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2027 Tax Deadlines for Santa Monica Startups
For 2027 tax planning, Santa Monica startups should separate federal and California corporate filings from Los Angeles County property statements and the city’s annual business license renewal. Applicable Form 571-L statements are due April 1, with a May 7 penalty-free cutoff. Santa Monica business licenses renew July 1, and the city currently allows renewal through August 31 without late penalties. City of Los Angeles requirements apply separately only where the company’s activities create those obligations.
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.
Santa Monica 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 Santa Monica 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 Santa Monica 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 Los Angeles 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 Santa Monica 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 Santa Monica startup employees to make contributions to Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs) for 2026 (Employee Benefits).
1tax event
Santa Monica 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 Los Angeles County Assessor without a 10% late-filing penalty.
Santa Monica 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).
Santa Monica 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
Santa Monica 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 Santa Monica 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 Santa Monica 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 Los Angeles 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 Santa Monica 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 Santa Monica startup employees to make contributions to Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs) for 2026 (Employee Benefits).
30 Apr 2027
Santa Monica 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 Los Angeles County Assessor without a 10% late-filing penalty.
Santa Monica 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).
Santa Monica 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.
Santa Monica 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 Santa Monica 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 Santa Monica 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 Los Angeles 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 Santa Monica 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 Santa Monica startup employees to make contributions to Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs) for 2026 (Employee Benefits).
30
Apr
2027
Santa Monica 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 Los Angeles County Assessor without a 10% late-filing penalty.
Santa Monica 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).
Santa Monica 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.
California Statement of Information deadline date. Pay $25. Most corporations file annually by the last day of their registration anniversary month.
Note: Startups need to prepare and file their federal and state tax returns by April 15 in 2027, unless filing for an extension. The federal extension deadline for 2027 is October 15.
If your Delaware C-Corp Santa Monica funded startup needs tax helpcontact ustoday!
Santa Monica’s Startup Community
Santa Monica’s Silicon Beach community brings together technology, digital media, health technology, and other entrepreneurial businesses within the broader Los Angeles market. The City of Santa Monica describes itself as a center for innovation in Southern California for more than 30 years, and USC’s Viterbi School notes that Google opened its first Los Angeles office there in 2003, drawing other technology companies.
The Santa Monica Chamber of Commerce has recruited tech companies and recognized local startups, giving founders access to Southern California’s investors, creative industries, and technical talent while building companies with national reach.
Total 26 Tax events for Santa Monica in 2026
Click The Links To Learn More About These Filings And 2026
Santa Monica 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
Santa Monica 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 Santa Monica 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 Santa Monica 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 Los Angeles 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 Santa Monica 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 Santa Monica startup employees to make contributions to Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs) for prior year (Employee Benefits).
30 Apr 2026
Santa Monica 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 Los Angeles County Assessor without a 10% late-filing penalty.
Santa Monica 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).
Santa Monica 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.
Santa Monica 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 Santa Monica 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 Santa Monica 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 Los Angeles 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 Santa Monica 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 Santa Monica startup employees to make contributions to Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs) for prior year (Employee Benefits).
30
Apr
2026
Santa Monica 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 Los Angeles County Assessor without a 10% late-filing penalty.
Santa Monica 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).
Santa Monica 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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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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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
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SUT/R&D Sr. Tax Accountant
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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!"
