The P.A.Y. Academy · fictional 2026 Q1
Follow a quarter into Form 941.
Read the sources. Reconcile each line. Explain why the totals agree—or why a missing record means you must hold.
TRAINING WORKPAPER — NOT A RETURN — DO NOT FILE
This original worked example is separate from your saved company. It uses ten fictional workers and contains no taxpayer identity, bank details or signature. Nothing is filed, paid or saved to your P.A.Y. account.
1. Inspect the fictional source packet
A missing source is not a zero. Changing this lesson clears your worksheet entries so answers from one source scope cannot spill into another.
Open the fictional source ledgers
2. Check the lines, box by box
Enter your own check using dollars without commas. Open “How to review this line” for the calculation and the source to compare. These are explanatory cards, not an official tax form.
Your entries last only while this page is open.
3. Reconcile liability and deposits
The $300 difference in the complete packet needs investigation. It does not establish a lawful payment date, an allowed payment-with-return route or a timely deposit. This example does not calculate deadlines.
Keep the source beside the workpaper
Scope: one ordinary covered U.S. employer’s fictional 2026 Q1. Coverage, wage/tip classification, adjustments and credit facts must come from the packet. Missing evidence keeps affected lines unknown. Special jurisdictions and amended returns are outside this example. The monthly-depositor classification is supplied as a reviewed source fact. Other tax years, returns and state/local mappings remain outside this example.