Homepage > Blank IRS Schedule K-1 1120-S Template
Article Guide

The IRS Schedule K-1 (Form 1120-S) serves a crucial role in the tax reporting process for S corporations and their shareholders. This form provides a lifetime record of a shareholder's share of the corporation’s income, deductions, and credits. When an S corporation completes its yearly taxes, it uses the K-1 to communicate each shareholder's portion of profits or losses, which ultimately influences their personal tax obligations. Shareholders receive this information to report on their individual tax returns, guiding them through the sometimes-complex world of pass-through taxation. Additionally, the Schedule K-1 form tracks various financial elements, including dividends paid and capital gains, ensuring that transparency is maintained between the corporation and its stakeholders. Understanding this form is essential for any shareholder, as it impacts financial reporting and influences how taxes are calculated at the individual level. Overall, the Schedule K-1 1120-S is a pivotal document that aligns the financial interests of S corporations with the tax responsibilities of their shareholders.

Form Sample

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

671120

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2020

 

 

 

Final K-1

Amended K-1

OMB No. 1545-0123

Schedule K-1

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Part III

Shareholder’s Share of Current Year Income,

(Form 1120-S)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Deductions, Credits, and Other Items

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Department of the Treasury

 

 

 

For calendar year 2020, or tax year

 

1

Ordinary business income (loss)

13

Credits

Internal Revenue Service

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

beginning

 

/

/ 2020

 

ending

 

/

/

 

2

Net rental real estate income (loss)

 

 

Shareholder’s Share of Income, Deductions,

 

 

 

 

 

3

Other net rental income (loss)

 

 

Credits, etc.

 

 

See separate instructions.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4

Interest income

 

 

 

 

 

Part I

Information About the Corporation

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A

Corporation’s employer identification number

 

 

 

 

5a

Ordinary dividends

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

B

Corporation’s name, address, city, state, and ZIP code

 

 

 

 

5b

Qualified dividends

 

14

Foreign transactions

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

6

Royalties

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

7

Net short-term capital gain (loss)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

C

IRS Center where corporation filed return

 

 

 

 

8a

Net long-term capital gain (loss)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

8b

Collectibles (28%) gain (loss)

 

 

 

 

Part II

Information About the Shareholder

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

D

Shareholder’s identifying number

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

8c

Unrecaptured section 1250 gain

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

E

Shareholder’s name, address, city, state, and ZIP code

 

 

9

Net section 1231 gain (loss)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

10

Other income (loss)

 

15

Alternative minimum tax (AMT) items

F Current year allocation percentage . . .

%

 

GShareholder’s number of shares

Beginning of tax year

. . . . .

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

End of tax year

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

11

Section 179 deduction

16 Items affecting shareholder basis

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

H Loans from shareholder

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Beginning of tax year

. . . . .

$

 

12

Other deductions

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

End of tax year . .

. . . . .

$

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

17 Other information

For IRS Use Only

18 More than one activity for at-risk purposes*

19 More than one activity for passive activity purposes*

* See attached statement for additional information.

For Paperwork Reduction Act Notice, see the Instructions for Form 1120-S. www.irs.gov/Form1120S

Cat. No. 11520D

Schedule K-1 (Form 1120-S) 2020

Document Specifications

Fact Name Details
Purpose The IRS Schedule K-1 (Form 1120-S) is used to report income, deductions, and credits from S corporations.
Filing Requirement Shareholders receive a K-1 to report their share of the corporation's income on their personal tax returns.
Deadline The form is generally due to shareholders by March 15, following the end of the tax year.
Information Included The K-1 contains information about the taxpayer’s share of income, losses, deductions, and credits.
Box Categories Different boxes on the form categorize various types of income, including ordinary business income and rental income.
State Filing Many states require their own Schedule K-1 forms, potentially governed by laws specific to each state.
Taxation S corporation income is generally passed through to shareholders, meaning the corporation itself typically does not pay federal income tax.
Importance for Shareholders Shareholders must ensure they correctly report the K-1 information to avoid issues with the IRS.
Amendments If changes occur, the corporation must issue amended K-1s to shareholders to reflect updated information.

Steps to Filling Out IRS Schedule K-1 1120-S

Filling out the IRS Schedule K-1 (Form 1120-S) is an important part of reporting income from an S corporation. After completing this form, you will provide it to each shareholder, who will use the information for their personal tax filings. Below are the steps to ensure you fill out the form accurately.

