Big Tax Changes for Startups!
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2027 Tax Deadlines for Atlanta Startups
For 2027, Atlanta startups should track federal corporate taxes, Georgia income and net worth taxes, and the City of Atlanta’s Occupational Tax Certificate requirements as separate workstreams. The City of Atlanta currently requires renewal applications by February 15 and payment by April 1. Georgia’s annual registration with the Secretary of State is also due April 1. Property returns and tax bills depend on the business’s location and assets, so founders should identify the appropriate county, such as Fulton County or DeKalb County, rather than assume every Atlanta address falls under Fulton County.
Add these dates to the federal deadlines on Kruze’s tax compliance calendar to keep every jurisdiction in one place.
File Form 941 for Q4 and the annual Federal Unemployment Tax Act (FUTA) return on Form 940 (both may be filed by February 10 if all deposits were made on time). Qualified small businesses claim the payroll tax R&D credit by attaching Form 8974 to Form 941. Use our calculator to estimate your possible research and development tax credit.
Atlanta startups should send Forms 1099-NEC to contractors ($2,000 or more in nonemployee compensation) and W-2s to employees, and file both with the IRS/SSA. Report nonemployee compensation on Form 1099-NEC (not 1099-MISC). A Form 8809 extension is not automatic for W-2s or 1099-NEC and is granted only in limited circumstances.
Delaware Annual Franchise Report and franchise tax due. Your Atlanta startup will owe the lower of the authorized shares method (minimum $175) or the assumed par value capital method (minimum $400), plus a $50 annual report fee. Late filing penalty is $200 plus 1.5% monthly interest.
For Atlanta startups, ACA information returns (Forms 1094-B/1095-B and 1094-C/1095-C) are due to the IRS if paper-filing (e-filing is due March 31). Paper filing is allowed only if you file fewer than 10 information returns in total. Applies to applicable large employers (50+ full-time equivalent employees) and employers with self-insured plans. File Form 8809 for a 30-day extension.
Deadline to furnish Forms 1095-B and 1095-C to employees (the January 31 deadline is automatically extended 30 days to March 2; no request is needed).
1tax event
ACA information returns (Forms 1094-B/1095-B and 1094-C/1095-C) are due to the IRS if e-filing. E-filing is required if you file 10 or more information returns in total (including W-2s and 1099s). File Form 8809 for an automatic 30-day extension.
3tax events
Annual Atlanta Business License payment due (10% failure-to-pay fee plus 1.5% monthly interest after April 1). A general business license is required of all businesses operating within the city limits of Atlanta.
Georgia annual registration with the Secretary of State (SOS) due. The Georgia Secretary of State encourages companies to use the e-filing option (use the link in this deadline calendar entry).
Georgia business personal property return (Form PT-50P) due, filed with the County Board of Tax Assessors.
C Corp Form 1120 Tax Return due. The Federal Form 1120 is the U.S. Corporation Income Tax Return, which the IRS has companies use to report their income, losses, credits, etc., and to figure the income tax liability of the corporation. Can extend the deadline to Oct. 15. All Atlanta startups are required to file this Federal form by this deadline unless they file an extension.
File the R&D Tax Credit Form 6765 with your tax return (Form 1120). Can extend to October 15 along with the return. We strongly recommend working with a qualified CPA to prepare this form: If your company is acquired, the buyer’s tax team will review the credit during due diligence.
Due date for Atlanta startup employees to make contributions to Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs) for 2026 (Employee Benefits).
1tax event
Atlanta startups can claim Research & Development Tax Credits on Form 941 for Q1 (attach Form 8974; the election is made on Form 6765 with your income tax return).
Atlanta startups can claim Research & Development Tax Credits on Form 941 for Q2 (attach Form 8974; the election is made on Form 6765 with your income tax return).
Atlanta startups can claim Research & Development Tax Credits on Form 941 for Q3 (attach Form 8974; the election is made on Form 6765 with your income tax refund).
1tax event
Delaware Quarterly Estimated Franchise Tax payment due. Pay 20% of your estimated annual amount (required if your annual franchise tax is $5,000 or more). The remainder is due with the annual report on March 1.
