over).  Your taxable wages is $4000 multiplied by your unemployment rate of 2.4%, your total taxes due is $96.  Each state has their own wage base limit and their unemployment form.  You can go on their website for more details.