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The Federal Supporting Form 1120-S serves as the U.S. Income Tax Return for an S Corporation, a crucial document used by S corporations to report their annual income, gains, losses, deductions, and credits to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). It ensures compliance with tax obligations and aids in the determination of the tax liability for corporations that have elected the S corporation tax status under the Internal Revenue Code. If you're managing an S corporation's finances, understanding and accurately filling out Form 1120-S is imperative. To start preparing this form, click the button below.

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Table of Contents

The Federal Form 1120-S is a tax document for S corporations in the United States, carrying the official title "U.S. Income Tax Return for an S Corporation." Crucially, this form should not be filed unless the corporation has already filed or is attaching Form 2553 to elect the S corporation status. It provides a detailed accounting of the corporation's income, deductions, profits, losses, and tax payments for the year. Alongside basic identification and contact information, it requires corporations to indicate their eligibility for S corporation status and if this status begins with the current tax year. The form also covers aspects such as compensation of officers, salaries, wages, dividends, and various deductions businesses can claim to calculate their taxable income or loss. Moreover, it addresses shareholder specifics, assets, liabilities, and equity at the year's beginning and end, plus additional schedules for detailing international transactions, adjustments, and reconciliations necessary for the IRS's comprehensive understanding of the corporation's fiscal health. This form is pivotal for S corporations navigating their tax obligations, ensuring they comply with federal regulations while potentially optimizing their tax liabilities.

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Form 1120-S

 

 

 

 

 

U.S. Income Tax Return for an S Corporation

 

 

OMB No. 1545-0123

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Do not file this form unless the corporation has filed or

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2021

Department of the Treasury

 

 

 

 

 

 

is attaching Form 2553 to elect to be an S corporation.

 

 

 

Internal Revenue Service

 

 

 

 

 

Go to www.irs.gov/Form1120S for instructions and the latest information.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For calendar year 2021 or tax year beginning

, 2021, ending

 

, 20

A S election effective date

 

 

 

 

Name

 

 

 

D Employer identification number

 

 

 

 

 

TYPE

 

 

 

 

 

 

B

Business activity code

 

Number, street, and room or suite no. If a P.O. box, see instructions.

 

 

E Date incorporated

 

OR

 

 

 

 

number (see instructions)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PRINT

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

City or town, state or province, country, and ZIP or foreign postal code

 

 

F Total assets (see instructions)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

C Check if Sch. M-3 attached

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

 

G Is the corporation electing to be an S corporation beginning with this tax year? See instructions.

Yes

No

H

Check if: (1) Final return

 

(2) Name change (3) Address change

(4) Amended return (5)

 

S election termination

I

Enter the number of shareholders who were shareholders during any part of the tax year

 

. . .

J

Check if corporation: (1)

 

Aggregated activities for section 465 at-risk purposes

(2) Grouped activities for section 469 passive activity purposes

Caution: Include only trade or business income and expenses on lines 1a through 21. See the instructions for more information.

Tax and Payments Deductions (see instructions for limitations) Income

1a

Gross receipts or sales

 

1a

 

 

 

 

 

 

b

Returns and allowances

 

1b

 

 

 

 

 

 

c

Balance. Subtract line 1b from line 1a

. . . . . . . .

1c

 

2

Cost of goods sold (attach Form 1125-A)

. . . . . . . .

2

 

3

Gross profit. Subtract line 2 from line 1c

. . . . . . . .

3

 

4

Net gain (loss) from Form 4797, line 17 (attach Form 4797)

. . . . . . . .

4

 

5

Other income (loss) (see instructions—attach statement)

. . . . . . . .

5

 

6

Total income (loss). Add lines 3 through 5

. . . .

.

. .

6

 

7

Compensation of officers (see instructions—attach Form 1125-E) . . .

. . . . . . . .

7

 

8

Salaries and wages (less employment credits)

. . . . . . . .

8

 

9

Repairs and maintenance

. . . . . . . .

9

 

10

Bad debts

. . . . . . . .

10

 

11

Rents

. . . . . . . .

11

 

12

Taxes and licenses

. . . . . . . .

12

 

13

Interest (see instructions)

. . . . . . . .

13

 

14

Depreciation not claimed on Form 1125-A or elsewhere on return (attach Form 4562)

14

 

15

Depletion (Do not deduct oil and gas depletion.)

. . . . . . . .

15

 

16

Advertising

. . . . . . . .

