The Georgia corporate tax return due date is the 15th of the third month following the end of the tax year. For corporations following the calendar year, this is March 15. Filing tax returns can be a stressful job, especially if you are not sure about the deadlines, costs, and other requirements.

Corporation's Annual Filing Requirements

In order to file your annual corporate tax in the state of Georgia, you need to fill out a registration form. This form can either be completed online or you can print a hard copy. If, however, you are a new corporate taxpayer, you need to call (404) 656-2821 and leave a voicemail, after which the necessary documents will be mailed to you within 24 hours. After this you will automatically receive annual forms and notices by the first week of February each year.

The cost involved in filing your annual registration form is $50. Your first registration needs to be filed within 90 days of the date of incorporation, and after that between Jan 1 and April 1 of each consecutive year.

The corporate income tax rate amounts to 6 percent of your corporation's net taxable income and is payable on either the 15th of the third month after the end of the tax year or March 15 for calendar year filers.

You might also have to pay a net worth tax, which as the term implies, is calculated according to the net worth of your corporation and is imposed in return for the rights of doing business or running a corporate franchise in the state of Georgia. The net worth of a corporation is assumed to be the amount which is disclosed in the corporation's books.

In the event of you requiring an extension on your tax filing, keep the following in mind:

  • You will need to complete the IT-303 form, in which you would have to provide a reason for requesting an extension.
  • This extension will give you an extra six months in which to file your taxes.
  • If you have already been granted a federal business tax extension, you will automatically also receive a Georgia tax extension.
  • An extension of the filing date does not extend the date of payment, which remains exactly the same. You have been granted merely more time to submit your filing.

LLC's Annual Filing Requirements

The steps for filing your annual registration form for an LLC, are pretty much the same as for a corporation. The tax return rate is also 6 percent of net taxable income, and the cost of filing your annual registration form is also $50. The due date for filing your tax returns is April 15 or the 15th day of the fourth month after the close of the company's fiscal year.

Georgia State Tax Information

When you need to file your Georgia state tax, it might be more convenient for you to do so electronically. If you choose to do e-filing, take the following into consideration:

  • If you have already been accepted into the federal e-filing program, you will automatically be able to use the Georgia e-filing system.
  • Years that can be e-filed include the current tax year, as well as the previous two years.
  • You are able to sign your form using an electronic signing system.

The due date for individual returns is April 15. Although you are not required to attach a driver's license or ID photo with your form, doing so might expedite the tax return process.

Georgia Sales Tax

Georgia sales tax is required to be filed by the 20th of the month following the assigned filing period. Those who have been assigned a quarterly filing frequency need to file their sales on April 20, 2018; July 20, 2018; October 20, 2018; and January 22, 2019. If you have been assigned the annual filing frequency, filing needs to be completed by Jan 22, 2019. If any of the assigned dates fall on a weekend or a holiday, the date is automatically moved to the next business day.

If you file late, you are likely to incur a penalty, as well as interest on the outstanding tax. In the event that you missed the deadline due to events outside of your control, such as a flood or accident, you will be granted an extension, but only if you are able to provide evidence.

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