  1. Begin at the top of the form, entering the name of the S corporation as it appears on its tax return.
  2. Next, input the corporation’s Employer Identification Number (EIN). This is the unique number assigned by the IRS.
  3. Provide the tax year for which the K-1 is being completed. Typically, this will be the calendar year ending December 31.
  4. List the shareholder’s name and address. Make sure the spelling is correct, as this information is vital for their tax records.
  5. Input the shareholder’s identifying number, usually their Social Security Number (SSN) or EIN if they are a corporation.
  6. Indicate the shareholder's percentage of stock ownership, both at the beginning and throughout the year if there were changes.
  7. Enter the income, deductions, and credits allocated to the shareholder from the S corporation. Each category has a specific line, so follow those closely.
  8. Fill in any additional items that apply to the shareholder. These may include special deductions or specific types of income such as capital gains.
  9. Review all entries carefully to ensure accuracy. Mistakes can lead to complications when filing taxes.
  10. Sign and date the form. This may be done by an authorized representative of the S corporation.
  11. Distribute copies of the K-1 to each shareholder by the deadline, allowing them ample time to prepare their tax returns.

More About IRS Schedule K-1 1120-S

What is the IRS Schedule K-1 1120-S form?

The Schedule K-1 1120-S form is a tax document issued by S corporations to report each shareholder’s share of income, deductions, and credits. It serves as a pass-through entity, meaning that the corporation itself does not pay taxes at the corporate level; instead, shareholders report their share of the company's income on their personal tax returns.

Who needs to file Schedule K-1 1120-S?

Only S corporations are required to file Schedule K-1 1120-S. Each shareholder of the S corporation receives a K-1 that details their specific financial information. Shareholders must file this form with their individual tax returns.

When is the Schedule K-1 1120-S due?

The Schedule K-1 must be issued by the S corporation to its shareholders by March 15 of each year. This aligns with the deadline for the S corporation's return (Form 1120-S). Shareholders should ensure they receive their K-1 in a timely manner to meet their filing obligations.

How is the information on Schedule K-1 1120-S used?

Shareholders use the information reported on Schedule K-1 to complete their personal income tax returns. The income, deductions, and credits reported inform their overall tax liability and are included on Form 1040 and associated schedules.

Can I get my Schedule K-1 electronically?

Yes, many S corporations provide Schedule K-1 electronically. Shareholders may receive it via email or through a secure online portal. Ensure that you keep a copy for your records and for filing your taxes.

What should I do if I don’t receive my Schedule K-1?

If you haven’t received your K-1 by the filing deadline, you should contact the S corporation directly. Sometimes delays occur due to administrative issues. It is essential to resolve this promptly, as you may need the information to file your tax return accurately.

What happens if I receive an incorrect Schedule K-1?

If the information on your K-1 is incorrect, contact the S corporation for a corrected version. The corporation is responsible for providing accurate information, and you will need the revised K-1 to ensure correct reporting on your tax return.

Aren’t all S corporations required to file a Schedule K-1?

Yes, all S corporations must file a Schedule K-1 for each shareholder. This requirement applies regardless of whether the corporation had income, deductions, or credits. It ensures that all shareholders receive the necessary information for their tax filings.

What if I have multiple K-1 forms from different S corporations?

In the event you receive K-1 forms from multiple S corporations, it is important to report each one on your tax return. Each K-1 includes information specific to that corporation, and combining this information helps determine your overall tax situation.

Are there any penalties for not filing Schedule K-1?

Yes, failing to file or incorrectly filing a Schedule K-1 can result in penalties for both the S corporation and the shareholder. The IRS can impose fines for late filings, and shareholders may face issues during audits or when correcting their returns.

Common mistakes

  1. Incomplete Information: One common mistake involves not providing all required information. Individuals often omit details such as the taxpayer's name, identification number, or business details. Each section of the form needs careful attention to ensure completeness.

  2. Incorrect Tax Year: Another frequent error relates to entering the wrong tax year. The Schedule K-1 must reflect the appropriate year based on when the income or loss was earned. Failing to match the form with the right year can lead to discrepancies in tax reporting.