16

 

17

Pension, profit-sharing, etc., plans

. . . . . . . .

17

 

18

Employee benefit programs

. . . . . . . .

18

 

19

Other deductions (attach statement)

. . . . . . . .

19

 

20

Total deductions. Add lines 7 through 19

. . . .

.

. .

20

 

21

Ordinary business income (loss). Subtract line 20 from line 6 . . . .

. . . . . . . .

21

 

22a

Excess net passive income or LIFO recapture tax (see instructions) . . .

 

22a

 

 

 

 

 

 

b

Tax from Schedule D (Form 1120-S)

 

22b

 

 

 

 

 

 

c

Add lines 22a and 22b (see instructions for additional taxes)

. . . . . . . .

22c

 

23a

2021 estimated tax payments and 2020 overpayment credited to 2021 .

 

23a

 

 

 

 

 

 

b

Tax deposited with Form 7004

 

23b

 

 

 

 

 

 

c

Credit for federal tax paid on fuels (attach Form 4136)

 

23c

 

 

 

 

 

 

d

Add lines 23a through 23c

. . . . . . . .

23d

 

24

Estimated tax penalty (see instructions). Check if Form 2220 is attached .

. . . .

.

.

 

24

 

25

Amount owed. If line 23d is smaller than the total of lines 22c and 24, enter amount owed . . .

25

 

26

Overpayment. If line 23d is larger than the total of lines 22c and 24, enter amount overpaid . . .

26

 

27

Enter amount from line 26: Credited to 2022 estimated tax

 

 

 

Refunded

27

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sign Here

Under penalties of perjury, I declare that I have examined this return, including accompanying schedules and statements, and to the best of my knowledge and belief, it is true, correct, and complete. Declaration of preparer (other than taxpayer) is based on all information of which preparer has any knowledge.

 

 

 

 

May the IRS discuss this return

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

with the preparer shown below?

Signature of officer

Date

Title

 

See instructions.

Yes

No

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Paid

Print/Type preparer’s name

Preparer’s signature

 

Date

Check

if

PTIN

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Preparer

 

 

 

 

self-employed

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Firm’s name

 

 

 

Firm’s EIN

 

 

Use Only

 

 

 

 

 

Firm’s address

 

 

 

Phone no.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For Paperwork Reduction Act Notice, see separate instructions.

Cat. No. 11510H

 

 

Form 1120-S (2021)

 

Form 1120-S (2021)

Page 2

Schedule B

 

Other Information (see instructions)

1 Check accounting method: a

Cash

b

Accrual

c Other (specify)

2 See the instructions and enter the:

a Business activity

b Product or service

3At any time during the tax year, was any shareholder of the corporation a disregarded entity, a trust, an estate, or a nominee or similar person? If “Yes,” attach Schedule B-1, Information on Certain Shareholders of an S Corporation . .

4At the end of the tax year, did the corporation:

aOwn directly 20% or more, or own, directly or indirectly, 50% or more of the total stock issued and outstanding of any foreign or domestic corporation? For rules of constructive ownership, see instructions. If “Yes,” complete (i) through (v)

below . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Yes No

(i)Name of Corporation

(ii)Employer Identification

Number (if any)

(iii)Country of Incorporation

(iv)Percentage of Stock Owned

(v)If Percentage in (iv) Is 100%, Enter the Date (if applicable) a Qualified Subchapter

S Subsidiary Election Was Made

bOwn directly an interest of 20% or more, or own, directly or indirectly, an interest of 50% or more in the profit, loss, or capital in any foreign or domestic partnership (including an entity treated as a partnership) or in the beneficial interest of a trust? For rules of constructive ownership, see instructions. If “Yes,” complete (i) through (v) below . . . . . . .

(i)Name of Entity

(ii)Employer Identification

Number (if any)

(iii)Type of Entity

(iv)Country of Organization

(v)Maximum Percentage Owned in Profit, Loss, or Capital

5a At the end of the tax year, did the corporation have any outstanding shares of restricted stock? . . . . . . . .

If “Yes,” complete lines (i) and (ii) below.

(i)

Total shares of restricted stock

(ii)

Total shares of non-restricted stock

bAt the end of the tax year, did the corporation have any outstanding stock options, warrants, or similar instruments? . If “Yes,” complete lines (i) and (ii) below.

(i)

Total shares of stock outstanding at the end of the tax year

.

