2024 Business Tax Deadlines You Need To Know

In this guide, you’ll learn about the common business tax deadlines that entrepreneurs need to know. Identify the deadlines that apply to your business and save them to your calendar. Staying ahead of tax deadlines is the best way to maintain compliance and avoid IRS penalties throughout the year.

Need some help with tax prep this year? Contact a Hiline advisor and learn how we can help.

Key Takeaways

• Business tax deadlines vary by entity type, with specific dates for sole proprietorships and single-member LLCs (April 15), S Corporations and Partnerships (March 15), and C corporations (April 15).

• Estimated quarterly tax payments are due four times a year. Key 2024 due dates are April 15, June 15, September 15, and January 15 (of the following year). Failure to make these payments can result in penalties.

• Payroll tax obligations for employers include quarterly filings for federal payroll taxes (Form 941) and year-end filings for unemployment tax (Form 940) and W-2 forms, which are due by January 31.

Estimated Tax Payment Deadlines

Think of estimated tax payments as your quarterly check-in with the IRS. This means you’ll pay tax on your income four-times throughout the year using the estimated tax payment system.

While the specifics will differ depending on whether you’re filing as an individual or a corporation—sole proprietors, freelancers, S Corp shareholders, and all C Corps must make quarterly payments that adhere to business tax deadlines.

Individual estimated tax is relevant if you earn money that’s not subject to income tax withholding. For individuals, sole proprietors, partners, or S corporation shareholders, Form 1040-ES is the go-to for calculating these payments. If you’re a corporation, you’ll use Form 1120-W instead.

The estimated taxes approach spreads the burden of tax payments over the year, helping you avoid the sting of a hefty tax bill at the end of the tax year. It also helps you stay on good terms with the IRS, which is always a good idea. 

Key Dates for Quarterly Estimated Tax Deadlines 2024

For estimated tax, the fiscal year is broken down into quarterly tax payments, each with a specific due date in the current tax year. No matter how your business is structured, these are the quarterly tax payments due dates every business owner needs to know:

• Estimated Tax Payment Period Ending March 31: April 15

• Estimated Tax Payment Period Ending May 31: June 15

• Estimated Tax Payment Period Ending August 31: September 15

• Estimated Tax Payment Period Ending December 31: January 15 of the following year

If your tax year doesn’t begin on January 1, see the special rules for fiscal year taxpayers in Chapter 2 of Publication 505.

If any of these due dates fall on a weekend or a legal holiday, the deadline gets pushed to the next business day. As long as your quarterly tax payments are postmarked by the due date, they’re considered on time. 

Pro Tip: Setting aside a portion of your revenue in a separate savings account for these tax payments can ease the financial impact. Consider using accounting software that can help estimate these taxes for you, so you’re not caught off guard.

Calculating Estimated Tax Payments

To estimate your tax payments, you’ll need to anticipate your expected income, deductions, and credits for the year. If your financial situation has changed significantly or there have been updates to tax laws, you should adjust your estimates accordingly. 

You can use last year’s tax return as a reference point to help with this process.

Business Income Tax Deadlines

In terms of tax deadlines, this one’s The Big One. Business income tax is the tax that businesses pay on their profits. Planning for and filing an annual income tax return is a key aspect of financial management for any business. Pay close attention to your business structure, because the deadlines will differ based on how you’re organized.

Key Dates for Business Income Tax Deadlines 2024

• Sole Proprietorships and Single-Member LLCs (Schedule C on Form 1040): The due date aligns with Tax Day, which falls on April 15th each year. However, if the 15th day falls on a Saturday or a holiday, Tax Day is moved to the next business day. A tax extension pushes this to October 15, 2024.

• S Corps (Form 1120S) and Partnerships (Form 1065): These entities have a deadline of March 15, 2024. If you need more time, you can file for a tax extension, which gives you until September 16, 2024, to submit your returns.

• C Corps (Form 1120): The deadline falls on April 15, 2024, for C corps. If you file for a tax extension, you’ll have until October 15, 2024.

Mark these business income tax deadline dates on your calendar and you’ll ensure timely filing to avoid penalties.

 

Tax Form Deadlines

Keeping track of tax forms and deadlines can be a daunting task, but it’s critical for staying compliant with tax laws. If you can, prepare the necessary tax forms well in advance to ensure a smooth tax filing process.

Key Dates for Business Tax Form Deadlines 2024

Sole Proprietorship due dates:

• Schedule C (Profit or Loss from Business): April 15, 2024, for individual tax returns (Form 1040).

• Form 1040 (Individual Tax Return): April 15, 2024, for reporting business income and expenses on Schedule C.

• Form 4868 (Extension): April 15, 2024, for requesting additional time to file individual tax returns (Form 1040), if needed.

LLC due dates:

• Form 1065 (Partnership Return): March 15, 2024, for calendar year partnerships.

• Form 7004 (Extension): March 15, 2024, for calendar year partnerships, if additional time is needed.

• Schedule K-1 (Partner’s Share of Income): March 15, 2024, for calendar year partnerships.

S Corporations due dates:

• Form 1120-S (S Corporation Return): March 15, 2024, for calendar year S corps.

• Form 7004 (Extension): March 15, 2024, for calendar year S corps, if additional time is needed.

• Schedule K-1 (Shareholder’s Share of Income): March 15, 2024, for calendar year S corps.

C Corporations due dates:

• Form 1120 (C Corporation Return): April 15, 2024, for calendar year C corps.

• Form 7004 (Extension): April 15, 2024, for calendar year C corporations, if additional time is needed.

Pro-tip: Use digital platforms for issuing and submitting these forms. Many services offer e-filing options, which can save time and reduce errors.

