Business Tax Return Preparation
Business tax filing depends on how the business is organized and classified for federal tax purposes, what it does, where it operates, and how its records are maintained. The right return may be a business return, an individual return reporting business activity, or both.

Which return may apply?
Sole proprietors and many single-member LLCs: Business income and expenses are commonly reported on Schedule C with the owner's individual return.

Partnerships and many multi-member LLCs: The business commonly files Form 1065 and provides each partner a Schedule K-1.

S corporations: The corporation generally files Form 1120-S and provides shareholders Schedule K-1. S corporation tax status is an election and does not replace the entity's legal formation.

C corporations: The corporation generally files Form 1120. State filing requirements may also apply.

Records to organize
Gather bookkeeping reports, bank and credit card statements, sales records, receipts, contractor forms, payroll reports, asset purchases, prior-year returns, tax payments, and details of owner contributions or distributions. Keep personal and business transactions clearly identified.

Before filing
Reconcile the books, confirm the entity's tax classification, review payroll and information-return reporting, and identify state or local filings. An extension generally extends time to file, not time to pay; confirm current deadlines and payment requirements with official guidance.

These materials are general education. Filing obligations and tax treatment depend on the business's facts, elections, and tax year. A consultation can help identify the records and return types that may apply.