File Form 941 for Q4 and the annual Federal Unemployment Tax Act (FUTA) return on Form 940 (both may be filed by February 10 if all deposits were made on time). Qualified small businesses claim the payroll tax R&D credit by attaching Form 8974 to Form 941. Use our calculator to estimate your possible research and development tax credit.
1 Feb 2027
Atlanta startups should send Forms 1099-NEC to contractors ($2,000 or more in nonemployee compensation) and W-2s to employees, and file both with the IRS/SSA. Report nonemployee compensation on Form 1099-NEC (not 1099-MISC). A Form 8809 extension is not automatic for W-2s or 1099-NEC and is granted only in limited circumstances.
Delaware Annual Franchise Report and franchise tax due. Your Atlanta startup will owe the lower of the authorized shares method (minimum $175) or the assumed par value capital method (minimum $400), plus a $50 annual report fee. Late filing penalty is $200 plus 1.5% monthly interest.
1 Mar 2027
For Atlanta startups, ACA information returns (Forms 1094-B/1095-B and 1094-C/1095-C) are due to the IRS if paper-filing (e-filing is due March 31). Paper filing is allowed only if you file fewer than 10 information returns in total. Applies to applicable large employers (50+ full-time equivalent employees) and employers with self-insured plans. File Form 8809 for a 30-day extension.
1 Mar 2027
Deadline to furnish Forms 1095-B and 1095-C to employees (the January 31 deadline is automatically extended 30 days to March 2; no request is needed).
31 Mar 2027
ACA information returns (Forms 1094-B/1095-B and 1094-C/1095-C) are due to the IRS if e-filing. E-filing is required if you file 10 or more information returns in total (including W-2s and 1099s). File Form 8809 for an automatic 30-day extension.
1 Apr 2027
Annual Atlanta Business License payment due (10% failure-to-pay fee plus 1.5% monthly interest after April 1). A general business license is required of all businesses operating within the city limits of Atlanta.
1 Apr 2027
Georgia annual registration with the Secretary of State (SOS) due. The Georgia Secretary of State encourages companies to use the e-filing option (use the link in this deadline calendar entry).
1 Apr 2027
Georgia business personal property return (Form PT-50P) due, filed with the County Board of Tax Assessors.
C Corp Form 1120 Tax Return due. The Federal Form 1120 is the U.S. Corporation Income Tax Return, which the IRS has companies use to report their income, losses, credits, etc., and to figure the income tax liability of the corporation. Can extend the deadline to Oct. 15. All Atlanta startups are required to file this Federal form by this deadline unless they file an extension.
File the R&D Tax Credit Form 6765 with your tax return (Form 1120). Can extend to October 15 along with the return. We strongly recommend working with a qualified CPA to prepare this form: If your company is acquired, the buyer’s tax team will review the credit during due diligence.
15 Apr 2027
Due date for Atlanta startup employees to make contributions to Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs) for 2026 (Employee Benefits).
30 Apr 2027
Atlanta startups can claim Research & Development Tax Credits on Form 941 for Q1 (attach Form 8974; the election is made on Form 6765 with your income tax return).
Atlanta startups can claim Research & Development Tax Credits on Form 941 for Q2 (attach Form 8974; the election is made on Form 6765 with your income tax return).
Atlanta startups can claim Research & Development Tax Credits on Form 941 for Q3 (attach Form 8974; the election is made on Form 6765 with your income tax refund).
1 Dec 2027
Delaware Quarterly Estimated Franchise Tax payment due. Pay 20% of your estimated annual amount (required if your annual franchise tax is $5,000 or more). The remainder is due with the annual report on March 1.
File Form 941 for Q4 and the annual Federal Unemployment Tax Act (FUTA) return on Form 940 (both may be filed by February 10 if all deposits were made on time). Qualified small businesses claim the payroll tax R&D credit by attaching Form 8974 to Form 941. Use our calculator to estimate your possible research and development tax credit.
Atlanta startups should send Forms 1099-NEC to contractors ($2,000 or more in nonemployee compensation) and W-2s to employees, and file both with the IRS/SSA. Report nonemployee compensation on Form 1099-NEC (not 1099-MISC). A Form 8809 extension is not automatic for W-2s or 1099-NEC and is granted only in limited circumstances.
Delaware Annual Franchise Report and franchise tax due. Your Atlanta startup will owe the lower of the authorized shares method (minimum $175) or the assumed par value capital method (minimum $400), plus a $50 annual report fee. Late filing penalty is $200 plus 1.5% monthly interest.
