It’s tax season! And if you’re reading this, you have until April 15th, 2024, to submit your company’s return before the federal deadline.
Not sure that applies to you? No worries.
In this post, we’ll explain the business tax deadline and when you need to file your forms this year. We’ll also include a list of important tax dates that you should monitor as a small business owner.
Business Tax Deadline 2024
In the U.S., the business tax deadline is the date by which businesses must submit their federal tax returns. Most businesses adhere to this deadline unless they are a partnership, S corporation, or LLC.
U.S. businesses file one return per fiscal year. Tax returns are based on revenue generated in the past year.
Pro Tip: If you’re not sure how to file taxes for your business, check out these questions to ask your tax professional.
When is the business tax filing deadline?
The business tax deadline is April 15th, 2024. According to the IRS, “the due date is the 15th day of the fourth month following the end of the tax year.” That’s their way of saying that unless it’s a holiday or a weekend, the deadline will fall on the 15th of April, or it will be scheduled for the next available business day.
Businesses also have the option to file for an extension if they don’t prepare their taxes in time. This delays the deadline until the fall, giving business owners more time to complete their required documents.
For partnerships, S corporations, and LLCs, the business tax deadline is March 15th. Like other small businesses, you can file for an extension for these too, but that must be done by the tax deadline.
When is my business’s tax deadline?
Not sure what type of business you have? Here’s what each of these terms mean:
- Sole Proprietor: You own this business. You don’t share ownership with anyone else.
- Partnership: You share ownership of this business with one person or multiple people.
- Limited Liability Company (LLC): You share ownership of this business with other “members.” Members can be people, corporations, other LLCs, etc.
- C Corporation: Your business has shareholders that invest money and property for stock in your company.
- S Corporation: Your business has shareholders that manage corporate income, losses, deductions, and credits for federal tax purposes.
Pro Tip: Don’t miss the tax deadline! If you do, your business may be subject to penalties and fees from the IRS.
Small Business Tax Deadlines
Here are a few important tax deadlines to bookmark as a small business owner. Note that some of these dates may change due to holidays or weekends. If so, that deadline will take place on the following business day:
- Small Business Tax Deadline (Sole Proprietors and C Corporations): April 15th
- Partnerships, LLCs, S Corporation Tax Deadline: March 15th
- Extended Deadline for Sole Proprietors and C Corporations: October 15th
- Extended Deadline for Partnerships, LLCs, and S Corporations: September 15th
- Employees Receive W2’s: January 31st
- Contractors Receive 1099 Forms: January 31st
If your company files quarterly tax payments, here are those deadlines as well:
- Q1 Tax Payments: April 15th
- Q2 Tax Payments: June 15th
- Q3 Tax Payments: September 15th
- Q4 Tax Payments: January 15th
Pro Tip: Is it your first time filing taxes for your business? Avoid these common mistakes made by business owners during tax season.
Getting Ready for Tax Season
We get it. No one wants to do taxes. It’s like taking out the trash or sweeping the floor. It’s tedious but needs to be done so you can get back to doing what you love most: running your business.
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