Form 7004: How to File a C-Corp Tax Extension Before April 15

Описание: Running behind on your startup’s taxes? File IRS Form 7004 to extend your C-Corp tax deadline from April 15 to October 15. Learn how it works, how to file, and what founders need to watch out for.

Form 7004: How to File a C-Corp Tax Extension Before April 15

🚀 Why Founders Need to Know About Form 7004

If you’ve registered your startup as a Delaware C-Corp (or any U.S. C-Corp), your corporate income tax return Form 1120 is due April 15, 2025.

But if you’re still cleaning up your books, your CPA is slammed with other filings, or you just don’t have everything ready, you can file Form 7004.

Form 7004 gives you a 6-month automatic extension to file your return.
👉 New deadline: October 15.

⚠️ Important: This extends the time to file, not the time to pay.
If you owe taxes, payment is still due by April 15.

📅 Key Deadlines for 2025 C-Corps

March 1, 2025 → Delaware Franchise Tax deadline
April 15, 2025 → C-Corp tax return due (Form 1120)
April 15, 2025 → File Form 7004 to request a 6-month extension
October 15, 2025 → Extended deadline to file

Miss April 15 without filing Form 7004?
You could face late-filing penalties: 5% of unpaid taxes per month, up to 25%.

📝 Step-by-Step: How to File Form 7004

1. Gather Basic Information

Your EIN (Employer Identification Number)
Business name & address
Which form you’re extending (C-Corp = Form 1120)
An estimate of tax owed (if any)

2. Complete Form 7004

Part I: Select Form 1120 (C-Corp)
Part II: Fill out company details, estimated tax liability, and payments

💡 Pro tip: Even if you owe $0, it’s still smart to file for the extension just in case.

3. Submit Form 7004 to the IRS

E-file: Fastest and most reliable option (via tax software or your CPA)
Mail: Slower, higher risk — if you do mail, use certified mail to prove it was sent on time

4. Pay Any Estimated Tax Owed

Even with an extension, payment is due April 15
Use IRS Direct Pay or EFTPS (Electronic Federal Tax Payment System)

5. Keep Records

If e-filed: Keep the IRS acceptance confirmation
If mailed: Keep the certified mail receipt

✅ Common Founder Mistakes With Form 7004

❌ Thinking it extends payment time — It doesn’t. You must pay by April 15.
❌ Not estimating taxes owed — The IRS expects a reasonable estimate.
❌ Filing late — Form 7004 must be filed on or before April 15.
❌ Assuming your CPA will handle it — Confirm! Many founders assume and get burned.

💡 Why Founders Should Consider Filing Form 7004

Gives you breathing room to close books, finalize expenses, and review with your CPA
Reduces stress — April is already packed with personal taxes and startup deadlines
Protects from late-filing penalties even if you’re not ready

Some VCs even recommend filing extensions regularly so startups can align financial reporting with investor updates.

🔗 Related Guides for Founders

🏁 Founder-Friendly Takeaway

Form 7004 is one of the simplest “lifelines” the IRS offers. It won’t save you from paying, but it buys you time to file properly, avoid mistakes, and keep your startup compliant.

👉 If you’re not 100% ready to file your C-Corp return by April 15, do yourself a favor and file Form 7004. It takes minutes and saves major stress.

📌 Bonus: Stay ahead of every deadline with our free personalized startup tax calendar.
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