For Atlanta startups, ACA information returns (Forms 1094-B/1095-B and 1094-C/1095-C) are due to the IRS if paper-filing (e-filing is due March 31). Paper filing is allowed only if you file fewer than 10 information returns in total. Applies to applicable large employers (50+ full-time equivalent employees) and employers with self-insured plans. File Form 8809 for a 30-day extension.
Deadline to furnish Forms 1095-B and 1095-C to employees (the January 31 deadline is automatically extended 30 days to March 2; no request is needed).
31
Mar
2027
ACA information returns (Forms 1094-B/1095-B and 1094-C/1095-C) are due to the IRS if e-filing. E-filing is required if you file 10 or more information returns in total (including W-2s and 1099s). File Form 8809 for an automatic 30-day extension.
01
Apr
2027
Annual Atlanta Business License payment due (10% failure-to-pay fee plus 1.5% monthly interest after April 1). A general business license is required of all businesses operating within the city limits of Atlanta.
Georgia annual registration with the Secretary of State (SOS) due. The Georgia Secretary of State encourages companies to use the e-filing option (use the link in this deadline calendar entry).
Georgia business personal property return (Form PT-50P) due, filed with the County Board of Tax Assessors.
C Corp Form 1120 Tax Return due. The Federal Form 1120 is the U.S. Corporation Income Tax Return, which the IRS has companies use to report their income, losses, credits, etc., and to figure the income tax liability of the corporation. Can extend the deadline to Oct. 15. All Atlanta startups are required to file this Federal form by this deadline unless they file an extension.
File the R&D Tax Credit Form 6765 with your tax return (Form 1120). Can extend to October 15 along with the return. We strongly recommend working with a qualified CPA to prepare this form: If your company is acquired, the buyer’s tax team will review the credit during due diligence.
Due date for Atlanta startup employees to make contributions to Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs) for 2026 (Employee Benefits).
30
Apr
2027
Atlanta startups can claim Research & Development Tax Credits on Form 941 for Q1 (attach Form 8974; the election is made on Form 6765 with your income tax return).
Atlanta startups can claim Research & Development Tax Credits on Form 941 for Q2 (attach Form 8974; the election is made on Form 6765 with your income tax return).
Atlanta startups can claim Research & Development Tax Credits on Form 941 for Q3 (attach Form 8974; the election is made on Form 6765 with your income tax refund).
01
Dec
2027
Delaware Quarterly Estimated Franchise Tax payment due. Pay 20% of your estimated annual amount (required if your annual franchise tax is $5,000 or more). The remainder is due with the annual report on March 1.
Note: 2027’s federal tax deadline is April 15. Weekend or holiday deadlines are moved to the next business day. Typically states usually follow the same calendar for state income tax returns
If your Delaware C-Corp Atlanta funded startup needs tax help contact us today!
Atlanta’s Startup Community
Atlanta’s startup community connects founders with technology talent, corporate customers, investors, and university-linked innovation. Georgia Tech’s Advanced Technology Development Center (ATDC) is the state’s technology incubator and runs a FinTech program, while Atlanta Tech Village offers workspace and early-stage support for founders building their first teams.
Local capital is growing as well: the Georgia Tech Foundation committed $20 million to local venture firms in 2020. Crunchbase News has described the region’s tech growth alongside its Fortune 500 base, giving founders in financial technology, software, health technology, and other sectors multiple routes to customers and experienced operators.
Total 28 Tax events for Atlanta in 2026
Click The Links To Learn More About These Filings And 2026
Atlanta Startup Tax Deadlines
File Form 941 for Q4 of the prior year and file annual Federal Unemployment Tax Act (FUTA) return on Form 940 (both may be filed by February 10 if all deposits were made on time). Qualified small businesses claim the payroll tax R&D credit by attaching Form 8974 to Form 941. Use our handy calculator to estimate your possible research and development tax credit.
2 Feb 2026
Atlanta startups should send Forms 1099-NEC to contractors ($600 or more in nonemployee compensation) and W2s to employees, and file both with the IRS/SSA. Report nonemployee compensation on Form 1099-NEC. A Form 8809 is not automatic for W-2s or 1099-NEC and is granted only in limited circumstances.
