When Are Delaware Income and Business Taxes Due?
This guide provides a clear overview of Delaware's tax reporting calendar, covering the specific due dates for both individual and business tax obligations.
Each state has its own tax rules, forms, and deadlines to ensure compliance and avoid financial penalties. In Delaware, the timelines for filing returns and submitting payments vary based on the type of tax and the filer’s status. Being aware of the due dates that apply to your situation is necessary for managing your tax obligations.
Personal Income Tax Deadlines
The primary deadline for individuals to file a Delaware personal income tax return, Form 200-01, is April 30. This date is for both submitting the tax form and paying any outstanding tax liability. The deadline applies to residents and non-residents with income sourced from Delaware.
If you cannot file your return by April 30, you can request a six-month extension by filing Form PIT-EXT by that date. This moves the final filing due date to October 15. However, this is an extension of time to file, not to pay. To avoid penalties, you must pay your tax liability by the original April 30 due date.
Individuals who are self-employed or have significant non-wage income are required to make quarterly estimated tax payments using Form PIT-EST. The deadlines for these payments are:
- April 30
- June 15
- September 15
- January 15 of the following year
Key Business Tax Deadlines
Business tax deadlines in Delaware depend on the company’s structure. C-Corporation income tax returns (Form 1100) are due by the 15th day of the fourth month after the fiscal year ends, making the deadline April 15 for calendar-year corporations. S-Corporation returns (Form 1100S) are due by the 15th day of the third month after their fiscal year ends, which is March 17, 2025, for calendar-year filers.
Entities incorporated in Delaware must also pay an annual Franchise Tax. For corporations, the annual report and the franchise tax payment are due by March 1. Limited Liability Companies (LLCs) and Limited Partnerships (LPs) have a different deadline, with their flat $300 annual franchise tax due by June 1.
Businesses must also manage Gross Receipts Tax, filed monthly or quarterly as determined by the Division of Revenue. Monthly filers submit returns and payments by the 20th of the following month. Quarterly filers must do so by the last day of the month after the quarter ends. Employers also have separate deadlines for remitting employee income tax withholding, with payment frequency depending on the amount withheld.
Consequences of Late Filing and Payment
Failing to meet Delaware’s tax deadlines can lead to specific financial repercussions, with different penalties and interest rates for personal and corporate taxes.
For personal income tax, the late payment penalty is 1% of the unpaid tax per month, up to a 25% maximum. The penalty for failing to file on time is 5% per month on the balance due. Interest is also charged on any underpayment at a rate of 0.5% per month.
For corporate income tax, the late filing penalty is 5% per month, up to a 50% maximum of the tax due. If a corporation fails to pay on time, a penalty of 0.5% per month applies, up to a 25% maximum. Interest on corporate underpayments is charged at 1% per month.
How to File and Pay Your Taxes
Delaware tax returns can be submitted electronically or by mail. Electronic filing through the Delaware Division of Revenue’s online portal or approved tax software is the fastest method and provides receipt confirmation. Alternatively, taxpayers can mail paper tax forms to the address specified in the form instructions.
Payments can be made online through the state’s tax portal via direct debit or credit card. A direct debit can often be authorized as part of the electronic filing process. To pay by mail, send a check or money order with the appropriate payment voucher, such as Form PIT-VCH for e-filers or Form PIT-EST for estimated taxes.