Form 1065 Due Dates
Partnership Tax Return Filing Deadlines Explained

What Is the Due Date for Form 1065?

The standard Form 1065 due date depends on the partnership’s tax year.

Form 1065 Due Date (Calendar-Year Partnerships)

If your partnership follows a calendar tax year (January 1 – December 31):

Form 1065 is due on March 15 of the following year.

For example:

If March 15 falls on a weekend or federal holiday, the deadline automatically moves to the next business day.

Why the March 15 Deadline Is Important

Form 1065 is not just a partnership return—it is also the source of Schedule K-1 for each partner.

Partners rely on Schedule K-1 to:

• Report income or losses on their personal tax returns
• Claim deductions and credits
• Meet their own individual filing deadlines

Filing late can delay K-1s and create compliance issues for every partner involved.

Form 1065 Due Date for Fiscal-Year Partnerships

Not all partnerships operate on a calendar year. If your partnership uses a fiscal tax year, the due date changes.

📌 Fiscal-Year Due Date Rule

Form 1065 is due:

The 15th day of the third month after the end of the tax year

Examples:

• Tax year ends June 30 → Due September 15
• Tax year ends September 30 → Due December 15

Can You Extend the Form 1065 Due Date?

Yes. The IRS allows an automatic extension for Form 1065.

🧾 How to Get an Extension for Form 1065

To extend the due date, file Form 7004 on or before the original deadline.

Fiscal-Year Note: Extensions shift 6 months from your specific due date (e.g., Dec 15 year-end → June 15), not always September 15.

Extended Due Date for Form 1065

⏳ With Extension (Calendar-Year Partnerships)

If September 15 falls on a weekend or holiday, the deadline moves to the next business day.

What Happens If You Miss the Form 1065 Due Date?

Missing the Form 1065 deadline can be costly—even if the partnership owes no tax.

💸 IRS Penalty for Late Filing Form 1065

The IRS charges a penalty per partner, per month.

Example:

A partnership with 4 partners filing 3 months late:

• $245 x 4 partners x 3 months = $2,940 penalty
• Separate K-1 Penalty: $330 per late/incorrect Schedule K-1 (max $1.3M for ≤$5M receipts; $3.9M for >$5M).

Schedule K-1 Penalty Breakdown (Separate from Form 1065 Filing Penalty)

Situations Where Penalties May Still Apply

You may still face penalties if:

• You file after March 15 without an extension
• You file Form 7004 after the deadline
• Schedule K-1s are incomplete or incorrect
• The return is substantially incomplete
• Form 1065 e-filed but rejected (10-day grace period to resubmit)

Can Late Filing Penalties Be Reduced or Removed?

Yes, in certain cases.

Possible Penalty Relief Options:

• Reasonable cause (natural disasters, serious illness, system issues)
• First-time penalty abatement (if eligible)
• IRS administrative relief announcements

Documentation is critical when requesting penalty relief.

Final Form 1065 Due Date Checklist

• Confirm your partnership’s tax year
• Mark March 15 (or fiscal-year equivalent)
• File Form 7004 if more time is needed
• Prepare Schedule K-1s accurately
• E-file before the deadline to avoid penalties

Why E-Filing Early Matters

Filing Form 1065 electronically:

• Reduces processing delays
• Minimizes errors
• Confirms IRS acceptance faster
• Mandatory for partnerships filing 10+ returns total annually (all types)
• Helps partners receive K-1s on time

The Internal Revenue Service strongly encourages electronic filing for partnership returns.

Key Takeaway: Form 1065 Due Date at a Glance

• March 15 → Standard due date (calendar year)
• September 15 → Extended deadline (with Form 7004)
• Penalties apply per partner, per month
• Filing early protects both the partnership and its partners

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. If my partnership files late but issues Schedule K-1s on time, will penalties still apply?

Yes. Filing Schedule K-1s alone does not eliminate late-filing penalties.

The IRS considers Form 1065 and K-1s as a single filing requirement. If the partnership return itself is late, penalties can still be assessed.

2. Does Form 7004 automatically extend the Form 1065 due date?

Yes. Filing Form 7004 on or before the original due date provides an automatic 6-month extension for Form 1065.

There is:

• No IRS approval process
• No explanation required
• No additional paperwork after submission

3. Can I file Form 1065 after March 15 without penalties if no tax is owed?

No. Form 1065 penalties are based on late filing, not unpaid tax. Even if the partnership owes $0, penalties can still apply for missing the deadline without an approved extension.

4. What happens if one partner is added or removed before the due date?

Changes in partners do not change the Form 1065 due date. However:

• Ownership changes must be reflected accurately
• Capital accounts and allocations must be updated
• Schedule K-1s must match the revised ownership percentages

Incorrect reporting can delay IRS acceptance.

5. Is the Form 1065 due date different for foreign partners?

No. The Form 1065 due date remains the same, even if the partnership has foreign partners. However, additional reporting obligations (such as withholding forms) may apply depending on the situation.

6. Can I still e-file Form 1065 close to the deadline?

Yes. Electronic filing allows you to file up to the deadline day itself, as long as:

• The return is submitted before IRS cut-off time
• The filing system is IRS-authorized
• All required schedules are included

E-filing significantly reduces last-minute errors.

7. Will the IRS notify me before applying Form 1065 penalties?

No. The IRS does not send reminders before the due date. Penalty notices are issued after a late filing is processed. This makes proactive filing essential.

8. How long should partnerships keep Form 1065 records?

Partnerships should retain Form 1065 returns and supporting records for at least 7 years. This helps with:

• IRS audits
• Amended returns
• Partner disputes
• Ownership verification