federal income tax return deadlines for 2023 returns
- January 15, 2024 - Fourth-quarter 2023 estimated tax payment due.
- January 29, 2024 - IRS begins accepting and processing 2023 tax returns.
- January 31, 2024 - Employers submit employee wages and non-employee compensation forms (1097, 1098, 1099, 3921, 3922, W-2 and W-2G) to the IRS.
- March 15, 2024 - Partnerships and S corporations reporting on a calendar year.
- April 15, 2024 (April 17 in Maine and Massachusetts) -
- Calendar-year C corporations and LLCs with multiple members file partnership returns.
- One-member LLCs and sole proprietorships file a business return with the owner's income tax return.
- Business owners file personal 2023 income tax returns.
- First-quarter 2024 estimated tax payment due.
- June 17, 2024 - Second-quarter 2024 estimated tax payment due.
- September 16, 2024 - Third-quarter 2024 estimated tax payment due. Extended partnership and S-corporation return deadline.
- October 15, 2024 - Deadline for C-corporation returns and individual filers with an extension.
The tax season for 2023 filings officially begins January 29, 2024. This year, the IRS has promised to focus efforts on high-income taxpayers and corporations. Like most organizations, they’re also enhancing operations with advanced AI technologies. Auditors will use AI and data analytics to sift through figures, automate tasks like data entry and analysis, and detect fraudulent activities. Math errors, typos and suspicious patterns are the most common triggers for IRS alarms. That’s why proper recordkeeping is critical.
That said, don’t wait until the IRS is at your doorstep to get your organization’s finances in order. Here are some strategic steps you can take right now for a smoother tax season in 2024 and beyond.
how to ensure your business is tax season ready
Preparing for tax season is a year-round job. But we all know how the planning season flies by. Check off these four last-minute tasks to get up to speed ahead of your filing deadline.
1. organize and review financial statements
Gather all relevant documents, including income statements, expense records and receipts. Ensure everything is accurate and up to date, then identify any potential compliance issues and address them immediately.
2. gather required tax forms
Create a comprehensive checklist of all the forms your business requires for proper tax filing. These may include W-2s, 1099s, Form 1120 for C corporations, Form 1065 for partnerships and Schedule C for sole proprietors.
3. get up to date on tax regulations
Make sure your financial team is current on any recent or upcoming changes in tax legislation. For example, under the new Corporate Transparency Act (CTA), millions of businesses will need to provide details about individuals who have a significant ownership stake in the company to the U.S. Department of Treasury’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN).
4. maximize deductions and credits
Take advantage of all available tax deductions to reduce your liability and increase your bottom line, while staying compliant. Common deductions include business expenses, depreciation on assets and employee retirement plan contributions. Tax credits can also help alleviate your tax obligations.
business tax strategies to save time and money
So you’ve successfully filed your 2023 business taxes? Take a deep breath and congratulate your team. But now is not the time to rest on your laurels. Instead, start implementing strategies to help the business save time and money during the next tax season. Here are three to consider:
1. leverage digital solutions
Relying on manual, human-intensive processes can be inefficient and error-prone. Even simple mistakes can harm an organization’s reputation and incur significant costs. Moreover, investors and financial regulators are increasingly demanding better communication, direct access to information and more frequent reporting.
2. safeguard financial data
Establish clear data protection policies and regularly train employees on best practices to ensure they understand how to handle sensitive information properly. Apply measures such as user authentication and authorization, encryption, physical locks and security cameras. Continually update your cyber defense strategies with the latest technologies, and consider involving external data security auditors for an independent review.
3. compensate tax-efficiently
Your organization may benefit from executive compensation options that tap into various tax deductions and deferral options. For example:
- Deferred compensation plans allow executives to defer a portion of their income until a later date, such as retirement. This can reduce their current tax liability and provide additional retirement savings.
- Stock options can be used to provide executives with additional compensation while also providing tax benefits.
- Performance-based pay, such as bonuses and stock options, can be structured to meet the IRS requirements for the “performance-based” exception, which is fully deductible.
how businesses can prepare for a tax audit
While the chances of an audit are slim, the size of the company, the complexity of the tax return, and discrepancies or errors in the filing can attract greater scrutiny. We may begin seeing more audit activity as the IRS optimizes inquiries with AI and intelligent automations. In short, it’s always a good idea to be ready to answer questions about company finances. Use this checklist to get started:
audit preparedness checklist
1. assemble a dedicated audit team
Assign a senior executive to oversee the process. Team members should include experts from the finance, legal and compliance departments. Consider engaging tax consultants or auditors for specialized guidance.
2. review previous audits
Analyze outcomes and recommendations, and implement suggested changes or improvements.
3. ensure comprehensive documentation and reporting
Have the latest financial statements ready, including balance sheets, income and cash flow statements. Gather recent federal and state tax returns. Organize supporting documents such as receipts, invoices, expense reports and payroll records. Apply analytics to highlight trends and validate data integrity.
4. validate internal controls
Review and test internal controls related to financial reporting and tax compliance. Make any necessary adjustments to strengthen these.
5. conduct a pre-audit self-review
Simulate an audit to identify potential issues. Then, address any discrepancies or red flags before the actual audit.
6. understand tax positions
Prepare detailed explanations for all significant tax positions taken. Be ready to defend your interpretations of tax laws and regulations.
7. arrange on-site audit logistics
Ensure key personnel are available during the audit. Designate a specific area for auditors to work.
8. encourage transparency and collaboration
Keep in close contact with the executive team, board members, external auditors and advisors. Establish a positive working relationship with auditors for a smoother experience.
how to hire a tax-savvy CFO
A qualified CFO can significantly improve the company’s financial strategy, mitigate compliance risks and ensure there are no costly surprises. Look for these skills and attributes when hiring a CFO to effectively manage corporate taxes and audits:
deep understanding of tax laws and regulations
A CFO with extensive knowledge of domestic and, if applicable, international tax laws is invaluable. This includes keeping abreast of the latest tax reforms and understanding their implications.
strategic financial planning and analysis
The ability to develop strategic financial plans that align with the company's goals while optimizing tax efficiency is crucial. Assess the candidate’s proficiency in scenario planning and long-term financial forecasting.
risk management expertise
Proficiency in identifying, assessing and mitigating financial risks, including tax-related risks, is essential. The CFO should understand the potential impact of various financial decisions and market conditions on the company's tax obligations.
experience with audits and compliance
Check your CFO candidate is familiar with audit processes and has the ability to efficiently organize and present financial records.
effective communication and negotiation skills
Clear communication with internal teams, external auditors and tax authorities is critical. Strong negotiation skills can also be beneficial in discussions with tax authorities.
technological competency
Today’s CFOs need to be proficient in digital tools and emerging technologies, such as AI and data analytics, for financial management and tax planning.
ethical leadership and team management
Upholding high standards, sound judgment and integrity, especially in financial reporting and tax matters, is non-negotiable for a CFO.
A CFO who excels in these areas can be a driving force in not only managing but strategically leveraging corporate taxes and audits to benefit the organization.
Whether you need support for your finance team or strategic tax season guidance, Tatum can help. We offer a full range of services to ease your tax season burden, from account auditing and financial consulting to placing highly qualified finance talent.