IRS Form 2553 — How to Elect S-Corporation Status in 2025
Electing S-corporation status with Form 2553 lets owners avoid double taxation while preserving limited‑liability protection, but the election is date‑sensitive and easy to botch. This guide explains when you must use Form 2553, step‑by‑step completion, submission addresses and common pitfalls, then shows you how to file it instantly with trusted e‑signature tools.
When Do You Need Form 2553?
Form 2553 is required when a domestic corporation—or an LLC that has first elected to be treated as a corporation—wants to be taxed under IRC § 1362 as an S‑corporation. To qualify, the entity must have no more than 100 shareholders, issue only one class of stock, and exclude non‑resident aliens, certain banks and insurance companies from ownership.
Deadline : file within 2 months + 15 days after the tax year begins or at any time in the preceding tax year. Late filers can usually obtain relief under Revenue Procedure 2013‑30.
Download the Official Form 2553 PDF
Always use the current December 2017 revision (download here).
How to Complete Form 2553 — Line‑by‑Line
| Section | What to Enter | Common Errors |
|---|---|---|
| Part I, Lines A‑E | Legal name, EIN, address, incorporation date, state | Typos in EIN; wrong state |
| Line F | Tax year (check “Calendar year” unless fiscal year approved) | Forgetting approval form |
| Line H | Date first shareholder acquired stock | Leaving blank triggers rejection |
| Columns J & K | Shareholder names, SSNs/EINs, signatures, dates | Missing SSN or unsigned consent |
6‑Step Quick Workflow
- Download the PDF.
- Upload to SignNow or pdfFiller.
- Auto‑fill corporate info via EIN lookup.
- Route to all shareholders for e‑signature.
- Generate a flattened PDF.
- Fax or mail to the correct IRS center.
Where & How to File
Send to Kansas City MO 64999 or Ogden UT 84201 depending on principal place of business (see instructions). Fax numbers : 855‑887‑7734 (KC) or 855‑214‑7520 (Ogden). Expect acknowledgment within 60 days.
Top Pitfalls to Avoid
- Missing the deadline without Part II late‑relief statement.
- Using an outdated PDF version.
- More than 100 shareholders without family aggregation election.
- Unsigned shareholder consent.
Complete & Sign in Minutes
Fill & Sign with SignNow
Instant e‑signature, routing, audit trail.
Alternate : pdfFiller for editable templates.
FAQ
Is an electronic signature legally accepted on Form 2553 ?
Yes — IRS guidance (Rev. Proc. 2020‑48) allows digital signatures.
What if my corporation misses the deadline ?
Attach Part II statement; most entities receive retroactive approval.
Can an LLC become an S‑corporation ?
Yes — first file Form 8832 to elect corporate status, then Form 2553.