Small Business Tax Forms: Which Ones Do You Actually Need to File in 2025

Running a successful small business means focusing on what you do best—whether that’s crafting beautiful products, delivering excellent services, or creating meaningful customer experiences.

What likely doesn’t make your “favorite tasks” list? Figuring out which tax forms apply to your business.

With the IRS publishing hundreds of different forms, each with their own purpose and requirements, it’s no wonder many business owners feel overwhelmed when tax season approaches. But here’s the truth: you probably only need to concern yourself with a small subset of these forms.

This straightforward guide will help you identify exactly which tax forms your particular business needs to file in 2025, saving you time, reducing stress, and helping you stay compliant without the confusion.

The Right Forms for Your Business Structure

Your business structure largely determines which tax forms you’ll need to file. Let’s break this down:

For Sole Proprietors

Schedule C (Form 1040) – This is your primary form for reporting business income and expenses. It attaches to your personal tax return and shows the IRS how your business performed financially during the year.

Schedule SE (Form 1040) – If your net earnings from self-employment were $400 or more, you’ll need this form to calculate your self-employment tax.

Form 1040-ES – Use this to estimate and pay your quarterly taxes, helping you avoid a large tax bill (and potential penalties) when filing your annual return.

For Partnerships

Form 1065 – This is an information return that reports your partnership’s income, deductions, gains, and losses. The partnership itself doesn’t pay income tax—instead, profits “pass through” to the partners.

Schedule K-1 (Form 1065) – Each partner receives this form showing their share of income, deductions, and credits to report on their personal tax returns.

For S Corporations

Form 1120-S – Similar to partnerships, S corporations file an information return to report financial activity. The business itself generally doesn’t pay income tax.

Schedule K-1 (Form 1120-S) – Each shareholder receives this form showing their portion of income, losses, deductions, and credits to include on their personal tax returns.

For C Corporations

Form 1120 – Unlike the business types above, C corporations file this form to report income and pay corporate taxes directly. Shareholders then pay personal taxes on any dividends received.

For Limited Liability Companies (LLCs)

LLCs have flexibility in how they’re taxed. Depending on your elections and structure:

• Single-member LLCs typically file Schedule C (like sole proprietors)
• Multi-member LLCs typically file Form 1065 (like partnerships)
• LLCs that elect to be taxed as corporations file either Form 1120 or 1120-S

Important Employment and Information Returns

If you have employees or work with independent contractors, you’ll need additional forms:

Form W-2 – Provide this to each employee by January 31, 2026, showing their earnings and tax withholdings for 2025.

Form W-3 – This summarizes all your W-2 forms and must be filed with the Social Security Administration.

Form 1099-NEC – Use this to report payments of $600 or more to independent contractors. This must be provided to contractors by January 31, 2026.

Form 1099-MISC – For reporting rental payments to landlords, attorney fees, and certain other payments of $600 or more.

Form 941 – For reporting quarterly employment taxes (federal income tax withholding, Social Security, and Medicare taxes).

Form 940 – For reporting annual Federal Unemployment Tax Act (FUTA) taxes.

Special Situation Forms

Depending on your business activities, you might also need:

Form 720 – For reporting certain excise taxes on products or services.

Form 8829 – If you claim home office deductions as a self-employed individual.

Form 4562 – For reporting depreciation and amortization of business assets.

Form 8300 – If your business receives cash payments over $10,000.

Keeping Things Simple

While the variety of forms might seem overwhelming at first, remember that most small businesses only need to file a few of them. The key is identifying which ones apply to your specific situation.

For comprehensive information about business tax forms, deadlines, and filing requirements, visit the official IRS website at IRS.gov/Businesses. The IRS Tax Calendar for Businesses provides a helpful timeline of when each form is due throughout the year.

Your Tax Form Success Strategy

Here are some friendly tips to make handling these forms easier:

1. Mark your calendar with filing deadlines for each form that applies to your business.
2. Gather documentation early – Start organizing receipts, income records, and expense information well before deadlines approach.
3. Consider implementing a comprehensive digital system like Finli that can help track the necessary information throughout the year, making tax time much smoother.
4. Set up a simple filing system (digital or physical) specifically for tax-related documents.
5. Review last year’s returns to remind yourself which forms you’ve needed in the past.

Remember, staying on top of your tax forms isn’t just about compliance—it’s about giving yourself the peace of mind to focus on what you do best: running and growing your business.

Note: For personalized advice tailored to your specific business situation, please consult with a qualified tax professional.