(ii)Total shares of stock outstanding if all instruments were executed

6Has this corporation filed, or is it required to file, Form 8918, Material Advisor Disclosure Statement, to provide

 

information on any reportable transaction?

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

7

Check this box if the corporation issued publicly offered debt instruments with original issue discount . . . .

 

If checked, the corporation may have to file Form 8281, Information Return for Publicly Offered Original Issue Discount

 

Instruments.

 

8If the corporation (a) was a C corporation before it elected to be an S corporation or the corporation acquired an asset with a basis determined by reference to the basis of the asset (or the basis of any other property) in the hands of a C corporation, and

(b) has net unrealized built-in gain in excess of the net recognized built-in gain from prior years, enter the net unrealized built-in

gain reduced by net recognized built-in gain from prior years. See instructions . . . . . . $

9Did the corporation have an election under section 163(j) for any real property trade or business or any farming business

in effect during the tax year? See instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

10 Does the corporation satisfy one or more of the following? See instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

aThe corporation owns a pass-through entity with current, or prior year carryover, excess business interest expense.

bThe corporation’s aggregate average annual gross receipts (determined under section 448(c)) for the 3 tax years preceding the current tax year are more than $26 million and the corporation has business interest expense.

cThe corporation is a tax shelter and the corporation has business interest expense.

If “Yes,” complete and attach Form 8990.

11 Does the corporation satisfy both of the following conditions? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

aThe corporation’s total receipts (see instructions) for the tax year were less than $250,000.

bThe corporation’s total assets at the end of the tax year were less than $250,000. If “Yes,” the corporation is not required to complete Schedules L and M-1.

Form 1120-S (2021)

Form 1120-S (2021)

Page 3

Schedule B

Other Information (see instructions) (continued)

Yes No

12During the tax year, did the corporation have any non-shareholder debt that was canceled, was forgiven, or had the

terms modified so as to reduce the principal amount of the debt? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

If “Yes,” enter the amount of principal reduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $

13During the tax year, was a qualified subchapter S subsidiary election terminated or revoked? If “Yes,” see instructions .

14a Did the corporation make any payments in 2021 that would require it to file Form(s) 1099?

 

b

If “Yes,” did the corporation file or will it file required Form(s) 1099?

 

15

Is the corporation attaching Form 8996 to certify as a Qualified Opportunity Fund?

 

If “Yes,” enter the amount from Form 8996, line 15

. . . . $

 

 

 

 

Schedule K

Shareholders’ Pro Rata Share Items

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total amount

 

 

1

Ordinary business income (loss) (page 1, line 21)

. . . . . .

. .

1

 

 

 

 

2

Net rental real estate income (loss) (attach Form 8825)

. . . . . .

. .

2

 

 

 

 

3a

Other gross rental income (loss)

 

3a

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

b

Expenses from other rental activities (attach statement)

. . . .

 

3b

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

c

Other net rental income (loss). Subtract line 3b from line 3a . . .

. . . . . .

. .

3c

 

(Loss)

 

4

Interest income

. . . . . .

. .

4

 

 

 

5

Dividends: a Ordinary dividends

. . . . . .

. .

5a

 

 

 

 

 

Income

 

 

b Qualified dividends

 

5b

 

 

 

 

 

 

6

Royalties

. . . . . .

. .

6

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

7

Net short-term capital gain (loss) (attach Schedule D (Form 1120-S))

. . . . . .

. .

7

 

 

 

 

8a

Net long-term capital gain (loss) (attach Schedule D (Form 1120-S)) .

. . . . . .

. .

8a

 

 

 

b

Collectibles (28%) gain (loss)

 

8b

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

c

Unrecaptured section 1250 gain (attach statement)

 

8c

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

9

Net section 1231 gain (loss) (attach Form 4797)

. . . . . .

. .

9

 

 

 

 

10

Other income (loss) (see instructions) . . .

Type

 

 

 

 

 

10

 

 

Deductions

 

11

Section 179 deduction (attach Form 4562)

. . . . . .

. .

11

 

 

 

12a

Charitable contributions

. . . . . .

. .

12a

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

b

Investment interest expense

. . . . . .

. .

12b

 

 

 

c

Section 59(e)(2) expenditures

Type

 

 

 

 

 

12c

 

 

 

d

Other deductions (see instructions) . . . .

Type

 

 

 

 

 

12d

 

 

 

13a

Low-income housing credit (section 42(j)(5))

. . . . . .

