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Thompson Hine LLP, a full-service business law firm with approximately 400 lawyers in 8 offices, was ranked number 1 in the category “Most innovative North American law firms: New working models” by The Financial Times and was 1 of 7 firms shortlisted for The American Lawyer’s inaugural Legal Services Innovation Award. The firm has been recognized by the National Law Journal as a Legal Technology Trailblazer and featured by Bloomberg for its innovative service delivery models, which drive accuracy and predictability. The firm’s commitment to innovation is embodied in Thompson Hine SmartPaTHTM – a smarter way to work – predictable, efficient and aligned with client goals. For more information, please visit ThompsonHine.com and ThompsonHine.com/SmartPaTH.

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Every domestic or foreign corporation must file an annual report/franchise tax return with the Delaware Secretary of State on or before March 1, 2024. The easiest way to file this report is via the <a href="http://corp.delaware.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Delaware Secretary of State's website</a>. If it is not filed on or before March 1, the corporation will also owe a penalty of $200 plus 1.5% interest per month on tax and penalty.

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To start, locate the corporation’s Delaware file number, which can be found by entering the corporation’s name on the <a href="https://icis.corp.delaware.gov/Ecorp/EntitySearch/NameSearch.aspx" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">search page</a>.

Next, go to the <a href="https://corp.delaware.gov/paytaxes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Annual Report and Tax Instructions page</a> to view instructions and begin the filing process. Click the <a href="https://icis.corp.delaware.gov/ecorp/logintax.aspx?FilingType=FranchiseTax" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Pay Taxes/File Annual Report link</a> at the top of the page. Enter the Delaware file number to pull up the annual report that must be filed and the state’s calculation of taxes owed based on the number of authorized shares of stock set forth in the corporation’s certificate of incorporation. However, Delaware has two methods for calculating taxes owed and usually the corporation can significantly reduce the amount by using the alternative tax calculation method, which is not based on the number of authorized shares, but rather on the number of authorized and issued shares and gross assets as of the end of the reporting period (December 31, 2023). The number of issued shares for each class of stock should come from the corporation’s records. The gross assets figure should come from the corporation’s 2023 Form 1120 Schedule L.

The <a href="https://corp.delaware.gov/frtaxcalc/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">How to Calculate Franchise Taxes page</a> provides information on the two methods for calculating taxes and a calculator that allows users to plug in figures to compare taxes using the two methods.

The minimum <a>franchise </a>tax using the authorized share method is $175 and the minimum using the alternative calculation method is $400. Filers owing $5,000 or more must pay their estimated franchise taxes in quarterly installments with 40% due June 1, 20% due September 1, 20% due December 1, and the remainder due March 1. In addition to the franchise tax, all corporations pay an annual report fee of $50.

The report also asks for the corporation’s federal employer identification number, principal place of business address, name and address of at least one officer, and names and addresses of all directors.

Note: All limited liability companies and limited partnerships also owe an annual tax of $300. There is no requirement to file an annual report. The tax owed for the prior year is due on or before June 1 of each year.

For assistance or more information, please reach out to a member of the <a href="https://www.thquicklaunch.com/quicklaunch-team/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">New Ventures team</a>.

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This advisory bulletin may be reproduced, in whole or in part, with the prior permission of Thompson Hine LLP and acknowledgment of its source and copyright. This publication is intended to inform clients about legal matters of current interest. It is not intended as legal advice. Readers should not act upon the information contained in it without professional counsel.

This document may be considered attorney advertising in some jurisdictions.

Delaware Corporate Annual Reports, Franchise Tax Returns Due Soon

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