The Exact Line to Check:
The State of Delaware Division of Corporations specifically mandates using the ending balance (Column d), not the beginning of year balance (Column b).
What Is Included in "Total Gross Assets"?
According to Delaware administrative guidelines, Total Gross Assets represents the "total assets" reported on the balance sheet of your federal corporate return (U.S. Form 1120, Schedule L).
This includes:
- Cash and cash equivalents in company bank accounts
- Accounts receivable
- Inventories
- Depreciable assets (less accumulated depreciation)
- Intangible assets, software licenses, patents
- Other assets owned by the corporation
What If Your Startup Hasn't Filed Federal Taxes Yet?
Many Delaware corporations are required to file their Delaware Annual Report by March 1st, whereas their Federal Corporate Tax Return (Form 1120) is not due until April 15th (or October 15th on extension).
If your corporate return has not yet been filed with the IRS:
1. Use the ending balance sheet from your bookkeeping records:
Pull your trial balance or balance sheet as of December 31st (or the end of your fiscal year). Use the Total Assets figure that your CPA will report on Schedule L.
2. If the company is pre-revenue and newly incorporated:
If the corporation was incorporated during the tax year and had negligible or zero assets as of December 31st, enter 0. With 0 assets, the Assumed Par Value defaults to $0.000000, and your tax will calculate to the statutory minimum of $400.00 (plus the $50 report fee for a total of $450.00).
What About S-Corporations (Form 1120-S)?
If your Delaware corporation made an S-Corp election with the IRS, you file Form 1120-S instead of Form 1120. The same rule applies: check Schedule L, Line 15, Column (d) for "Total assets".
Note for Delaware LLCs: Delaware LLCs do NOT file Schedule L with the Delaware Division of Corporations because Delaware LLCs pay a flat annual fee of $400 and do not file an Annual Report.
Know your Gross Assets?
Enter your Line 15(d) asset number in our calculator to see your exact tax bill.
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