. .

13a

 

 

 

b

Low-income housing credit (other)

. . . . . .

. .

13b

 

Credits

 

c

Qualified rehabilitation expenditures (rental real estate) (attach Form 3468, if applicable)

. .

13c

 

 

d

Other rental real estate credits (see instructions)

Type

 

 

 

 

 

13d

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

e

Other rental credits (see instructions) . . .

Type

 

 

 

 

 

13e

 

 

 

f

Biofuel producer credit (attach Form 6478)

. . . . . .

. .

13f

 

 

 

g

Other credits (see instructions)

Type

 

 

 

 

 

13g

 

International Transactions

 

14

Attach Schedule K-2 (Form 1120-S), Shareholders’ Pro Rata Share Items—International, and

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

check this box to indicate you are reporting items of international tax relevance . . .

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Alternative MinimumTax Items(AMT)

15a

Post-1986 depreciation adjustment

. . . . . .

. .

15a

 

b

Adjusted gain or loss

. . . . . .

. .

15b

 

c

Depletion (other than oil and gas)

. . . . . .

. .

15c

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

d

Oil, gas, and geothermal properties—gross income

. . . . . .

. .

15d

 

 

 

e

Oil, gas, and geothermal properties—deductions

. . . . . .

. .

15e

 

 

 

f

Other AMT items (attach statement)

. . . . . .

. .

15f

 

ItemsAffecting ShareholderBasis

 

16a

Tax-exempt interest income

. . . . . .

. .

16a

 

 

f

Foreign taxes paid or accrued

. . . . . .

. .

16f

 

 

 

b

Other tax-exempt income

. . . . . .

. .

16b

 

 

 

c

Nondeductible expenses

. . . . . .

. .

16c

 

 

 

d

Distributions (attach statement if required) (see instructions) . . .

. . . . . .

. .

16d

 

 

 

e

Repayment of loans from shareholders

. . . . . .

. .

16e

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Form 1120-S (2021)

Form 1120-S (2021)

 

 

Page 4

Schedule K

 

Shareholders’ Pro Rata Share Items (continued)

 

Total amount

 

Information

17a

Investment income

17a

Other

d

Other items and amounts (attach statement)

 

 

 

 

b

Investment expenses

17b

 

 

c

Dividend distributions paid from accumulated earnings and profits

17c

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Recon-

ciliation

18

 

Income (loss) reconciliation. Combine the amounts on lines 1 through 10 in the far right

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

column. From the result, subtract the sum of the amounts on lines 11 through 12d and 16f .

18

 

Schedule L

Balance Sheets per Books

 

Beginning of tax year

 

 

End of tax year

 

 

Assets

 

(a)

 

(b)

 

(c)

 

 

(d)

1

Cash

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2a

Trade notes and accounts receivable . . .

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

b

Less allowance for bad debts

(

 

)

 

 

(

)

 

 

3

Inventories

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4

U.S. government obligations

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5

Tax-exempt securities (see instructions) . .

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

6

Other current assets (attach statement) . . .

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

7

Loans to shareholders

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

8

Mortgage and real estate loans

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

9

Other investments (attach statement) . . .

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

10a

Buildings and other depreciable assets . . .

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

b

Less accumulated depreciation

(

 

)

 

 

(

)

 

 

11a

Depletable assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

b

Less accumulated depletion

(

 

)

 

 

(

)

 

 

12

Land (net of any amortization)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

13a

Intangible assets (amortizable only) . . . .

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

b

Less accumulated amortization

(

 

)

 

 

(

)

 

 

14

Other assets (attach statement)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

15

Total assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

16

Accounts payable

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

17

Mortgages, notes, bonds payable in less than 1 year

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

18

Other current liabilities (attach statement) . .

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

19

Loans from shareholders

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

20

Mortgages, notes, bonds payable in 1 year or more

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

21

Other liabilities (attach statement) . . . .

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

22

Capital stock

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

23

Additional paid-in capital

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

24

Retained earnings

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

25

Adjustments to shareholders’ equity (attach statement)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

26

Less cost of treasury stock

 

 

 

(

)

 

 

(

)

27

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity . .

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Form 1120-S (2021)

Form 1120-S (2021)

Page 5

Schedule M-1

Reconciliation of Income (Loss) per Books With Income (Loss) per Return

 

Note: The corporation may be required to file Schedule M-3. See instructions.