  3. Misreporting Income: Mistakes can also occur when reporting income, deductions, or credits. Shareholders may unintentionally misclassify types of income, leading to understating or overstating tax liability. Accurate categorization is essential for compliance with IRS regulations.

  4. Neglecting to File: Some individuals mistakenly believe that if they are not receiving a K-1 for the current tax year, they do not need to file anything at all. However, each partner or shareholder in an S Corporation must report their share of income and losses, regardless of whether they received a K-1 form.

Documents used along the form

The IRS Schedule K-1 1120-S form plays a vital role in the tax reporting process for S corporations. Alongside this form, there are several other key documents that often accompany it. Each of these documents serves a unique purpose in ensuring accurate tax reporting and compliance with IRS requirements.

  • Form 1120-S: This is the tax return form that S corporations use to report income, deductions, and credits. It provides the IRS with critical information about the corporation's financial activities throughout the year.
  • Schedule B: Included as part of Form 1120-S, this schedule provides a series of questions related to the corporation's activities, including ownership information and potential foreign transactions.
  • Form 941: Employers use this form to report employment taxes withheld from employee paychecks, including Social Security and Medicare taxes. It’s essential for corporations with employees to file this on a quarterly basis.
  • Form 1099: This form is used to report various types of income other than wages. If the corporation pays independent contractors, it must issue 1099 forms to report those payments to both the IRS and the recipients.
  • Form W-2: For employees, corporations must issue W-2 forms at the end of the year to report wages paid and taxes withheld. This form is crucial for employees when filing their own tax returns.
  • Schedule D: This is used to report capital gains and losses. If the S corporation has sold any assets or investments, this schedule will detail the gains or losses realized from those transactions.
  • State Tax Forms: Depending on the state where the S corporation operates, various state tax forms might be required. These forms can include state income tax returns and specific business entity filings.
  • Form 8869: If the corporation is electing to be treated as an S corporation, this form is necessary for making that election and providing necessary information to the IRS.

Completing these forms accurately is essential for compliance with IRS regulations. They each contribute to a clear picture of the S corporation's earnings and tax obligations. Careful attention to detail in preparing these documents can help avoid problems or delays during the tax process.

Similar forms

The IRS Schedule K-1 (Form 1120-S) is similar to the Schedule K-1 (Form 1065) used by partnerships. Both forms report the share of income, deductions, and credits passed through to the partners or shareholders from the entity. While Schedule K-1 (Form 1120-S) focuses on S corporations, the partnership version captures details for partnerships, detailing how each partner's income and tax obligations are determined based on their share of the partnership's profits or losses.

Another similar document is the Schedule K-1 (Form 1041) for estates and trusts. This form outlines the distributions made to beneficiaries from an estate or trust. Much like the S corporation version, it conveys how much taxable income each beneficiary should report on their personal tax returns. The process of reporting distributed income ensures consistency in tax treatment across different forms of business and estate distributions.

The IRS Form 8804 is another relevant document when discussing income reporting for partnerships. This form reports the annual tax liability of a partnership that is subject to the Foreign Partners U.S. Tax Compliance regulations. While it primarily focuses on foreign partners, like Schedule K-1, it helps ensure all partners are informed of their tax responsibilities and it aligns with the flow-through nature of income reporting.

Form 1120, which is the U.S. Corporation Income Tax Return, serves as another counterpart to the K-1. Unlike the K-1 forms, which are used to report income to shareholders and partners, Form 1120 is used by C corporations to report their total income, gains, losses, deductions, and credits directly to the IRS. Both forms, however, ultimately seek to provide clarity on the income and tax situation of different entity types.

Further along the same lines, the Schedule C (Form 1040) is often used by sole proprietors to report income and expenses from their business. While it provides an overview of the business owner’s finances and taxes owed, Schedule C also emphasizes how individual business owners report profits directly on their own tax returns, mirroring the way S corporations pass income to their shareholders.

The IRS Form 5471 is relevant in terms of international operations and foreign income reporting. Primarily used by U.S. citizens and residents who are shareholders of certain foreign corporations, it details ownership interests and income similar to a K-1. Both forms play a crucial role in ensuring taxation is appropriately reported for income generated both domestically and internationally.

Form 1065 is another important document that works in a similar capacity to the Schedule K-1 (Form 1120-S). This is the U.S. Return of Partnership Income, which provides a summary of the partnership's income, deductions, and credits. Each partner receives a Schedule K-1 from the 1065, similar to how shareholders of an S corporation receive the K-1, illustrating that both forms provide essential information for individual income tax calculations.

