5.0 out of 5 based on 41 reviewsBusiness tax return preparation
Business Tax Return Preparation and Filing
Your books tell the story of the year. Your return needs to report it correctly. Stronghold prepares and files federal business tax returns for LLCs, partnerships, S-corps, and C-corps, with the accounting and tax work connected from the start.
CPAPrepared
4 entity typesBusiness returns
Year-roundSupport
★★★★★“Alex and his team helped bring the books current and continue to provide monthly support while helping plan for growth.”Dr. MaloneLake Mary
★★★★★“Since adding Alex with Stronghold Accounting for our bookkeeping, it has truly been a Godsend for our business. Alex cleaned up a difficult QuickBooks transition and became a game changer for our month-to-month bookkeeping.”Patty LeslieTampa
★★★★★“Alex is sharp, detail-oriented, and genuinely passionate about his work. He explains the numbers clearly and helps business owners gain more control over their finances.”Baxter McCoyOrlando
What it is
Tax preparation turns a finished year into an accurate return
Tax preparation is the process of taking your completed financial records and reporting the year correctly to the IRS.
Our business tax return preparation starts with accurate books, identifies the forms and schedules your entity requires, and carries those numbers through to a completed return.
When we already handle your accounting, there is no disconnected year-end handoff. We know where the numbers came from and can resolve questions before they become filing problems.
- Financial records
- Review & preparation
- Completed tax return
- IRS
Entity types
Business returns we prepare and file
Our small business tax filing services cover the most common entity structures used by growing businesses.
LLCs and single-member LLCs
Our llc tax preparation process starts with how your LLC is actually taxed. A single-member LLC may report business activity on the owner's individual return, while an LLC can also elect to be taxed as an S-corporation or C-corporation.
We determine the applicable filing requirements and prepare the return based on the entity's tax classification.
Partnerships — Form 1065
Our partnership tax return preparation includes Form 1065 and the related Schedule K-1s reporting each partner's share of income, deductions, credits, and other tax items.
Clean books and accurate ownership information are especially important here because the business return has to reconcile with what is ultimately reported to each partner.
C-corp and S-corp returns — Forms 1120 and 1120-S
Our corporate tax preparation covers both C-corporations filing Form 1120 and S-corporations filing Form 1120-S.
Corporate tax return preparation involves more than transferring a profit-and-loss statement onto a tax form. We review the underlying accounting, balance-sheet activity, owner compensation, distributions, and other items that affect how the business is reported.
Dates that matter
Business tax filing deadlines and extensions
Business tax filing deadlines depend on your entity type and tax year.
March 15Partnerships and S-corporations
Calendar-year partnerships and S-corporations generally file by March 15.
April 15C-corporations
Calendar-year C-corporations generally file by April 15.
ExtensionsMore time to file
When additional time is needed, an extension can provide more time to file the return.
An extension to file does not necessarily extend the time to pay tax owed. We help clients understand what is due, what needs to be filed, and what an extension actually changes.
Tax preparation vs tax planning
They work together, but they solve different problems.
Tax Preparation
Looks backward at the year that endedPrepares and files required returnsReports completed transactionsFocuses on accurate complianceUsually happens after year-end
Tax Planning
Looks forward while decisions can still be changedEvaluates strategies before year-endHelps shape future transactions and decisionsFocuses on proactive tax strategyHappens throughout the year
The simplest way to understand tax planning vs tax preparation is timing: preparation reports what happened; planning helps determine what happens next.
For businesses using both services, the two stay connected so decisions made during the year are properly reflected when the return is prepared. See our tax planning services.
A better return starts before tax season
Tax preparation gets harder when the accounting behind the return is incomplete, outdated, or inconsistent.
Because Stronghold works directly with business financials, our business tax return services can start from books that have already been reviewed instead of reconstructing an entire year during tax season.
Whether your books are behind or current
If your books are behind, we can identify what needs to be cleaned up before preparation begins. If they are current, we can move directly into the return with a much clearer picture of the business.
The process
How business tax return preparation works
STEP 1Review
We review your entity structure, prior-year return, current books, and the documents required for filing.
STEP 2Reconcile
We make sure the financial records supporting the return are complete and identify anything that needs to be resolved.
STEP 3Prepare
Your CPA prepares the applicable federal return and supporting schedules.
STEP 4Review
We review the completed return and explain material items or questions before filing.
STEP 5File
Once approved, the return is submitted and your filing records are organized for the year ahead.
Why Stronghold
Your accounting and tax return should tell the same story
A return is only as reliable as the financial information behind it.
Stronghold connects bookkeeping, tax planning, and business tax return preparation so your CPA is not seeing your business for the first time when the filing deadline arrives.
Your CPAAlex M. Riccio, CPAFounder & CEO
That continuity means fewer year-end surprises, fewer unanswered accounting questions, and a clearer path from the books to the filed return.
Talk to Alex →Related services
Services that work with tax preparation
Tax Planning →Make tax decisions while there is still time to change the outcome.Monthly Bookkeeping →Keep the financial records behind your return accurate throughout the year.Cleanup & Catch-Up →Get overdue or inaccurate books ready for tax preparation.Payroll →Keep payroll records and owner compensation connected to the accounting.
Common questions
Business tax return questions
What is included in business tax return preparation?
Our business tax return preparation process includes reviewing the financial information needed for the return, preparing the appropriate federal business tax forms and schedules, reviewing the completed return, and filing it after approval.
What types of business tax returns do you prepare?
We prepare returns for common small-business entity structures, including LLCs, partnerships, S-corporations, and C-corporations. The specific return depends on how your business is structured and taxed.
What if my bookkeeping is behind?
The books need to be accurate before the return can be prepared reliably. If your accounting is behind or contains unresolved issues, we can determine what cleanup is needed before beginning the return.
Is tax preparation the same as tax planning?
No. Tax preparation reports transactions and decisions that have already happened. Tax planning happens earlier and looks for opportunities to make better tax decisions before deadlines pass.
Can you prepare my return if you do not handle my bookkeeping?
Yes, provided we have the financial records and supporting documentation needed to prepare an accurate return. We will review the books first and let you know if anything needs to be corrected or completed.
Do you file extensions?
Yes. When appropriate, we can prepare an extension to provide additional time to file. An extension to file does not automatically provide additional time to pay taxes that are due.
Get your business tax return filed with confidence
Your return should start with numbers you can trust. Talk with Stronghold about your business tax return services and what we need to prepare your filing.
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