← Back to Calculator

S-Corp Election Deadline 2026: Key Dates & How to File on Time

Updated March 2026 · 5 min read

Timing your S-Corp election correctly is critical. File too late and you'll miss an entire year of tax savings. Here are all the key deadlines for S-Corp elections in 2026 and 2027, plus what to do if you've already missed this year's window.

2026 S-Corp Election Deadlines

Scenario	Deadline	Effective Date
Existing business electing for 2026	March 16, 2026 (March 15 is a Sunday)	January 1, 2026
New LLC formed in 2026	75 days after formation date	Date of formation
Filing now for 2027	Any time during 2026	January 1, 2027
Late election (missed deadline)	Up to 3 years + 75 days from intended date	Original intended date

The 75-Day Rule for New Businesses

If you just formed your LLC, you have a separate deadline from the March 15 date. New businesses can file Form 2553 within 2 months and 15 days (75 days) of their formation date to have the S-Corp election effective from day one.

For example, if you formed your LLC on February 1, 2026, your deadline would be April 17, 2026. This means new businesses often have more time than the standard March 15 cutoff suggests.

How to Calculate Your 75-Day Window

• Start with your LLC formation date (the date on your Articles of Organization)
• Add 2 calendar months (same day, 2 months later)
• Add 15 more calendar days
• If the result falls on a weekend or holiday, the deadline extends to the next business day

Looking Ahead: 2027 Deadlines

Planning for next year? Here are the projected 2027 dates:

Scenario	Deadline	Notes
Existing business electing for 2027	March 15, 2027 (Monday)	File Form 2553 by this date
File during 2026 for 2027	Any time in calendar year 2026	Simplest approach if you missed 2026
New LLC formed in 2027	75 days after formation date	Separate from March 15 deadline

Already Missed the 2026 Deadline?

If March 16 has already passed, you have two solid options:

1. File a late election under Rev. Proc. 2013-30 — The IRS allows late S-Corp elections for businesses that had reasonable cause for missing the deadline. You can file up to 3 years and 75 days after the intended effective date. See our complete guide: Missed the S-Corp Election Deadline?
2. File now for 2027 — Submit Form 2553 at any point during 2026 with an effective date of January 1, 2027. This is the simplest approach and guarantees your election is timely.

How to File Form 2553

The actual filing process takes about 15 minutes. You'll need your business name, EIN, address, and shareholder information. Form 2553 can be faxed or mailed to the IRS service center for your state.

For a complete walkthrough, see our step-by-step Form 2553 filing guide.

Is S-Corp Election Worth It for You?

Before worrying about deadlines, make sure S-Corp election actually makes sense for your business. The general rule: if your net business income exceeds $50,000 per year, S-Corp election will likely save you thousands annually in self-employment tax.

Not sure? Our free calculator gives you an exact answer in 30 seconds. You can also read our detailed break-even analysis.