The IRS Form 1120 is the U.S. Corporation Income Tax Return. Corporations use this form to report their income, gains, losses, deductions, and credits to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). It is essential for C corporations, which are separate legal entities from their owners, to file this form annually. The information reported on Form 1120 helps determine the corporation's tax liability.
Any domestic corporation that is classified as a C corporation must file Form 1120. This includes corporations formed under state laws and those that have elected to be taxed as corporations. However, certain entities, such as S corporations, partnerships, and sole proprietorships, do not use this form. Instead, they have different tax filing requirements.
Form 1120 is generally due on the 15th day of the fourth month after the end of the corporation's tax year. For most corporations that operate on a calendar year basis, this means the due date is April 15. If a corporation needs more time, it can file Form 7004 to request a six-month extension. However, it's important to note that this extension only applies to filing the form, not to paying any taxes owed.
To complete Form 1120, corporations must provide various types of information, including:
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The corporation's name, address, and Employer Identification Number (EIN).
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Income details, including gross receipts or sales, dividends, and interest.
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Deductions for business expenses, such as salaries, rents, and depreciation.
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Tax credits that the corporation may qualify for.
Accurate record-keeping throughout the year will facilitate the completion of this form.
Failing to file Form 1120 can lead to significant penalties. The IRS imposes a penalty for late filing, which can be substantial depending on how late the return is submitted. Additionally, if a corporation does not file, it may lose its corporate status and face further tax complications. It is crucial for corporations to stay compliant with their filing requirements to avoid these issues.
Yes, Form 1120 can be filed electronically. The IRS encourages electronic filing as it is generally faster and more secure than paper filing. Many tax software programs and professional tax preparers offer e-filing options. Corporations should ensure that they use IRS-approved software to file electronically, as this helps streamline the process and reduce errors.