Business Payroll Tax deadlines

Now, let’s shift our focus to another key aspect of business taxes—payroll taxes. 

Employers are responsible for paying federal payroll taxes for their employee’s Social Security, Medicare, and Unemployment Insurance contributions. Business owners are also required to report non-employee compensation. These tax payments are due either monthly or semiweekly, based on the schedule determined by the IRS.

It’s essential for businesses with employees to understand the ins and outs of reporting requirements. Making mistakes can end up costing you significant penalties.

Key Dates for Payroll Tax Deadlines 2024

Employee Compensation

If you’re a business with employees, you’re responsible for handling taxes on your employees’ compensation. You’ll need to file federal payroll tax quarterly using Form 941. Here are the filing due dates.

• Tax Period Ending March 31, 2024 (Q1): April 30, 2024

• Tax Period Ending June 30, 2024 (Q2): July 31, 2024

• Tax Period Ending September 30, 2024 (Q3): October 31, 2024

• Tax Period Ending December 31, 2024 (Q4): January 31, 2025

The deadline for providing W-2 forms to employees is January 31 of the following year. W-2 forms detail employees’ earnings and taxes withheld throughout the year.

There are different deadlines for monthly depositors. You’ll pay employment taxes on payments made during the current month by the 15th day of the following month.

Understanding the forms and deadlines associated with employee compensation is key. By staying organized and filing your taxes accurately and promptly, you can avoid potential penalties and ensure that your employees’ taxes are handled correctly.

Non-Employee Compensation

Non-employee compensation covers payments made to independent contractors for services rendered. If you’ve hired an independent contractor in the last year, you’ll need to report this type of compensation using Form 1099-NEC. The deadline for submitting this form to both the contractors and the IRS is January 31.

Keeping track of non-employee compensation is a critical part of your tax responsibilities. Be sure to stay informed about the deadlines for submitting Form 1099-NEC to avoid penalties and maintain good standing with the IRS.

Pro tip: Consider using a payroll service provider to handle the calculation, withholding, and submission of payroll taxes on your behalf—freeing you up to focus on growing your business.

Submitting Payments to the IRS

Once you’ve figured out how much you owe for your taxes and marked the deadlines on your calendar, it’s time to make those payments.

The IRS offers several ways to file electronically and electronic payment options, like Direct Pay, the Electronic Federal Tax Payment System (EFTPS), or credit card payments.

If you’re a corporation, you’ll need to use EFTPS for your estimated tax payments.

When signing up for EFTPS, it takes seven to ten days to receive your Personal Identification Number (PIN). But once you’re set up, you can choose from various tax payment schedules—like weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly—to make sure you’ve paid off the total amount due by the end of each quarter.

Asking for Tax Extensions

Sometimes, tax deadlines just creep up on you. If you need more time to file your taxes, the IRS offers tax extensions to give you some breathing room. Getting a tax extension is relatively straightforward, but it’s essential to understand the process to avoid penalties and interest charges.

To request an extension, you’ll need to fill out and submit Form 4868 or Form 7004 before your business’s original tax deadline. You’ll also need to estimate and pay any taxes owed by the original tax deadline to avoid penalties.

Keep in mind that while an extension gives you more time to file your tax return, it doesn’t extend the deadline for paying any taxes owed. So, make sure to pay as much as you can by the original due date to minimize interest and penalties.

Read More: How to File a Business Tax Extension.

Handling Missed Deadlines and Late Payments

Despite all your efforts, there might be times when you miss a deadline or delay a payment. If you’re in this situation, don’t panic. Yes, missing tax deadlines can lead to penalties and interest payments, but there are ways to minimize the damage.

First and foremost, if you’ve missed a tax deadline, here are some steps you can take to rectify the situation:

1. File as soon as possible and pay as much as you can. This will limit the accrual of penalties and interest.

2. If you can’t pay the full amount owing, consider setting up an installment plan for the balance.

Remember, it’s critical to communicate with the IRS as soon as possible and take proactive steps to rectify the situation.

How Hiline Can Help

Stressed about meeting tax deadlines? This is where Hiline comes in. We can save you time, identify overlooked deductions, and prepare all the documents you need for tax payments so you can enjoy a stress free tax season.

Hiline offers full-service accounting and year-round support to help maximize your financial savings and keep more of your hard earned money in your business.

Get in touch with our team of tax pros and see how Hiline can help you have better finances to grow your business.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the federal tax deadline for 2024 for business?

The 2024 business tax deadline applicable to you is based on your business structure. For partnerships and S Corps it is March 15, 2024. For sole proprietorships and C corps, you have until April 15, 2024.

Do different business structures have different tax deadlines?

Yes. Business tax deadlines vary based on the business type and the tax form to be submitted. The deadline to file is March 15 for partnerships, LLCs taxed as a partnership, and S corporations, while individuals, C corporations, and sole proprietors must file by April 15. There is an exception for businesses using a fiscal year, as they need to file by the 15th day of the third month following the close of their tax year.

How are estimated tax payments calculated?

They’re calculated by taking into account your expected adjusted gross income, taxable income, taxes, deductions, and credits for the year and dividing them into quarterly payments.

What is the deadline for submitting Form 1099-NEC for non-employee compensation?

The deadline for submitting Form 1099-NEC for non-employee compensation in tax year 2023 is January 31, 2024.

What are some tips for keeping tax records organized?

To keep your tax records organized, implement a document management system, go digital with your documents, use accounting and payroll software, secure your digital data, and regularly reconcile and review your accounts. These steps will help you maintain an organized tax record system.