1

Net income (loss) per books . . . .

 

 

5

 

Income recorded on books this year

 

 

2

Income included on Schedule K, lines 1, 2,

 

 

 

 

not included on Schedule K, lines 1

 

 

 

 

 

 

through 10 (itemize):

 

 

 

 

3c, 4, 5a, 6, 7, 8a, 9, and 10, not recorded

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

on books this year (itemize)

 

 

a

 

Tax-exempt interest $

 

 

 

3

Expenses recorded on books this year

 

 

6

 

Deductions included on Schedule K,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

not included on Schedule K, lines 1

 

 

 

 

lines 1 through 12 and 16f, not charged

 

 

 

through 12 and 16f (itemize):

 

 

 

 

against book income this year (itemize):

 

 

a

Depreciation $

 

 

a

 

Depreciation $

 

 

 

b

Travel and entertainment $

 

 

7

 

Add lines 5 and 6

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

8 Income (loss) (Schedule K, line 18).

 

 

4

Add lines 1 through 3

 

 

 

 

Subtract line 7 from line 4 . . . .

 

 

Schedule M-2

Analysis of Accumulated Adjustments Account, Shareholders’ Undistributed Taxable Income

 

 

 

Previously Taxed, Accumulated Earnings and Profits, and Other Adjustments Account

 

 

 

(see instructions)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(a) Accumulated

 

(b) Shareholders’

 

(c) Accumulated

(d) Other adjustments

 

 

 

 

 

adjustments account

 

undistributed taxable

 

earnings and profits

account

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

income previously taxed

 

 

 

 

1

Balance at beginning of tax year

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2

Ordinary income from page 1, line 21 . . .

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3

Other additions

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4

Loss from page 1, line 21

(

 

)

 

 

 

 

 

5

Other reductions

(

 

)

 

 

 

(

)

6

Combine lines 1 through 5

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

7

Distributions

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

8

Balance at end of tax year. Subtract line 7 from

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

line 6

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Form 1120-S (2021)

Form Breakdown

Fact Number Fact Detail
1 Form 1120-S is used by S corporations for their U.S. income tax return.
2 The form requires an S corporation to have filed or be attaching Form 2553 to elect S corporation status.
3 It includes sections for reporting income, deductions, and tax payments.
4 Specific schedules within the form allow for the detailing of compensation, as well as dividends and deductions.
5 Businesses can report their total assets and shareholder information on this form.
6 The form asks whether the corporation is electing to be an S corporation starting with the tax year in question.
7 Shareholders’ pro rata share items are reported on Schedule K.
8 Form 1120-S must be signed by an officer of the corporation under penalties of perjury.
9 Governing tax law includes the Internal Revenue Code (IRC) specifically applicable to S corporations.
10 If applicable, corporations must attach Schedule M-3, M-1, and other designated forms for additional detailed reporting.

Guidelines on Filling in Federal Supporting

After completing the Form 1120-S, U.S. Income Tax Return for an S Corporation, the next steps involve thorough review and verification processes to ensure all provided information is accurate and complies with the Internal Revenue Code requirements. It's crucial to attach any required schedules or documents, such as Form 2553 for the S Corporation election, and any other relevant forms that substantiate deductions, credits, or income reported. Following submission, await confirmation from the IRS, and prepare for any potential queries or requests for additional information. Keep a copy of the submitted form and attachments for records.

  1. Gather necessary documents: Before starting, collect all financial records, the corporation's EIN, and details about shareholders and their shares.
  2. Electing S Corporation Status: Confirm Form 2553 has been submitted if this is the first year filing as an S Corporation.
  3. Complete the Basic Information Section: Fill in the S election effective date, name, and employer identification number. Also, specify the business activity code, address, the date incorporated, and total assets.
  4. Answer all questions in Section G and H: Indicate if the corporation is electing to be an S corporation this tax year and check applicable boxes for final return, name change, address change, amended return, or S election termination.
  5. Indicate the number of shareholders (Section I): Enter the number of shareholders during any part of the tax year.
  6. Detail Income and Expenses: Report gross receipts, sales, returns and allowances, cost of goods sold, and calculate gross profit. Also, detail deductions like compensation of officers, salaries, repairs, and maintenance.
  7. Calculate Ordinary Business Income (Line 21): Subtract total deductions from total income to determine ordinary business income or loss.
  8. Calculate Tax and Payments: Complete the sections concerning excess net passive income or LIFO recapture tax, tax from Schedule D, estimated tax payments, and any overpayment or amount owed.
  9. Sign and Date the Return: The form must be signed by an officer of the corporation, certifying that the information is accurate under penalty of perjury.
  10. Attach Required Documents: Include Schedule K and any other necessary schedules or forms as outlined in the instructions for the Form 1120-S.
  11. Review and Submit: Before submitting, review the form and attachments for accuracy. Then, file with the IRS by the prescribed deadline.

