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2027 Tax Deadlines for Chicago Startups
For 2027, Chicago-based C-corporations should separate federal filings from Illinois income and replacement tax, employer withholding, and applicable municipal obligations. Federal and Illinois calendar-year returns generally begin with an April 15 deadline, but their extensions differ: federal Form 1120 extends to October 15, while Illinois IL-1120 has a November 15 automatic extended filing deadline. Quarterly Illinois withholding returns are administered by the Illinois Department of Revenue. Property owners should use issued Cook County bills, and startups should evaluate City of Chicago taxes based on their actual business activities. Kruze’s tax compliance calendar can help you keep the federal and Illinois dates straight.
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.
Chicago 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.
3tax events
Delaware Annual Franchise Report and franchise tax due. Your Chicago 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 Chicago 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.
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 Chicago 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 Chicago startup employees to make contributions to Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs) for 2026 (Employee Benefits).
Chicago 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).
Chicago 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).
Chicago 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).
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
Chicago 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.
1 Mar 2027
Delaware Annual Franchise Report and franchise tax due. Your Chicago 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 Chicago 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.
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 Chicago 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 Chicago startup employees to make contributions to Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs) for 2026 (Employee Benefits).
Chicago 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).
Chicago 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).
Chicago 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).
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.
Chicago 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.
01
Mar
2027
Delaware Annual Franchise Report and franchise tax due. Your Chicago 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 Chicago 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.
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 Chicago 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 Chicago startup employees to make contributions to Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs) for 2026 (Employee Benefits).
Chicago 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).
Chicago 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).
Chicago 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).
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: The federal tax deadline in 2027 falls on April 15. The federal extension deadline for 2027 is October 15. Most states usually follow the same calendar for state income tax returns
The technology incubator 1871 has been the hub of the city’s digital startup community since 2012, and Site Selection highlights the Matter health-tech incubator, the MxD manufacturing institute, and the University of Chicago’s Polsky Center. That mix supports companies building financial technology, logistics, health technology, food technology, and enterprise software.
Total 26 Tax events for Chicago in 2026
Click The Links To Learn More About These Filings And 2026
Chicago 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
Chicago 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.
1 Mar 2026
Delaware Annual Franchise Report and franchise tax due. Your Chicago 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 Chicago 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.
15 Apr 2026
Due date for Illinois Corporate Income Tax Return (Form IL-1120). Illinois automatically extends the filing deadline to November 15. Any tax owed is still due April 15.
15 Apr 2026
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 Chicago 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 Chicago startup employees to make contributions to Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs) for prior year (Employee Benefits).
Chicago 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).
Chicago 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).
Chicago 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.
Chicago 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.
01
Mar
2026
Delaware Annual Franchise Report and franchise tax due. Your Chicago 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 Chicago 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.
15
Apr
2026
Due date for Illinois Corporate Income Tax Return (Form IL-1120). Illinois automatically extends the filing deadline to November 15. Any tax owed is still due April 15.
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 Chicago 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 Chicago startup employees to make contributions to Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs) for prior year (Employee Benefits).
Chicago 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).
Chicago 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).
Chicago 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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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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With former venture capitalists on staff, our team is here to help you navigate the fundraising process and manage your board of directors
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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.
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Founder & CEO
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Our account management team is staffed by CPAs and accountants who have, on average, 11 years of experience.
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VP of Accounting Services
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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!"
