A corporation must submit the attachments, explanations, and additional information required by the Form 1120, 1120-S, or 1120-F instructions and IRS regulations in the following manner:
- Order of Attachments: Attach all schedules and other forms after the main form (Form 1120, 1120-S, or 1120-F) in the specified order. For example, for Form 1120, the order is:
- Schedule N (Form 1120)
- Schedule D (Form 1120)
- Form 4797
- Form 8949
- Form 8996
- Form 4626
- Form 8050
- Form 1125-A
- Form 4136
- Form 8978
- Form 965-B
- Form 8941
- Form 3800
- Form 8997
- Form 6252
- Form 8936, Schedule A
- Additional schedules in alphabetical order
- Additional forms in numerical order
- Supporting statements and attachments
- Completing Entry Spaces: Complete every applicable entry space on the form. Do not enter "See Attached" or "Available Upon Request" instead of completing the entry spaces. If more space is needed, attach separate sheets using the same size and format as the printed forms.
- Supporting Statements and Attachments: Arrange supporting statements and attachments in the same order as the schedules or forms they support and attach them last. Show the totals on the printed forms. Enter the corporation's name and EIN on each supporting statement or attachment.
- Electronic Filing: If filing electronically, do not attach the annual statement or pro forma annual statement to the electronically filed return. However, you must provide a copy of the annual statement or pro forma annual statement to the IRS if requested and retain it with your other tax records for the period required by the regulations.
- Specific Instructions for Certain Forms:
- Form 1120-F: Attach all schedules and other forms after page 9 of Form 1120-F in the specified order.
- Form 1120-S: Attach Schedules K-2 and K-3 to your Form 1120-S and file both by the due date (including extensions) for that return. Provide Schedule K-3 to your shareholders according to the timeline for providing the Schedule K-1.
- Additional Documentation: For specific items such as reportable transactions, material advisor disclosures, and elections under various sections (e.g., section 362(e)(2)(C)), attach the required forms (e.g., Form 8886, Form 8918) and statements as specified in the instructions.
- Recordkeeping: Keep the corporation's records for as long as they may be needed for the administration of any provision of the Internal Revenue Code. Usually, records that support an item of income, deduction, or credit on the return must be kept for 3 years from the date the return is due or filed, whichever is later.
By following these guidelines, a corporation ensures that all required attachments, explanations, and additional information are properly submitted with their tax return.
Sources:
Instructions for Form 1120 (2023)
Instructions for Form 1120-S (2023)
§ 1.6012-1. Individuals required to make returns of income.
Publication 542 (1/2024)
Instructions for Form 1120-F (2023)
S Corporation Instructions for Schedules K-2 and K-3 (Form 1120-S) (2023)
Instructions for Form 1120-L (2023)
