Of course! Here is a comprehensive Small Business Compliance Calendar, broken down by frequency.

Important Disclaimer: This is a general guide and not a substitute for professional legal or accounting advice. Compliance requirements vary drastically based on your business structure (LLC, S-Corp, Sole Proprietorship), location (state, county, city), and industry. Always consult with an accountant and attorney for your specific obligations.

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At-A-Glance: Annual Compliance Calendar

Timeframe	Federal (U.S.)	State & Local	Internal Business
January	- W-2 & 1099-NEC/MISC Deadlines (Jan 31)	- State Annual Report/Fee (Varies)	- Review Business Plan & Budget
April	- Income Tax Returns (Apr 15)* - Q1 Estimated Taxes (Apr 15)	- State Income Tax Returns (Varies)	- Perform Q1 Financial Review
June	- Q2 Estimated Taxes (Jun 15)	-	- Mid-Year Strategy Check-in
September	- Q3 Estimated Taxes (Sep 15)	-	- Prepare for Year-End
October	- Extended Tax Return Deadline (Oct 15)	-	-
December	- Q4 Estimated Taxes (Jan 15 next year)	-	- Year-End Financial Closing - Plan for Next Year

*Partnership returns are due March 15.

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Detailed Monthly & Quarterly Breakdown

Quarterly Tasks

• Federal Estimated Tax Payments:


• Who: Sole proprietors, partners, and S-corp shareholders who expect to owe $1,000 or more in tax for the year. C-corporations expecting to owe $500 or more.


• Deadlines: April 15, June 15, September 15, January 15 (of next year).


• How: Use IRS Form 1040-ES.


• Sales Tax Return (if applicable):


• Who: Businesses selling taxable goods or services.


• Deadlines: Varies by state (monthly, quarterly, or annually). Check with your state's Department of Revenue.


• How: File and pay through your state's tax portal.


• Payroll Tax Returns & Payments:


• Who: Businesses with employees.


• Deadlines:


• Form 941 (Federal): Due April 30, July 31, October 31, January 31.


• State Withholding & Unemployment: Varies by state, often monthly or quarterly.

Monthly Tasks

• Payroll: Run payroll and remit withheld taxes (income, Social Security, Medicare) to the IRS and state. This is often a monthly or semi-weekly obligation.


• Sales Tax: If you are a monthly filer, remit sales tax collected.


• Financial Review: Reconcile bank accounts, review Profit & Loss (P&L) statement, and track against your budget.


• Invoicing & Accounts Receivable: Send invoices and follow up on late payments.

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Critical One-Time & Annual Tasks

January

• Deadline: January 31


• Provide W-2s to employees and file with the SSA.


• Provide 1099-NEC to contractors (paid $600 or more) and file with the IRS.


• Form 941 for Q4 of the previous year.


• State Annual Report: Many states require an "Annual Report" or "Statement of Information" to be filed, along with a fee. This is often due on the anniversary of your business formation. Check your Secretary of State's website!

March

• Deadline: March 15


• S-Corp & Partnership Tax Returns (Form 1120-S / 1065) are due.

April

• Deadline: April 15


• C-Corp, Sole Proprietor, and Individual Tax Returns (Form 1120, 1040) are due.


• Q1 Estimated Tax Payment is due.

May - June

• Business Licenses & Permits: Many local business licenses require annual renewal. Check with your city or county clerk's office.


• Deadline: June 15


• Q2 Estimated Tax Payment is due.

September

• Deadline: September 15


• Q3 Estimated Tax Payment is due.

October

• Deadline: October 15


• Extended Individual and C-Corp tax returns are due.

November - December

• Year-End Planning:


• Meet with your accountant for tax planning strategies.


• Review business insurance policies.


• Assess inventory and equipment needs for the next year.


• Set financial and strategic goals for the upcoming year.


• Employee Reviews & Bonuses: Plan for year-end payroll, including bonuses.

January 15 (of the following year)

• Q4 Estimated Tax Payment for the previous year is due.

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Industry & Situation-Specific Compliance

• If You Have Employees:


• Posters: Display required state and federal labor law posters.


• I-9 Forms: Verify employment eligibility for all hires. Keep on file.


• New Hire Reporting: Report new employees to your state within 20 days.


• Workers' Compensation Insurance: Mandatory in most states.


• Unemployment Insurance Tax (SUTA): File and pay quarterly/annual returns.


• OSHA Compliance: Maintain a safe workplace; some industries require injury logs (OSHA Form 300).


• If You Sell Online:


• Economic Nexus Laws: You may need to collect and remit sales tax in states where you have a significant economic presence, even without a physical location.


• If You Are in a Regulated Industry (Food, Health, Finance):


• Health Inspections (Food Service)


• HIPAA Compliance (Healthcare)


• FINRA/SEC Regulations (Finance)


• Data Privacy Laws (e.g., CCPA/CPRA in California)

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Proactive Compliance Management Tips

• Create a Master Calendar: Use a digital calendar (like Google Calendar) and set reminders for all deadlines—with alerts 1 week and 1 day in advance.


• Go Digital: Use accounting software (like QuickBooks Online or Xero) to automate invoicing, expense tracking, and sales tax calculations.


• Build a Professional Team: Your CPA and business attorney are your best resources. Pay them for their advice to avoid costly mistakes.


• Centralize Your Documents: Keep all your business licenses, incorporation papers, tax filings, and insurance policies in one secure, organized place (digital or physical).


• Schedule Quarterly "Compliance Check-Ins": Dedicate time every quarter to review the upcoming deadlines and ensure nothing is slipping through the cracks.

By using this calendar as a framework and customizing it for your specific business, you can reduce stress, avoid penalties, and stay focused on growth.