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Filing an S-Corp election can provide tax advantages for small businesses, but understanding the processing timeline is important to avoid delays and missed deadlines. The election is made by filing IRS Form 2553 (Election by a Small Business Corporation).

Typical Processing Time

• The IRS generally takes about 60 days from the date they receive Form 2553 to process your S-Corp election.

• Actual timing may vary depending on the IRS workload and the time of year (for example, processing is often slower during peak tax season).

Filing Deadlines to Keep in Mind

To ensure your election is approved for the desired tax year:

• You must submit Form 2553 within 75 days of forming your business, or

• Within 75 days of the start of the tax year in which you want S-Corp status to take effect.

• Late filings are sometimes accepted if you can show reasonable cause for the delay, but it’s best to file on time to avoid complications.

Possible Delays

Processing could take longer if:

• There are errors or missing information on Form 2553.

• The IRS requests additional documentation.

• Your election is filed during peak tax periods, which slows down review times.

If there are issues, the IRS will notify you by mail, which may extend the process.

How to Check the Status of Your S-Corp Election

If you haven’t received confirmation after 60 days:

• Call the IRS Business & Specialty Tax Line at 1-800-829-4933.

• Have your business EIN, legal name, and date of filing ready.

Conclusion

On average, the S-Corp election takes about 60 days to process, but timing can vary. Filing Form 2553 within the 75-day deadline ensures your election is applied to the correct tax year. To avoid delays, double-check your form for accuracy and monitor your status with the IRS if needed.