Upon successful submission, maintain a copy of the form and all supportive documents for the corporation's records. This will be essential for future reference or if any IRS follow-up is required.

Learn More on Federal Supporting

What is Form 1120-S and who needs to file it?

Form 1120-S is the U.S. Income Tax Return for an S Corporation. It is designed for S corporations to report their income, gains, losses, deductions, credits, and other information necessary for the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to assess their federal income tax liability. An S corporation must file this form if it has elected to be treated as such by filing Form 2553 and has received IRS approval for its S corporation status. This election allows the corporation's income, deductions, and other financial activities to be passed through to its shareholders, who then report this activity on their own personal income tax returns.

When is the deadline to file Form 1120-S?

The deadline for filing Form 1120-S is the 15th day of the 3rd month following the end of the corporation's tax year. For most S corporations operating on a calendar year, this date falls on March 15th of the following year. If the due date falls on a weekend or legal holiday, the deadline is extended to the next business day. It is important for S corporations to file by the due date to avoid potential penalties and interest for late filing. Extensions are available, but they must be filed by the original due date using Form 7004.

What are the key sections of Form 1120-S?

Form 1120-S includes several sections, each serving a specific purpose in the reporting process:

  1. Income : This section requires the reporting of gross receipts or sales, returns and allowances, cost of goods sold, and other income, culminating in the total income or loss for the corporation.
  2. Deductions : It lists allowable deductions, including compensation of officers, salaries and wages, repairs and maintenance, taxes and licenses, and other deductions, leading to the total deductions taken.
  3. Tax and Payments : This section calculates the tax owed based on income and deductions, along with estimated tax payments and any overpayment or amount owed.
  4. Schedule K : Schedule K breaks down shareholders’ pro-rata share items, detailing ordinary business income, net rental real estate income, dividends, and other income, as well as deductions and tax preference items.

Additionally, other schedules and forms may need to be attached, depending on the corporation's specific income and deductions.

How does an S corporation election affect taxation?

An S corporation is considered a pass-through entity for tax purposes. This means the corporation itself does not pay federal income taxes. Instead, the corporation's income, losses, deductions, and credits are passed through to its shareholders. Shareholders then report this flow-through of income and losses on their personal tax returns, paying tax at their individual income tax rates. This setup aims to avoid the double taxation commonly faced by C corporations, which pay tax at the corporate level, with dividends taxed again at the individual shareholder level. Making an S corporation election can provide significant tax benefits, especially for smaller businesses looking to minimize their overall tax liability.

Common mistakes

Filling out the Form 1120-S, U.S. Income Tax Return for an S Corporation, is a crucial process for S corporations in the United States to comply with tax obligations. However, mistakes can be made during this process. Here are ten common errors:

  1. Not verifying that the corporation has filed or is attaching Form 2553 to elect to be an S corporation, which is a requirement for filing Form 1120-S.
  2. Omitting the Employer Identification Number (EIN) - a unique number assigned to the corporation by the IRS for identification purposes.
  3. Incorrectly reporting the business activity code, which should accurately reflect the primary source of revenue for the corporation.
  4. Failing to indicate the S election effective date if the corporation is electing to be an S corporation beginning with the tax year.
  5. Overlooking to check the appropriate boxes under item H for applicable situations like final return, name change, address change, amended return, or S election termination.
  6. Miscalculating total assets, which is essential information that impacts various parts of the tax return.
  7. Entering incorrect information regarding the number of shareholders who were shareholders during any part of the tax year.
  8. Not properly itemizing deductions and not attaching necessary forms such as Form 1125-A for cost of goods sold or Form 1125-E for compensation of officers.
  9. Failure to accurately report income and payments, which includes not just gross receipts or sales but also returns and allowances, cost of goods sold, and specific types of income and deductions.
  10. Incorrectly completing the Schedule K-1 sections, which detail the shareholders’ pro-rata share of income, deductions, credits, etc., leading to potential discrepancies and misunderstandings.