16 Feb 2026
Annual Atlanta Business License Renewal (occupational tax certificate) due. Renew by February 15 to avoid a $500 failure-to-file fee. Payment is due April 1.
1 Mar 2026
Delaware Annual Franchise Report and franchise tax due. Your Atlanta startup will owe the lower of the authorized shares method (minimum $175) or the assumed par value capital method (minimum $400), plus a $50 annual report fee. Late filing penalty is $200 plus 1.5% monthly interest.
2 Mar 2026
For Atlanta startups, ACA Information Returns (Forms 1094-B/1095-B and 1094-C/1095-C) filings are due to the IRS if paper-filing (e-filing is due March 31). Paper filing is allowed only if you file fewer than 10 information returns in total. Applies to applicable large employers (50+ full-time equivalent employees) and employers with self-insured plans. File Form 8809 for a 30-day extension.
2 Mar 2026
Deadline to furnish Forms 1095-B and 1095-C to employees (the January 31 deadline is automatically extended 30 days to March 2; no request is needed).
31 Mar 2026
ACA information returns (Forms 1094-B/1095-B and 1094-C/1095-C) are due to the IRS if e-filing. E-filing is required if you file 10 or more information returns in total (including W-2s and 1099s). File Form 8809 for an automatic 30-day extension.
1 Apr 2026
Annual Atlanta Business License payment due (10% failure-to-pay fee plus 1.5% monthly interest after April 1). A general business license is required of all businesses operating within the city limits of Atlanta.
1 Apr 2026
Georgia annual registration with the Secretary of State (SOS) due. The Georgia Secretary of State encourages companies to use the e-filing option (use the link in this deadline calendar entry).
C Corp Form 1120 Tax Return due. The Federal Form 1120 is the U.S. Corporation Income Tax Return, which the IRS has companies use to report their income, losses, credits, etc., and to figure the income tax liability of the corporation. Can extend the deadline to October 15 (file Form 7004; tax owed is still due April 15). All Atlanta startups are required to file this Federal form by this deadline unless they file an extension.
File the R&D Tax Credit Form 6765 with your tax return (Form 1120). Can extend to October 15 along with the return. We strongly recommend working with a qualified CPA to prepare this form: if your company is acquired, the buyer’s tax team will review the credit during due diligence.
15 Apr 2026
Due date for Atlanta startup employees to make contributions to Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs) for prior year (Employee Benefits).
30 Apr 2026
Atlanta startups can claim Research & Development Tax Credits on Form 941 for Q1 (attach Form 8974; the election is made on Form 6765 with your income tax return).
Atlanta startups can claim Research & Development Tax Credits on Form 941 for Q2 (attach Form 8974; the election is made on Form 6765 with your income tax return).
Atlanta startups can claim Research & Development Tax Creditss on Form 941 for Q3 (attach Form 8974; the election is made on Form 6765 with your income tax return).
File Form 941 for Q4 of the prior year and file annual Federal Unemployment Tax Act (FUTA) return on Form 940 (both may be filed by February 10 if all deposits were made on time). Qualified small businesses claim the payroll tax R&D credit by attaching Form 8974 to Form 941. Use our handy calculator to estimate your possible research and development tax credit.
Atlanta startups should send Forms 1099-NEC to contractors ($600 or more in nonemployee compensation) and W2s to employees, and file both with the IRS/SSA. Report nonemployee compensation on Form 1099-NEC. A Form 8809 is not automatic for W-2s or 1099-NEC and is granted only in limited circumstances.
16
Feb
2026
Annual Atlanta Business License Renewal (occupational tax certificate) due. Renew by February 15 to avoid a $500 failure-to-file fee. Payment is due April 1.
01
Mar
2026
Delaware Annual Franchise Report and franchise tax due. Your Atlanta startup will owe the lower of the authorized shares method (minimum $175) or the assumed par value capital method (minimum $400), plus a $50 annual report fee. Late filing penalty is $200 plus 1.5% monthly interest.
02
Mar
2026
For Atlanta startups, ACA Information Returns (Forms 1094-B/1095-B and 1094-C/1095-C) filings are due to the IRS if paper-filing (e-filing is due March 31). Paper filing is allowed only if you file fewer than 10 information returns in total. Applies to applicable large employers (50+ full-time equivalent employees) and employers with self-insured plans. File Form 8809 for a 30-day extension.
