Welcome to Our Corporate Tax Services!
This checklist ensures your California corporation remains in good standing and compliant with all requirements. We're here to make this easy for you.
ANNUAL STATE REQUIREMENTS
- $350 = Simple return ($0 income, minimal activity)
- $800 = Complex S-Corp with multiple schedules
Included in our service:
- Complete tax return preparation
- Statement of Information filing
- Annual profit/loss review
- Year-round support
FEDERAL REQUIREMENTS
Note: S-Corp shareholders receive K-1s for personal returns. Personal return preparation is separate and unaffected by corporate form.
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE (Critical!)
Why it matters:
- Maintains corporate veil protection
- Required for liability protection
- Banks and lenders often request these
- Protects you in audits or legal disputes
ONGOING BOOKKEEPING
Free help available: If you're spending more than 1-2 hours/month, contact us for a free training session
Paid bookkeeping: Available by negotiation if you prefer we handle it
QUARTERLY TASKS (If Applicable)
WHAT'S INCLUDED IN YOUR ANNUAL FEE
- ✓ Complete corporate tax return (federal & state)
- ✓ Statement of Information filing with CA Secretary of State
- ✓ Annual profit & loss review and consultation
- ✓ Year-round email/phone support for tax questions
- ✓ Strategic tax planning advice
OPTIONAL SERVICES
- Optional Annual Meeting Minutes: $100/year
- Optional Bookkeeping: Negotiated rate (contact us for quote)
- Optional Payroll Services: Negotiated rate
- Optional Amended Returns: Quoted separately
- Optional IRS/FTB Correspondence: Quoted separately
KEY DEADLINES SUMMARY
| Task | Deadline | Who Handles | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Corporate Tax Return | March 15* | Us | $350-$800 |
| $800 Franchise Tax | April 15 | You (we remind) | $800 |
| Statement of Information | Your filing month | Us | $25 |
| Annual Meeting | Once per year | You (we can document) | $100 (optional) |
| Bookkeeping | Monthly | You (we train) | Free training |
*For calendar year corporations
ACTION ITEMS FOR NEW CLIENTS
Before we can file your return:
To set yourself up for success:
CONTACT US ANYTIME
Year-round support means year-round support. Don't wait until tax season to ask questions!
- Tax strategy questions
- Expense categorization questions
- "Is this deductible?" questions
- Estimated tax payment help
- Business structure advice
Remember: Proper maintenance throughout the year makes tax season painless and protects your corporate liability shield.
PENALTIES TO AVOID
- Late Statement of Information: $250+ penalty
- Late franchise tax payment: Penalty + interest (compounds quickly)
- No annual minutes: Potential piercing of corporate veil
- Missing tax filing: $195+ per month late, per shareholder (S-Corp)
Bottom line: Stay on top of these simple requirements and you'll never pay unnecessary penalties.