These mistakes can lead to errors in the tax return, which might result in penalties, audits, or additional scrutiny from the IRS. Therefore, it is imperative for S corporations to thoroughly review their Form 1120-S before submission, ensuring all information is complete, accurate, and compliant with the IRS requirements.

Documents used along the form

When preparing to file Form 1120-S, U.S. Income Tax Return for an S Corporation, several other forms and documents are commonly used in conjunction to ensure accurate and compliant tax filing. These additional forms play vital roles in providing detailed information, claiming specific deductions or credits, and complying with reporting requirements.

  • Form 2553: Election by a Small Business Corporation - Used by corporations to elect the S corporation status. This form must be filed before or in conjunction with Form 1120-S.
  • Form 1125-E: Compensation of Officers - Details the compensation of officers, a requirement if the S corporation has total receipts of $500,000 or more.
  • Form 1125-A: Cost of Goods Sold - For S corporations involved in manufacturing or selling goods, this form details the cost of goods sold, which is deductible against gross receipts.
  • Form 4562: Depreciation and Amortization - Corporations use this form to report depreciation and amortization, including any special expense deductions for equipment or property acquired during the fiscal year.
  • Form 4797: Sales of Business Property - If the S corporation sold, exchanged, or involuntarily converted business property, this form is needed to report gains or losses from the transaction.
  • Form 8825: Rental Real Estate Income and Expenses of a Partnership or an S Corporation - Similar to Schedule E (Form 1040), this form reports income and expenses from rental real estate activity.
  • Form 8990: Limitation on Business Interest Expense Under Section 163(j) - Corporations subject to the business interest expense limitation under IRC §163(j) use this form to calculate and report the allowable deduction.
  • Schedule K-1 (Form 1120-S): Shareholder’s Share of Income, Deductions, Credits, etc. - Details each shareholder's share of the corporation's income, deductions, and credits. It is essential for shareholders to file their personal tax returns accurately.

Together, these forms contribute to a thorough reporting and compliance process for S corporations and their shareholders, addressing various aspects of the business's financial activities, tax deductions, and shareholder distributions. Properly completing and attaching these complementary documents to Form 1120-S ensures compliance with IRS requirements and helps maximize potential tax benefits.

Similar forms

  • The Form 1065 U.S. Return of Partnership Income closely mirrors the Federal Supporting Form in purpose and structure as both are designed for entities that pass income through to their owners (partners in the case of 1065 and shareholders for the S corporation). Like the 1120-S, the Form 1065 requires reporting of income, deductions, and credits, and it provides a schedule (Schedule K-1) to report each partner's share of these items.

  • Form 1120 U.S. Corporation Income Tax Return is similar because it also covers reporting of income, gains, losses, deductions, and credits to determine the entity’s federal income tax liability. While it is for C corporations, which are taxed separately from their owners, the form parallels the structure of Form 1120-S by requiring detailed financial information and supporting documents.

  • The Form 1041 U.S. Income Tax Return for Estates and Trusts exhibits similarities in that it is used by fiduciaries to report the income, deductions, gains, losses, etc., of estates and trusts. Like the 1120-S, it allocates income to beneficiaries (similar to shareholders) through schedules.

  • Form 990 Return of Organization Exempt from Income Tax serves a similar role for tax-exempt organizations, requiring them to report their income, expenses, and activities. This form parallels the financial reporting and transparency aspects of the 1120-S, even though it is designed for a different type of entity.

  • The Schedule K-1 (Form 1120-S) Shareholder’s Share of Income, Deductions, Credits, etc. is an integral part of Form 1120-S, similar in purpose to the individual statements provided in other tax return packages (like the K-1 for Form 1065 partners) to report each owner's share of the entity's income and deductions, indicating its interconnectedness with the core form.

Dos and Don'ts

When preparing the Federal Supporting Form 1120-S for an S Corporation, there are precise steps you should follow to ensure compliance and accuracy in your filing. Adhering to these guidelines can facilitate a smoother processing of your tax return and help in avoiding common mistakes.

Things You Should Do:

  1. Ensure that Form 2553 for the S corporation election has been previously filed or is attached. The transition to an S Corporation status is significant, requiring specific documentation to be recognized officially by the IRS.

  2. Accurately report all income and expenses relevant to the business's operation on lines 1a through 21. This clear delineation of income and expenses directly impacts the business's taxable income and must reflect true figures for proper tax assessment.

