Mark Your Calendars, Startups: 2024 U.S. Tax Dates You Don’t Want to Miss
Running a C-Corporation comes with its fair share of perks, but tax season doesn’t rank high on that list. Still, staying on top of deadlines like U.S. Form 1120 filing ensures smooth sailing with Uncle Sam. So, before you get buried in spreadsheets, let’s dive into the crucial tax dates for 2024 and why they matter.
January 31
- Form 1099s need to be issued for independent contractor work or other non-employee services where you paid over $600 in 2023. These forms are due to those providers by January 31.
- Form 3921 is an informational return filed with the IRS to report the transfer of shares of its stock to an employee who exercised an incentive stock option (ISO) during the previous calendar year. The Corporation owes this to the employee by January 31.
March 1
Most startups incorporate in the state of Delaware. March 1 is the deadline to have the state Franchise Filing complete.
April 1
Form 3921 is owed to the IRS by April 1. This must be filed electronically; if filed via paper – the deadline is February 28.
April 15
- For calendar-year C-Corps (those running on a January-December calendar), April 15th is the D-Day for the State and Federal Tax Return. This isn’t just about avoiding late fees. Filing on time allows you to:
- Claim any applicable tax credits and deductions promptly.
- Minimize the risk of IRS audits and penalties.
- Maintain good standing with the government for future business endeavors.
- Procrastinators rejoice; extensions exist. Life happens, and sometimes tax preparation takes a back seat. If you know you won’t meet the deadline, fear not! Form 7004 grants you an automatic six-month extension. However, filing an extension only gives you more time to file, not to pay any taxes owed. Estimate your taxes and make the necessary payments by the original deadline to avoid penalties and interest.
October 15
For those Companies who took advantage of the six-month extension; the deadline for State and Federal Tax Returns is October 15.
December 31
New in 2024, the Corporate Transparency Act, requires startups to file an initial beneficial ownership information report by December 31. This report contains information about the business, its owners, and folks who maintain substantial control over the business. Similar to all of the tax filings, Accountalent, can ensure your business is prepared for this submission.
If your startup’s fiscal year does not align with the calendar year; just remember to file your Form 1120 by the 15th day of the 4th month after your fiscal year ends. For June year-ends, that translates to October 15th.
Beyond the Dates: Stay Informed and Prepared.
Tax laws and regulations can change year-to-year. To stay ahead of the curve, review Accountalent’s blog, regularly, and be on the lookout for emails from us. When in doubt, consult with us when looking for personalized advice.
Remember, staying informed and proactive about your tax filing will save you stress, time, and potential financial headaches. So, mark those dates on your calendar, gather your documents, and file with confidence.