Corporate Tax Preparation
C-Corporations face some of the most complex tax requirements — and mistakes can be costly. Our CPA team provides accurate, timely, and strategic corporate tax preparation, ensuring compliance with IRS Form 1120 and state filings, while helping you optimize deductions and minimize liabilities.
Why Corporate Tax Preparation Matters
C-Corporations are taxed as separate legal entities, which means the stakes are higher. From double taxation on profits and dividends to multi-state compliance, corporations face a web of rules that demand precision. Filing Form 1120 incorrectly or missing deadlines can lead to significant penalties, unwanted audits, or missed opportunities for savings.
Our CPA team doesn’t just file returns — we analyze your corporate structure, review financials, and uncover deductions and credits that protect your bottom line. Whether you’re a small C-Corp or a multi-state enterprise, we deliver clarity and confidence in every filing.
What's Included
Federal Corporate Return (Form 1120)
State and local corporate filings
Multi-state corporate compliance and apportionment
Deduction and credit optimization
IRS correspondence and audit defense support
We Help With
Complex reporting requirements for Form 1120
Double taxation on corporate income and dividends
Missed deductions and credits that reduce tax efficiency
Multi-state compliance for corporations operating across jurisdictions
IRS notices or penalties for filing errors
Explore More Tax Preparation Services
Corporate filings are just one part of a comprehensive tax compliance strategy. Explore related services in our Tax Preparation category:
- Individual Tax Preparation — accurate filings and maximized deductions
- S-Corporation Tax Preparation — specialized support for S-corporations
- Partnership Tax Preparation — clear, compliant filings with accurate K-1s
- Estate & Trust Tax Preparation — filings that protect assets and meet IRS requirements
- Expat Tax Preparation — simplified compliance for U.S. citizens abroad
- State & Local Tax (SALT) Preparation — expertise in multi-state and local filings
FAQs: Corporate Tax Preparation
A CPA helps you avoid overpaying taxes and build a strategy that supports your financial goals. Here’s what you need to know about tax filing, planning, and audit representation —whether you’re in New York or anywhere in the US.
What is Form 1120, and who is required to file it?
Form 1120 is the U.S. Corporation Income Tax Return, required for all C-Corporations. It reports income, gains, losses, deductions, and credits, ultimately determining how much tax a corporation owes. Even if a corporation had no taxable income, it must still file Form 1120 annually to remain in compliance. Filing late or inaccurately can trigger significant penalties, including fees per month of delay and potential audits.
How does double taxation affect C-Corporations?
C-Corporations face what’s commonly called “double taxation.” First, the corporation itself pays tax on its profits at the corporate level. Then, when profits are distributed to shareholders as dividends, those individuals must also pay personal income tax on the same money. This makes strategic planning essential — for example, reinvesting profits, using deductions effectively, or exploring qualified credits can all help reduce the impact of double taxation.
Can my corporation reduce its tax liability legally?
Yes. While corporations cannot avoid taxes altogether, there are several strategies to reduce their tax liability. These include deducting ordinary and necessary business expenses, taking advantage of research and development credits, properly depreciating fixed assets, and reviewing entity structure to ensure efficiency. Many corporations overpay simply because they fail to leverage available tax-saving opportunities. A CPA helps uncover and implement these strategies effectively.
What happens if my corporation misses the Form 1120 deadline?
Missing the deadline can be costly. The IRS imposes penalties that increase the longer the return goes unfiled. Additionally, unpaid taxes begin accruing interest immediately. For corporations with multiple shareholders, penalties may also extend to reporting obligations on dividends. Timely filing is essential to avoid compounding fees and maintain credibility with both the IRS and potential investors. If your corporation has already missed a deadline, a CPA can help mitigate penalties through amended filings or negotiation with the IRS.
Do corporations need to file state and local returns in addition to federal Form 1120?
Yes. In most cases, corporations must file state and sometimes local returns wherever they have a taxable presence (nexus). This may include states where the company has employees, property, or significant sales activity. Rules differ by jurisdiction, and failing to file can trigger audits or back taxes. A multi-state compliance review ensures your corporation is not only filing federally but also meeting all obligations at the state and local levels.
How do you help corporations prepare for an IRS audit?
Corporate tax returns often receive higher scrutiny because of the amounts involved. We prepare returns with audit-readiness in mind — ensuring all documentation, deductions, and calculations can withstand IRS review. If an audit is initiated, we represent the corporation, manage correspondence, and provide supporting evidence directly to the IRS. Having a CPA-prepared return significantly reduces audit risk and provides peace of mind that your filings are defensible.