  3. Attach all necessary forms such as Form 1125-A for cost of goods sold, Form 1125-E for compensation of officers, Form 4797 for gains or losses, and Schedule K for shareholder income distributions. These accompanying documents provide detailed insights into the financial components of the corporation.

  4. Check the appropriate boxes on the form to indicate significant events such as a change in the corporation's name, address, or the termination of the S corporation election. These events can have legal and tax implications requiring notification to the IRS.

Things You Shouldn't Do:

  1. Avoid leaving any fields blank that are applicable to your corporation. Incomplete forms can lead to processing delays or the IRS requesting additional information, potentially delaying tax refunds or assessments.

  2. Do not include income or expenses not related to the corporation's trade or business on lines 1a through 21. Keeping personal and business finances separate is crucial for an accurate tax return.

  3. Resist the temptation to estimate or guess financial figures. Ensure that all numbers reported on the tax return are accurate and can be substantiated with financial documents or receipts if required by the IRS.

  4. Never sign the form before it is completely filled out and all necessary documents are attached. The signature certifies that all information is accurate to the best of your knowledge. Submitting incomplete or inaccurate information knowingly can result in penalties.

Adhering to these dos and don'ts can considerably reduce the likelihood of errors while ensuring that your S Corporation's tax return is compliant with IRS requirements. This care in preparation underscores the responsibility of accurately reporting your corporation's financial activities to the federal government.

Misconceptions

There are several common misconceptions about the Federal Supporting Form 1120-S, U.S. Income Tax Return for an S Corporation. It's important to clear these up for accurate filing and compliance:

  • Only corporations with assets need to file: All S corporations, regardless of their assets or income level, are required to file Form 1120-S. It’s not just corporations with extensive assets or substantial income that need to file, but all that are elected to be treated as S corporations.
  • Profitability is a prerequisite for filing: Whether an S corporation has made a profit or incurred a loss during the tax year, it must still file Form 1120-S. The form accounts for both income and losses, which can affect shareholder reporting and future tax obligations.
  • It’s just for reporting income: While reporting income is a significant component, Form 1120-S also collects information on deductions, tax credits, and other financial activities. The form plays a crucial role in how income is distributed and taxed to shareholders, affecting personal tax returns.
  • Shareholder salaries can be skipped: Compensation of officers and salaries paid to shareholders who work for the corporation must be reported on Form 1120-S. This is a critical area of IRS scrutiny, as it ensures that profits are not being disguised as salaries to avoid taxes.

Understanding these facts ensures that S corporations comply with IRS requirements, thereby avoiding penalties and fostering transparency in tax reporting.

Key takeaways

When completing the Federal Supporting Form 1120-S for S corporations, it is crucial to understand and adhere to the specific requirements and instructions provided by the IRS to ensure accurate and compliant filing. Below are key takeaways to consider:

  • Eligibility requirements must be met before filing: An S corporation must have filed or be attaching Form 2553 to elect S corporation status prior to filing Form 1120-S.
  • Correct tax year information is essential: Clearly state the tax year, beginning and ending dates, to avoid confusion and processing delays.
  • Accurate identification and business information are required: Include the corporation’s name, employer identification number, business activity code, and complete address.
  • Detailed financial data is necessary: Report total assets and check if Schedule M-3 is attached, indicating a more detailed financial reporting requirement.
  • Check applicable conditions: Indicate if the corporation is making an S election for the current tax year or if it’s a final return, name change, address change, amended return, or S election termination.
  • Accurate shareholder information is crucial: Enter the number of shareholders who were shareholders during any part of the tax year and check relevant boxes for aggregated activities for section 465 at-risk purposes or grouped activities for section 469 passive activity purposes.
  • Comprehensive reporting on income and deductions is crucial: Include all information on income, deductions, losses, and taxes, following the specific instructions for each item to accurately calculate ordinary business income or loss.
  • Meticulous preparation of additional schedules and statements may be necessary: Depending on the corporation’s activities and financial transactions, additional forms such as Schedule K (Shareholders’ Pro Rata Share Items), Schedule L (Balance Sheets), Schedule M (Reconciliation of Income), and others may be required.

By following these key points and consulting the IRS instructions for Form 1120-S, preparers can accurately complete and submit the tax return for an S corporation, ensuring compliance with federal tax regulations.

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