The 1099-MISC form also shares similarities with the K-1 in that it reports various types of income other than wages, salaries, or tips. This form is often issued to independent contractors or freelancers and conveys the earnings these individuals need to report. Both K-1 and 1099-MISC serve the vital purpose of reporting income generated through various means outside of traditional employment.

Form 990, filed by most tax-exempt organizations, also follows the spirit of transparency found within the K-1 forms. This form provides insight into the financial health and activities of non-profit organizations. While not directly comparable, both the K-1 and Form 990 illustrate the importance of financial disclosures in shaping tax obligations and benefitting stakeholders.

Finally, Form 1120-SF, or the U.S. Income Tax Return for Settlement Funds, also bears similarities with the K-1. This form is used by settlement funds established under specific legal and tax regulations. Shareholders of these funds may receive K-1 equivalents detailing their income share, showing the variety of scenarios in which income can be reported through pass-through mechanisms similar to those in the Schedule K-1.

Dos and Don'ts

When filling out the IRS Schedule K-1 (Form 1120-S), clarity and accuracy are key. Here are important dos and don’ts to keep in mind:

  • Do ensure that all information is accurate and up-to-date.
  • Do double-check the taxpayer identification number (TIN) for correctness.
  • Do provide clear and complete descriptions for any income or deductions listed.
  • Do review instructions carefully before completing your form.
  • Don't leave any sections blank unless specifically instructed.
  • Don't forget to sign and date the form before submission.

Attention to detail is crucial. Following these guidelines can help ensure that your filing process goes smoothly and without unnecessary complications. By doing your best to follow these practices, you will be better positioned to address any questions or issues that may arise from the IRS.

Misconceptions

Understanding the IRS Schedule K-1 1120-S form can be tricky. Here are four common misconceptions people often have about this form.

  1. The K-1 is only for businesses.

    Many people think that only businesses receive a Schedule K-1. In reality, this form is issued to shareholders of S corporations, which are a type of business entity. However, individuals can also receive K-1s if they have invested in partnerships or limited liability companies (LLCs) that file a K-1.

  2. You only get a K-1 if you made money.

    Another misconception is that a K-1 is issued only when there are profits. A K-1 can be issued even if your share of the business resulted in a loss. This loss can often be used to offset other income, which is beneficial for tax purposes.

  3. You do not need to report anything from a K-1.

    Some believe that receiving a K-1 means they don’t need to report any income on their tax return. In fact, any income, losses, or deductions listed on the K-1 need to be included in your personal tax filing. Failure to report this can lead to complications with the IRS.

  4. All K-1 forms are the same.

    It's a common thought that all K-1 forms are identical. However, each K-1 can differ based on the type of entity issuing it. The information required on a K-1 for a partnership is different from that on one from an S corporation or an LLC, so it’s important to understand the specifics of the K-1 you receive.

Clarifying these misconceptions can help ensure that you handle your taxes correctly. Understanding the Schedule K-1 is an important part of accurately managing your tax obligations.

Key takeaways

When dealing with the IRS Schedule K-1 (Form 1120-S), it's important to understand its purpose and how to fill it out correctly. This form is crucial for reporting income, deductions, and credits from an S corporation to its shareholders. Here are some essential takeaways:

  • Understand the purpose: The Schedule K-1 (Form 1120-S) is used to report the income, deductions, and other tax items of an S corporation. Each shareholder receives a K-1 that details their share of the corporation's income and losses.
  • Correct information is vital: Ensure that all personal information, such as the shareholder's name, address, and taxpayer identification number, is accurate to avoid issues with the IRS.
  • Deadlines matter: The S corporation must send the K-1 to each shareholder by March 15th following the end of the tax year, allowing shareholders to include the information on their individual tax returns in a timely manner.
  • Report on personal tax returns: Shareholders must include their K-1 information when filing their personal income tax returns. This data can impact individual tax liability significantly.
  • Keep records: Maintain a copy of each K-1 received for personal records. This is helpful for future reference and in case of any IRS inquiries.
  • Consult a tax professional: Given the complexities of business taxes, seeking advice from a tax professional can ensure accurate reporting and compliance with regulations.