What to file for 2nd quarter returns and by when

What Q2 Means & Deadlines

  • Quarter 2 covers April 1 – June 30.
  • Key deadlines:
  • Sales & Use Tax (if quarterly): due July 20, 2025
  • Withholding & Unemployment Tax Returns: due July 31, 2025
  • Estimated Payment: for federal and MN, due June 15, 2025 for federal; MN estimated due June 16, 2025

Three Pillars’ Q2 Filing Checklist

1. Bookkeeping & Financial Docs

• P&L and balance sheet up to June 30.

• Bank & credit card statements processed and reconciled.

• Accounts receivable/payable aging reviews.

• Expenses/invoices categorized accurately in QuickBooks.

2. Payroll Withholding & Unemployment

• Gather payroll data for April–June.

• Federal Form 941 (Q2) due July 31.

• State withholding, UI filings also due July 31

• Double-check employee wages, withholdings, and UI taxable wages.

3. Sales & Use Tax

• Collect reporting from April–June.

• File return and remit payment by July 20

• This applies even if sales are zero—file a “zero return”

4. Estimated Income Tax Payments

• Calculate June 15 federal, and June 16 Minnesota estimated taxes

• Needed for incomes above thresholds; file electronically or via mail.

5. Payroll Tax Deposits

• Confirm all required payroll tax deposits (SS, Medicare, federal withholding) made timely.

• If not, ensure catch-up before Q2 return submission.

6. Supplemental Forms

• Nonresident withholding? File Form M 8/M 3 by June 30 (alongside quarterly)

• Pass-throughs, corporate filings follow separate federal/state deadlines.

🛠 How Three Pillars Helps

Located in Forest Lake at 838 S Lake St, Three Pillars offers a full suite of services: bookkeeping, payroll, sales-use tax filings, and CFO consulting. Here’s how they support Q2 filing:

• Complete Books – Clean, accurate G/L in QuickBooks.

• Payroll & Q2 Tax Prep – Accurate filings for federal/state withholding and unemployment.

• Sales Tax Filings – They compile data, file timely quarterly returns.

• Estimated Taxes – Calculate and pay 2nd quarter federal & MN estimates on time.

• Consulting – Identify potential savings, compliance issues, and tax planning.

📝 Q2 Filing Timeline

By When      What to Submit

June 15      Federal estimated tax (2nd quarter)

June 16      Minnesota estimated tax (if required)

July 20      Sales & use tax return and payment (April–June)

July 31      Form 941, MN withholding & unemployment filings/payments

Setup automatic reminders in QuickBooks or your calendar to manage these.

Why it Matters

• Avoid penalties/interest from late or missed filings.

• Stay audit ready with well organized books and reconciliations.

• Uncover tax strategies via accurate financial data.

• Free up your time to focus on growing your business while Three Pillars handles compliance.

🧭 Final Take

Filing Q2 returns can feel overwhelming—but with a clear checklist and a local partner like Three Pillars, it doesn’t have to be:

1. Reconcile transactions up to June 30.

2. Prepare payroll files and confirm deposits.

3. File sales tax by July 20.

4. File withholding & UI returns by July 31.

5. Pay estimated taxes in mid June.

To streamline the process, reach out to Three Pillars Bookkeeping & Accounting at (651) 899 2002 or visit their website for a complimentary consultation.

Post written by AI, Approved by 3PB

Three Pillars Bookkeeping and Business Services

763-464-6408, [email protected]

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Your books should give you peace of mind, not stress. Let’s build a financial foundation that helps you make confident decisions and stay ready for what’s next.  We’ll review your current systems, identify opportunities for improvement, and show you how Three Pillars can help your business thrive.