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The Daily Insight

How do I file 1120s without exercise?

Author

Andrew Mclaughlin

Published Apr 04, 2026

The corporation will submit what is commonly called a “zero return.” To file a corporate tax return with no activity, you’ll need to use the regular corporation income tax return known as IRS Form 1120. Form 1120 instructions are the same for profitable companies and companies that are not transacting business.

Is balance sheet required on 1120s?

Although an S corporation does not usually have to pay taxes, it does have to file federal taxes, which involves the completion of the federal S 1120 form. You must keep a copy of the completed tax return and the balance sheet on file for three years since the Internal Revenue Service may choose to audit the business.

How do I make my corporation an S Corp?

In order to become an S corporation, the corporation must submit Form 2553 Election by a Small Business Corporation signed by all the shareholders. See the Instructions for Form 2553 PDF for all required information and to determine where to file the form.

Do S Corps need a balance sheet?

Do I Have to Do a Balance Sheet for an S-Corp Return? Throughout the tax year, you must maintain a detailed balance sheet. When it comes time to file your taxes, you can then refer to this sheet in order to remain organized.

What is Form 1120s used for?

Use Form 1120-S to report the income, gains, losses, deductions, credits, etc., of a domestic corporation or other entity for any tax year covered by an election to be an S corporation.

What do you need to know about Form 1120S?

Essentially, Form 1120S is an S corporation’s tax return and will be used to report dividends, losses, and income of the shareholders of the company. C corporations and S corporations are the two basic types of corporations in the United States.

How to calculate gross profit on Form 1120?

Once the Cost of Goods Sold has been entered, if necessary, the program will calculate the Gross Profit on Line 3, Form 1120. If no Form 1125-A is entered the Corporation’s Gross Profit will be the same amount as reflected on Line 1c, Form 1120.

Do you need a tax preparer to do a corporate tax return?

You can choose either to do your own corporate tax return or use a tax professional to do it for you. If you want to use an experienced tax preparer, you will still need to prepare documents and have the appropriate forms and schedules to provide to the preparer. Corporate income taxes are complicated, so a tax preparer is the safe choice.

What do I need to put on form 1125-e?

If Form 1125-E is required, the user will have to enter the Name, Social Security Number, Percent of Time Devoted to the Business, Percent of Stock Ownership and the Amount of Compensation that the Officer received. This information will have to be entered for each officer of the Corporation.