Corporate Tax Preparation with Full-Service Accounting Support Built In
S-Corps, C-Corps, LLCs, and Partnerships — we handle federal and California state filing with year-round bookkeeping alignment, entity-specific deduction strategy, and IRS correspondence support.
Corporate tax services include
- S-Corp, C-Corp, LLC & Partnership returns
- Federal & California state tax filing
- Year-round bookkeeping alignment
- Section 179 & bonus depreciation
- QBI deduction (Section 199A)
- Quarterly estimated tax payments
- IRS correspondence & audit support
- Entity selection strategy
Every Business Entity Type — Filed Correctly
Each entity type has different filing requirements, tax treatment, and California-specific obligations. We know the distinctions and handle each one properly — federal and state.
What Corporate Tax Prep Covers — All Year, Not Just April
Tax preparation is a year-round activity. The work done in January through March determines how much you pay in April.
Entity Tax Return Preparation & Filing
Complete preparation and filing of your federal and California state business returns — Form 1120, 1120-S, 1065, or appropriate LLC filing — with all required schedules and attachments.
Year-Round Bookkeeping Alignment
We keep your books structured for tax efficiency all year — Chart of Accounts aligned to tax categories, deductible expenses tracked in the right buckets, and year-end adjustments managed proactively. No scramble before filing.
Deduction Strategy & Maximization
Section 179 immediate expensing, bonus depreciation, home office, vehicle (actual vs. standard mileage), retirement plan contributions, health insurance premiums, business meals, and any industry-specific deductions relevant to your business.
QBI Deduction (Section 199A)
Pass-through entities may deduct up to 20% of qualified business income from federal taxable income. We calculate your eligibility, apply wage and property limitations correctly, and optimize the deduction through year-end planning.
Quarterly Estimated Tax Payments
Calculate accurate Q1–Q4 federal and California estimated payments based on actual income, deductions, and prior-year liability. Proper estimates prevent underpayment penalties and eliminate April tax bill surprises.
IRS Correspondence & Audit Support
We handle IRS and FTB notices, respond to information requests, and guide you through any examination or audit. Most notices are resolved without you ever contacting the IRS directly.
California Business Tax — What You Need to Know
California has its own corporate tax structure, filing requirements, and $800 minimum franchise tax that applies to most entities regardless of profit. The rules differ significantly by entity type:
- ✓C-Corporations8.84% CA corporate income tax on net income apportioned to California. Form FTB 100.
- ✓S-Corporations1.5% California franchise tax on net income, $800 minimum. Form FTB 100S. Additional entity-level tax rules apply.
- ✓LLCs$800 annual minimum franchise tax plus gross receipts fee ($0–$11,790 depending on revenue). LLCs treated differently by CA than by the IRS.
- ✓Partnerships$800 minimum franchise tax. Partners taxed on CA-source income at individual rates via K-1. Form FTB 565.
Entity Selection & Restructuring Advice
The entity you choose when you start a business isn't necessarily the right entity as you grow. Moving from sole proprietor to S-Corp at the right income threshold can save significant self-employment tax (15.3%). A C-Corp may be appropriate if you're seeking outside investment or planning to retain earnings at lower corporate rates.
We evaluate your situation and model the tax impact of different entity structures — so you can make a decision based on actual numbers, not general advice.
Example: An LLC owner netting $120,000/year could save approximately $4,500–$7,000 annually in self-employment tax by electing S-Corp status and setting a reasonable owner salary — offset against the cost of payroll administration.
Tax Is a 12-Month Responsibility — We Treat It That Way
The biggest corporate tax mistakes happen in November, not April — when a distribution decision, a large purchase, or a missed estimated payment creates a problem that can't be fixed by filing season.
Our year-round approach means we're making proactive decisions throughout the year, not just responding to what happened.
Year-End Cleanup & Prep
Final reconciliations, 1099 issuance, W-2 preparation, bookkeeping review. Tax documents collected and organized for filing.
Corporate Return Filing
S-Corp and Partnership returns due March 15. C-Corp returns due April 15. Extensions filed where needed with tax payment.
Quarterly Estimated Payments
Federal and CA estimated payments calculated and scheduled. Q2 and Q3 payments timed to actual income projections.
Year-End Tax Planning
Revenue and income projections reviewed. Timing of deductions optimized. Equipment purchases, retirement contributions, and distribution decisions made with tax impact modeled.
Bookkeeping Alignment & IRS Response
Books maintained in tax-ready condition. IRS and FTB correspondence handled as received. Proactive adjustments made as the year unfolds.
Corporate Tax FAQs
When are corporate tax returns due?
S-Corporation (1120-S) and Partnership (1065) returns are due March 15 for calendar-year filers. C-Corporation (1120) returns are due April 15. Automatic 6-month extensions are available but do not extend the deadline to pay tax owed. California mirrors federal deadlines for most entity types, with some exceptions.
What is the QBI deduction and do I qualify?
The Qualified Business Income deduction (Section 199A) allows eligible pass-through entity owners — S-Corps, partnerships, sole proprietors — to deduct up to 20% of qualified business income from their personal taxable income. Eligibility phases out at higher income levels and excludes certain specified service trades or businesses (attorneys, consultants, financial advisors). We calculate your specific deduction and optimize it through year-end planning.
Should I elect S-Corp status for my LLC?
It depends on your net profit level and owner compensation structure. The S-Corp election can reduce self-employment taxes when net income significantly exceeds a reasonable owner salary — but it adds payroll administration costs. Generally, the crossover point where S-Corp saves meaningful money is around $80,000–$100,000 in net profit, though this varies by situation. We'll model the numbers for your specific case.
Do I need to issue 1099s for contractors?
Yes — if you paid an individual or non-corporate contractor $600 or more during the calendar year for services, you're required to issue a Form 1099-NEC by January 31. Failure to file carries IRS penalties. We help identify who needs 1099s, collect W-9 information, and prepare and file the forms on time.
What happens if I get an IRS notice?
Most IRS notices are routine — they may request additional documentation, flag a discrepancy between reported income and third-party information, or propose an adjustment. Do not ignore them. We review every notice, determine if a response is needed, and handle the correspondence directly when you're our client. Most notices are resolved within 60–90 days without escalating to an examination.
Other Ways We Support Your Business
Corporate Tax Prep — Done Right, All Year
Not just a return filed in March, but a year-round tax strategy that protects your business, maximizes deductions, and keeps you compliant at both the federal and California state level.