Creating a Partnership Tax Return (Form 1065) involves several steps to ensure compliance with IRS regulations. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:
1. Gather Necessary Information
- Partnership Agreement: Review the partnership agreement for terms and conditions.
- Financial Records: Collect all financial records, including income, expenses, assets, liabilities, and capital accounts.
- Partner Information: Ensure you have the Social Security Numbers (SSNs) or Employer Identification Numbers (EINs) of all partners.
2. Complete Form 1065
Header Information
- Name and Address: Enter the partnership’s name, address, and EIN.
- Date Business Started: Provide the date the partnership was established.
- Total Assets: Enter the total assets of the partnership at the end of the tax year.
Income Section
- Gross Receipts or Sales: Report total sales or receipts.
- Cost of Goods Sold (COGS): Calculate and enter COGS if applicable.
- Gross Profit: Subtract COGS from gross receipts or sales.
- Other Income: Report other types of income, such as rental income, interest, and dividends.
Deductions Section
- Salaries and Wages: Enter total salaries and wages paid.
- Guaranteed Payments: Report guaranteed payments to partners.
- Rent, Utilities, and Other Expenses: Enter relevant expenses.
- Depreciation: Include depreciation expense as calculated.
- Other Deductions: List other applicable deductions.
Tax and Payments Section
- Estimated Tax Payments: Enter any estimated tax payments made.
3. Schedule B (Other Information)
- Answer Questions: Complete the questions about the type of partnership, accounting methods, etc.
- Foreign Transactions: Provide details if the partnership engaged in foreign transactions.
4. Schedule K (Partners’ Distributive Share Items)
- Income, Deductions, Credits: Allocate items to partners based on their ownership percentage.
5. Schedule K-1 (Partner’s Share of Income, Deductions, Credits, etc.)
- Individual Partner Information: Complete a Schedule K-1 for each partner.
- Distributive Share: Report each partner’s share of income, deductions, and credits.
6. Schedule L (Balance Sheets per Books)
- Balance Sheets: Report the beginning and end-of-year balance sheets.
7. Schedule M-1 (Reconciliation of Income per Books with Income per Return)
- Book to Tax Reconciliation: Reconcile the net income reported on the financial statements with the taxable income.
8. Schedule M-2 (Analysis of Partners’ Capital Accounts)
- Capital Accounts: Report changes in the partners’ capital accounts during the year.
9. Review and File
- Review: Thoroughly review the completed Form 1065 and all schedules for accuracy.
- Sign and Date: The form must be signed by a partner.
- File: Submit the completed Form 1065 to the IRS by the due date (March 15 for calendar year partnerships).
10. State Tax Return
- State Requirements: Check if your state requires a separate partnership tax return and complete it accordingly.
Additional Tips
- Software: Consider using tax software to streamline the process.
- Professional Help: If you’re unsure, consult a tax professional for assistance.
- Deadlines: Ensure you meet the filing deadlines to avoid penalties.
By following these steps, you can prepare and file a complete and accurate Partnership Tax Return.
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