Forming a US entity means you’ll owe taxes every year—no matter your revenue or how briefly the company existed. Here’s what a Stripe Atlas company must file, when taxes are due, and how Atlas connects you with specialist tax advisors at affordable rates.
Why do US companies owe taxes every year?
Every year that a US company is in existence, it must owe taxes and file in the United States. It does not matter if the company existed for one day or one second, or if it had zero dollars in revenue or a billion dollars in revenue—you still have a filing obligation.
- Existence triggers annual tax filings and payments.
- Revenue level does not change the filing requirement.
- All companies must file every year they exist.
What key vocabulary should you remember?
- owe taxes: the company must pay taxes. Example: “you will still owe taxes.”
- file taxes: submit required tax forms. Example: “you will have to file those taxes every year.”
- in existence: legally formed and active at any time in the year. Example: “Every year that a US company is in existence.”
- revenue: money earned by the business. Example: “zero dollars in revenue or a billion dollars in revenue.”
- extensions: more time to file. Example: “it is possible to file for extensions.”
- deadlines: due dates for submissions. Example: “some states may have different deadlines.”
Which taxes are required for Stripe Atlas companies?
At minimum, there are two filings you will “for sure” have to complete. Depending on your operations, more states may apply.
- US federal taxes: annual filing required. Atlas can connect you with tax advisors to file paperwork and pay amounts owed.
- Delaware state taxes: required annually for Delaware companies. Advisors can guide you through the process and filings.
- Possible additional state taxes: may apply if you have employees in specific states or do business with customers in certain US states. A tax advisor helps decide which states to file in.
Where might you owe additional state taxes?
- States where you have employees.
- States where you have customers and conduct business.
- Determined with a tax advisor for your specific situation.
How and when are taxes due for startups?
Generally, US taxes are due in April each year. You can file for extensions, and some states may have different deadlines from the main April date. A tax advisor can help plan the right approach for your business.
- Federal due date is generally in April.
- Extensions are available if needed.
- State deadlines can differ.
- Annual filings are required every year the company exists.
What support does Stripe Atlas offer?
- Annual email at the start of the year with a full schedule of tax due dates.
- Resources to sign up with tax advisors, attend AMAs, ask questions, and hire advisors for filings.
- Advisors offer affordable rates to Stripe Atlas companies and specialize in working with startups.
Have a question about your filing steps or deadlines? Share it in the comments and keep the conversation going.
