Georgia business owners often face complex tax filing requirements, especially when managing multiple entity types such as partnerships, corporations, and fiduciaries. To avoid penalties and stay compliant, it’s crucial to understand when your Georgia business income tax returns are due—and how to request a Georgia business tax extension using Form IT-303 when needed.

This guide explains business return types, deadlines, extension rules, penalties, and mailing instructions in a clear and detailed manner.

What Are the Georgia Business Income Tax Returns?

Georgia requires different types of business entities to file specific income tax returns. Each return follows its own deadline and rules for extension.

1. Partnership Income Tax Return — Form 700

Partnerships operating in Georgia must file Form 700 to report their business income, deductions, and partner allocations. Although partnerships generally do not pay income tax at the entity level, they must submit this return annually and issue K-1s to all partners.

2. Fiduciary Income Tax Return — Form 501

Estates, trusts, and other fiduciaries report income using Form 501.

3. Corporate Income Tax Return (Form 600)

Corporations must file a Georgia corporate income tax return 600. 

4. S Corporation Income Tax Return (Form 600S) 

S corporations file Form 600S to report income passed through to shareholders. Although S corporations generally do not pay income tax at the entity level, they still must file annually and issue K-1s to Georgia shareholders.

5. Unrelated Business Taxable Income (Form 600T)

Nonprofit and exempt organizations must file Form 600T when they generate unrelated business taxable income (UBTI). This form ensures UBTI is properly reported and taxed, even though the entity is otherwise tax-exempt.

When Is the Deadline to File Georgia Business Tax Returns?

Georgia follows standard due dates similar to federal schedules:

• Partnerships (Form 700): Due the 15th day of the third month after the tax year ends.
• Fiduciaries (Form 501): Due the 15th day of the fourth month after the tax year ends.
• Corporations (Form 600, 600S, 600T): Due the 15th day of the fourth month after the tax year ends (extended by one month for tax periods after January 1, 2025).
• S Corporations (Form 600S): Due on the 15th day of the third month after the tax year ends.
• Unrelated Business Taxable Income (Form 600T) – Nonprofits and exempt organizations reporting UBTI must file Form 600T, due on the 15th day of the fifth month after the end of the taxable year.

Missing these deadlines may trigger penalties and interest, so businesses should consider filing a Georgia business tax extension when additional time is needed.

Can I Extend the Georgia Business Income Tax Returns?

Yes. Georgia allows businesses to request an extension of time to file if there is:

• Illness
• Absence
• Other disability
• Reasonable cause

However, the extension only applies to filing—not to paying tax due.

How to Extend the Georgia Business Income Tax Returns Deadline?

Georgia accepts both federal and state extension requests to file Forms 600, 600S, 600T, 700, 501. Here’s how each option works:

1. Using a Federal Extension (Automatic Acceptance)

Georgia automatically accepts your federal extension Forms 7004 (600, 600S, 501, 700) or 8868 (for 600T) if:

1. Your Georgia return is filed within the same extended period granted by the IRS, and
2. A copy of the approved federal extension is attached to your Georgia return when filed.

2. Using Georgia Form IT-303

If you do not have an approved federal extension, you can request extra time by filing Form IT-303, Application for Extension of Time for Filing Georgia Business income tax returns.

Key details:

• Upon approval, Georgia grants a 6-month extension for business income tax returns.
• Fiduciaries may receive only up to a 5½-month extension.
• Corporations filing consolidated returns must submit a separate IT-303 for each subsidiary for Net Worth Tax purposes.
• Corporations not filing consolidated returns may request an extension for both Income Tax and Net Worth Tax on the same IT-303.

Important Note: No Extension for Tax Payments

Georgia does not extend the deadline for paying taxes.

• All tax payments (Income Tax or Net Worth Tax) must be made by the original due date.
• Late payment will incur penalties and interest even if your extension is approved.

What Happens If I Miss the Deadline?

Georgia imposes strict penalties and interest for failing to file or pay on time.

1. Interest Charges

• Before July 1, 2016: 12% annually
• After July 1, 2016: Rates follow Georgia Code Sections 48-7-81 and 48-13-79

2. Late Filing Penalty

• 5% per month of unpaid tax
• Maximum: 25%

3. Late Payment Penalty

• 0.5% per month on unpaid tax
• Applies even if you have an approved extension
• Combined late filing + late payment penalties cannot exceed 25%

Where to Mail Georgia Form IT-303?

Form IT-303 must be completed in triplicate and mailed before the return’s original due date.

Mailing Address:

What Forms Should I Use to Remit Payment?

Georgia requires different payment voucher forms depending on the entity type:

• Individuals & Fiduciaries: Use Form IT-560
• Corporations & Partnerships: Use Form IT-560C
• Composite Tax: Use Form IT-560C

Remember: Payment vouchers must accompany tax payments made on or before the original due date—extensions do not delay payment obligations.

Final Thoughts

Staying compliant with Georgia’s business tax requirements doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Understanding your filing deadlines, knowing which return your entity must file, and using the correct extension method—whether a federal extension or Form IT-303—can help you avoid costly penalties and interest. While Georgia offers generous filing extensions, these do not extend your time to pay, making early tax planning essential for every business.

By keeping track of due dates, preparing payments on time, and submitting extension requests when needed, businesses can maintain good standing with the Georgia Department of Revenue and ensure smoother tax seasons year after year. If you anticipate delays, filing a Georgia business tax extension early is the most effective way to protect your business from unnecessary financial stress.

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