Delaware Franchise Tax — March 1
Sunday, March 1, 2026
Delaware corporation annual franchise tax report due March 1, 2026 — applies to all DE-incorporated entities.
Who must file or pay
All corporations incorporated in Delaware must file their annual report and pay the franchise tax by March 1. Applies regardless of whether the company does business in Delaware.
What you need to know
All corporations formed in Delaware (the most common startup and small business incorporation state) must file an annual report and pay the franchise tax by March 1, regardless of whether the business operates in Delaware.
The Authorized Shares Method and the Assumed Par Value Capital Method produce very different tax results. Delaware defaults to the Authorized Shares method, which can result in surprisingly large franchise tax bills for startups with many authorized shares. The Assumed Par Value Capital Method almost always produces a lower tax for early-stage companies — make sure your tax advisor or Delaware registered agent calculates both.
This deadline is separate from, and earlier than, the federal corporate income tax return deadline (April 15). Delaware franchise tax is not an income tax — it is assessed regardless of profitability.
$200 late fee plus 1.5%/month interest on unpaid tax.
Required forms
- →Delaware Annual Report (filed online at corp.delaware.gov)
A licensed TaxosAgent professional reviews your situation before this deadline — so you maximize savings, not just compliance.
Book a strategy call→Free audit first →guaranteed, or your money back.
Other dates to know
S-Corp Return Deadline — March 17
S-Corporation Form 1120-S due March 17, 2026 — shareholder K-1s must be issued by this date.
Partnership Return Deadline — March 17
Partnership Form 1065 due March 17, 2026 — K-1s to all partners by this date.
C-Corp Return Deadline — April 15
C-Corporation Form 1120 due April 15, 2026 for fiscal year ending December 31, 2025.