e-file for Large and Mid-Size Corporations

Introduction

Corporations that have assets of $10 million or more and file at least 250 returns annually are required to electronically file their 1120/1120S income tax returns for tax years ending on or after December 31, 2009. Corporations with assets over $50 million and that file 250 or more returns annually were required to start e-filing this past year. These new e-filing requirements were announced in Treasury Regulations issued January 2005.

Although electronic filing is required of certain corporations, others may voluntarily convert to electronic filing.

This web site provides an overview of electronic filing and more detailed information for those corporations that prepare and transmit their own income tax returns. Corporations that rely upon third party tax professionals to prepare and transmit their tax returns should consult their tax professional.

Information for Corporations About How to Participate in Electronic Filing

Corporations that prepare their own income tax return must be authorized by the IRS as a "Large Taxpayer" or use a tax professional who is an IRS authorized e-file provider. IRS e-file for Large Taxpayers Filing their Own Corporate Income Tax Return, Rev. 02/2009 (pdf) contains important information for corporations that will electronically transmit their tax returns instead of using the services of a third party authorized e-file provider. These corporations will need to complete the IRS e-file registration and application process.

Directions for Corporations Required to e-file

For corporations "required" to e-file IRS developed optional procedures that may be used in the transition from filing a paper return to an electronic return.

• Tax Year 2008 Directions for Corporations Required to e-file

Treasury Regulations on Required Corporate e-file

• Temporary Regulations.
  These temporary regulations relate to the requirements for filing corporate income tax returns and returns of organizations required to file returns under section 6033 on magnetic media pursuant to section 6011(e) of the Internal Revenue Code. The term magnetic media includes magnetic media permitted under applicable regulations, revenue procedures, or publications, including electronic filing. TD 9175. Published January 12, 2005.
• Proposed Regulations.
  These proposed regulations by cross-reference to temporary regulations, relate to the requirements for filing corporate income tax returns, S corporations, and returns of organizations required to file returns under section 6033 on magnetic media pursuant to section 6011(e) of the Internal Revenue Code. The term magnetic media includes magnetic media permitted under applicable regulations, revenue procedures, or publications, including electronic filing. REG-130671-04. Published January 12, 2005.
• Regulations Eliminating e-file Impediments. (TD9100)
  These Treasury regulations revise signature and document attachment requirements that were determined to be an impediment to electronic filing of business tax returns.
  
• IRS Eases Reporting Burden on Corporations and Shareholders. (May 26, 2008)
  The Internal Revenue Service has announced new regulatory revisions that will reduce the reporting burden on corporations and shareholders while also making it easier for them to file their tax returns electronically.