What are the journal entries required to record federal income tax withheld?

To accurately record the federal income tax withheld from employees' wages, the appropriate journal entry involves debiting the salary payable account and crediting the federal income tax withheld liability account. This effectively recognizes the company's obligation to remit the withheld taxes to the federal government.

When wages are processed, the company acknowledges that it owes the employees their gross pay (reflected in salary payable) but also has a responsibility to withhold a portion of that pay for federal income taxes. By debiting salary payable, the entry reflects the establishment of a liability for the total amount owed to the employees. Simultaneously, crediting federal income tax withheld recognizes the company's duty to withhold that specific amount from employees' wages for tax purposes, thereby creating a liability for the government.

This recording accurately reflects the dual nature of payroll transactions—recognizing both the employees’ right to receive their earnings and the company's responsibility to withhold taxes. The other responses do not correctly represent the relationship and accounts affected during the withholding process.