Important 2018 Small Business Tax Filing Deadlines

Did you know that businesses with less than five employees make up 62% of all businesses in the U.S.? For a small business, tax season can seem overwhelming. We’ve compiled the deadline to file taxes for small business in 2018. Mark the dates on your calendar that apply to you and be one step closer to filing your taxes accurately and on-time!

Tax filing deadlines based on a fiscal year ending 12/31/17

Original filing deadlines:

• For partnerships (Form 1065) and S Corporations (Form 1120-S) – March 15, 2018
• For C Corporations (Form 1120) and individuals (Form 1040) – April 17, 2018
• For exempt organizations (Form 990) – May 15, 2018

Final filing deadlines (if you’ve applied and received an extension):

• For partnerships and S Corporations – September 17, 2018
• For C Corporations and individuals – October 15, 2018
• For exempt organizations – August 15, 2018

If your fiscal year doesn’t end on 12/31, use this helpful chart from inDinero.

Other tax deadlines:

• Issue Form W-2 (electronic or mail) to employees – January 31, 2018
• Issue Form 1099-MISC (used if you paid an independent contractor over $600 in the calendar year for their services) – January 31, 2018

Tip from the experts

Try to issue these employee tax forms as soon as possible in 2018. The sooner they receive their forms, the sooner they can file their taxes. But issuing them early also allows you time to correct any errors before the deadline.

Prepare for tax season

Don’t make filing taxes more stressful than it has to be. Here are some easy ways you can prepare for tax season in advance.

1. Make sure you have up-to-date W-4s and/or W-9s for all of your employees and/or contractors.
2. Double check that you’ve properly paid employees during the previous fiscal year, you’ve withheld the appropriate taxes and deposited those withholdings correctly.
3. Get organized. Use our end of year checklist for small businesses to make sure you’re prepared.