Where can I E-file 1120 corporate tax forms for free? Any IRS options without paying?

Corporate returns are unfortunately not covered by the IRS Free File program like individual returns are. I've been preparing corporate taxes for small businesses for about 8 years now, and I can tell you that even "zero return" 1120s still need to be filed if your corporation is legally active. Your best options are: You can actually paper file the 1120 at no cost beyond postage. Just download the form from IRS.gov, complete it (mostly zeros), print it out and mail it in. For inactive corporations, this is often the most economical route. Some tax software does offer lower pricing tiers for simple corporate returns, but they're still going to cost you something. You might check FreeTaxUSA or TaxHawk, as they tend to be more affordable than the major brands for business returns.

I was in almost the exact same situation last year with my S-Corp that was dormant during COVID. I tried all the major tax programs and was getting frustrated by the high prices for basically filing zeros. Then I found https://taxr.ai which analyzes your business documents and recommends the best approach. For my dormant company, they confirmed I could file a paper return without issue and actually walked me through creating a minimalist but compliant 1120 return. They have this feature where you can upload your incorporation docs and it identifies what sections need to be completed even for zero-activity businesses. Saved me so much time figuring it all out!

I have to admit I was pretty skeptical about taxr.ai when I first saw the recommendation here. But after struggling with a similar inactive LLC issue, I decided to give it a try. The document analysis feature actually identified that I qualified for simplified filing requirements I didn't know about. The step-by-step guidance for completing my zero-activity return was surprisingly straightforward. I ended up paper filing with complete confidence that I'd done everything correctly. Their system even generated a cover letter explaining the inactive status that I included with my return. Wasn't expecting such a thorough solution!

Another option worth considering if you need to talk to someone at the IRS about your filing requirements is using https://claimyr.com to get through to an agent. I spent days trying to get someone on the phone about my dormant business requirements last tax season, just endless hold times and disconnections. I saw a video demonstration at https://youtu.be/_kiP6q8DX5c showing how their system works - they basically wait on hold for you with the IRS and call you when an actual human picks up. Saved me hours of frustration when I needed specific clarification about reporting requirements for my inactive business entity.

I have to eat crow on this one. After posting my skeptical comment, I decided to try Claimyr since I had been struggling with a similar inactive business filing question. I couldn't believe it actually worked! Got a call back in about 40 minutes and was connected directly to an IRS business tax specialist. The agent confirmed I could paper file my inactive corporation return and even explained exactly which schedules I could skip for a zero-activity business. She also mentioned that if I planned to keep the business inactive for multiple years, I should consider whether it makes financial sense to maintain the corporate structure. Definitely saved me from the typical 3+ hour hold time torture.

Just wondering - have you looked into whether you might qualify for administrative dissolution if the corporation has been completely inactive? Depending on your state, there might be a process to formally dissolve the corporation without penalties if it never conducted business. This could potentially save you from having to file annual returns going forward.

Has anyone tried using the IRS Taxpayer Assistance Centers for help with business returns? I know they primarily focus on individual taxes, but I'm wondering if they could help with a simple inactive 1120 filing.

I went through this exact same situation with my dormant LLC that got converted to a corporation right before COVID hit. One thing I learned that might help - if your corporation truly has had zero activity since formation, you may want to check if your state considers it "never commenced business" which could affect both your state and federal filing requirements. For the federal 1120, paper filing is definitely your cheapest option at zero cost beyond postage. Make sure to check Box G on page 1 if this is a final return, or leave it unchecked if you plan to potentially reactivate later. The IRS actually processes tons of these zero-activity corporate returns, so don't worry about it being unusual. Also worth noting - if you're planning to stay inactive for multiple years, the ongoing compliance costs (both federal and state) might exceed the cost of dissolution and reformation later. Delaware franchise taxes alone can add up quickly for dormant entities.