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2027 Tax Deadlines for San Jose Startups
For 2027, San Jose startups should track federal and California corporate taxes, Santa Clara County property reporting, and the city’s business tax certificate separately. Applicable Form 571-L statements are due April 1, with a May 7 penalty-free cutoff. San Jose’s annual business tax renewal is company-specific: the city sets the due date on the 15th of the month in which the business began. That anniversary-based obligation should not be presented as one universal date for all San Jose companies.
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.
San Jose 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 San Jose 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 San Jose 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.
1tax event
Business Property Statement (Form 571-L) due to the Santa Clara County Assessor. Required if your business personal property cost totals $100,000 or more or the Assessor sends you a notice; file by May 7 to avoid a 10% penalty.
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 San Jose 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 San Jose startup employees to make contributions to Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs) for 2026 (Employee Benefits).
1tax event
San Jose 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).
1tax event
Last day to file Form 571-L with the Santa Clara County Assessor without a 10% late-filing penalty.
San Jose 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).
San Jose 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
San Jose 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 San Jose 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 San Jose 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
Business Property Statement (Form 571-L) due to the Santa Clara County Assessor. Required if your business personal property cost totals $100,000 or more or the Assessor sends you a notice; file by May 7 to avoid a 10% penalty.
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 San Jose 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 San Jose startup employees to make contributions to Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs) for 2026 (Employee Benefits).
30 Apr 2027
San Jose 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).
7 May 2027
Last day to file Form 571-L with the Santa Clara County Assessor without a 10% late-filing penalty.
San Jose 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).
San Jose 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.
San Jose 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 San Jose 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 San Jose 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
Business Property Statement (Form 571-L) due to the Santa Clara County Assessor. Required if your business personal property cost totals $100,000 or more or the Assessor sends you a notice; file by May 7 to avoid a 10% penalty.
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 San Jose 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 San Jose startup employees to make contributions to Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs) for 2026 (Employee Benefits).
30
Apr
2027
San Jose 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).
07
May
2027
Last day to file Form 571-L with the Santa Clara County Assessor without a 10% late-filing penalty.
San Jose 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).
San Jose 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.
If your Delaware C-Corp San Jose funded startup needs tax helpcontact ustoday!
San Jose’s Startup Community
San Jose’s technology community brings together established employers, university-linked talent, and startups developing AI, software, and other technical products. The City’s Office of Economic Development and Cultural Affairs notes major headquarters such as Cisco, Adobe, Samsung, and eBay alongside startups and advanced manufacturing, and its AI Startup Incentive Program has awarded grants to early-stage AI companies that establish operations there.
Plug and Play opened an AI incubator downtown, and San José State University, which runs the SpartUp Incubator, ranks first in the U.S. for Silicon Valley hires. Founders operate within Silicon Valley’s broader network of investors, customers, engineers, and experienced business leaders.
Total 24 Tax events for San Jose in 2026
Click The Links To Learn More About These Filings And 2026
San Jose 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
San Jose 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 San Jose 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 San Jose 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
Business Property Statement (Form 571-L) due to the Santa Clara County Assessor. Required if your business personal property cost totals $100,000 or more or the Assessor sends you a notice; file by May 7 to avoid a 10% penalty.
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 San Jose 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 San Jose startup employees to make contributions to Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs) for prior year (Employee Benefits).
30 Apr 2026
San Jose 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).
7 May 2026
Last day to file Form 571-L with the Santa Clara County Assessor without a 10% late-filing penalty.
San Jose 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).
San Jose 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).
California Statement of Information due. (Form SI-550) due. Pay $25. Most corporations file annually during the six-month window that ends on the last day of their registration anniversary month.
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.
San Jose 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 San Jose 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 San Jose 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
Business Property Statement (Form 571-L) due to the Santa Clara County Assessor. Required if your business personal property cost totals $100,000 or more or the Assessor sends you a notice; file by May 7 to avoid a 10% penalty.
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 San Jose 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 San Jose startup employees to make contributions to Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs) for prior year (Employee Benefits).
30
Apr
2026
San Jose 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).
07
May
2026
Last day to file Form 571-L with the Santa Clara County Assessor without a 10% late-filing penalty.
San Jose 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).
San Jose 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).
California Statement of Information due. (Form SI-550) due. Pay $25. Most corporations file annually during the six-month window that ends on the last day of their registration anniversary month.
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 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.
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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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Controller, CPA
Grew from a 2-person startup to a NASDAQ listed public company.
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