RAJESH KUMAR PATRA
Business Advisor
Updated on
24-01-2026
IRS Form 1120: Complete Guide for US C-Corporations
Every year as part of its federal tax compliance, C-Corporations in the USA must file IRS Form 1120 with the IRS. If a Corporation does not file IRS Fom 1120, it will be penalized and charged interest and may have complications in forming future banking or fundraising type relationships.
This guide explains what Form 1120 is, who must file it, due dates, penalties, and how Indian founders can stay compliant easily.
What is IRS Form 1120?
IRS Form 1120 is the U.S. Corporation Income Tax Return. It is used by C-Corporations to report:
- Income earned during the financial year
- Business expenses and deductions
- Corporate tax liability
- Taxes already paid
The form helps the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) assess the company’s federal income tax.
Who Needs to File Form 1120?
Form 1120 must be filed by:
- US C-Corporations
- Delaware C-Corps and other state-registered C-Corps
- US companies owned by Indian or foreign founders
- Startups with zero revenue (Nil filing still required)
Note: LLCs taxed as corporations must also file Form 1120.
Form 1120 Filing Due Date
- Standard Due Date: April 15, 2025
- If April 15 falls on a holiday/weekend, the next business day applies
Need More Time?
- File IRS Tax Extension (Form 7004)
- Extension grants 6 extra months
- Tax payment (if any) must still be estimated and paid on time
Information Required to File Form 1120
To prepare Form 1120, the following details are needed:
- Company incorporation details
- EIN (Employer Identification Number)
- Business income & expenses
- Bank statements
- Payroll details (if applicable)
- Shareholder details
- Previous year tax filings
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Missing the filing deadline
- Assuming no revenue = no filing
- Incorrect expense classification
- Not reporting foreign-owned transactions
- Ignoring state & franchise tax filings
Penalties for Late or Non-Filing
Failure to file Form 1120 can result in:
- Monetary penalties
- Interest on unpaid taxes
- IRS notices & audits
- Banking and compliance issues
- Difficulty raising funds or closing accounts
Difference Between Form 1120 & Form 1120S
| Particulars | Form 1120 | Form 1120S |
|---|---|---|
| Entity Type | C-Corporation | S-Corporation |
| Taxation | Corporate tax | Pass-through |
| Shareholders | Unlimited | Max 100 |
| Foreign Owners | Allowed | Not allowed |
Do Indian Founders Need to File Form 1120?
Yes. If an Indian founder owns a US C-Corporation, Form 1120 filing is compulsory—regardless of where the owner resides or where operations are based.
State & Franchise Tax Compliance
Apart from federal filing, C-Corporations may also need to file:
- State income tax returns
- Franchise tax reports (e.g., Delaware Franchise Tax)
These filings vary by state and are mandatory.
How We Help with IRS Form 1120 Filing
We provide end-to-end US compliance support for Indian founders:
- IRS Form 1120 preparation & filing
- Tax extension (Form 7004)
- State & franchise tax filing
- Compliance for zero-revenue startups
- Dedicated US tax experts
Pricing
- Annual USA Compliance & Tax Filing: USD 499 (all-inclusive)
Get Compliant Before April 15
Already have a US C-Corporation? Ensure your 2025 IRS & state compliance is completed on time to avoid penalties.
Talk to our US compliance experts today and stay worry-free.