Deadline to furnish Forms 1095-B and 1095-C to employees (the January 31 deadline is automatically extended 30 days to March 2; no request is needed).
31
Mar
2026
ACA information returns (Forms 1094-B/1095-B and 1094-C/1095-C) are due to the IRS if e-filing. E-filing is required if you file 10 or more information returns in total (including W-2s and 1099s). File Form 8809 for an automatic 30-day extension.
01
Apr
2026
Annual Atlanta Business License payment due (10% failure-to-pay fee plus 1.5% monthly interest after April 1). A general business license is required of all businesses operating within the city limits of Atlanta.
Georgia annual registration with the Secretary of State (SOS) due. The Georgia Secretary of State encourages companies to use the e-filing option (use the link in this deadline calendar entry).
C Corp Form 1120 Tax Return due. The Federal Form 1120 is the U.S. Corporation Income Tax Return, which the IRS has companies use to report their income, losses, credits, etc., and to figure the income tax liability of the corporation. Can extend the deadline to October 15 (file Form 7004; tax owed is still due April 15). All Atlanta startups are required to file this Federal form by this deadline unless they file an extension.
File the R&D Tax Credit Form 6765 with your tax return (Form 1120). Can extend to October 15 along with the return. We strongly recommend working with a qualified CPA to prepare this form: if your company is acquired, the buyer’s tax team will review the credit during due diligence.
Due date for Atlanta startup employees to make contributions to Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs) for prior year (Employee Benefits).
30
Apr
2026
Atlanta startups can claim Research & Development Tax Credits on Form 941 for Q1 (attach Form 8974; the election is made on Form 6765 with your income tax return).
Atlanta startups can claim Research & Development Tax Credits on Form 941 for Q2 (attach Form 8974; the election is made on Form 6765 with your income tax return).
Atlanta startups can claim Research & Development Tax Creditss on Form 941 for Q3 (attach Form 8974; the election is made on Form 6765 with your income tax return).
Find important local and city-specific startup tax deadlines here, including state and municipal filing dates, estimated payment deadlines, and key compliance requirements for major business hubs.
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We’re not just about churning out financials, we want to meet in person and talk about where you are now and where you'd like to be. We've found that one of the biggest factors in making a startup successful is their network. We're in this together.
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We build financial models that have been used to pitch (and secure millions in funding) from premier VC firms and top angel investors. We also provide 409A valuations, KPI dashboards, cap table management, venture debt consulting, budgeting, and much more.
Accounting & Finance Professionals
Founder & CEO, Vanessa Kruze, is a CPA, Deloitte Tax alumni, and former Controller of a 120+ FTE startup. Our Staff Accountants and Controllers come from the Big 4 and venture backed startups.
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Kaleb Reining
$250M+ VC Funding Raised
"I had a great experience working with Kruze Consulting when we raised Series A. They know what VCs need to see, and how to present a startup's books and finances. If you are going to raise venture capital, you need experts like Kruze."
Chris Mansi
CEO
Startup Venture Capital Assistance
With former venture capitalists on staff, our team is here to help you navigate the fundraising process and manage your board of directors
Vanessa Kruze
Founder & CEO, CPA
Scale Remote Operations & Team
"Kruze has supported us above and beyond basic accounting needs by ensuring we have everything we need to expand and support our team wherever they may be located"
Zack Fisch
Head of Operations & Legal
Clients who have worked with Kruze have collectively raised over $15 billion in VC funding.
We set startups up for fundrising success, and know how to work with the top VCs.
Vanessa Kruze, CPA
Founder & CEO
Experienced team helping you
Our account management team is staffed by CPAs and accountants who have, on average, 11 years of experience.
Bill Hollowsky, CPA
VP of Accounting Services
Claudine Vantomme, CPA
Controller
Morgan Avery
SUT/R&D Sr. Tax Accountant
Beth Bassler
Controller, CPA
Grew from a 2-person startup to a NASDAQ listed public company.
"The Kruze team helped us grow from a 2-person startup to a NASDAQ listed public company in 2 years. We wouldn't have gotten public without Kruze's support. Anyone thinking of launching a startup should make Vanessa their first call!"
