Independent form guide. BrieflyGo is not affiliated with or endorsed by IRS, USCIS, SSA, DOL, or any U.S. government agency. Official forms are sourced from public government websites.
Official form guide
Form 1120-RIC: U.S. Income Tax Return for Regulated Investment Companies
IRS Form 1120-RIC is the U.S. Income Tax Return for Regulated Investment Companies, used to report income, gains, losses, deductions, credits, and figure income tax liability under section 851. RICs that file 10 or more returns of any type during the calendar year must e-file. The return is due by the 15th day of the 4th month after the tax year ends.
Need help with Form 1120-RIC?
Open it in the AI Editor for field guidance, checks, and PDF export.
Need help? AI Editor guides you through every field of Form 1120-RIC.
Start filling →Form Overview
IRS Form 1120-RIC - U.S. Income Tax Return for Regulated Investment Companies
IRS Form 1120-RIC is the U.S. Income Tax Return for Regulated Investment Companies, used to report income, gains, losses, deductions, credits, and figure income tax liability under section 851. RICs that file 10 or more returns of any type during the calendar year must e-file. The return is due by the 15th day of the 4th month after the tax year ends.
Risk Radar
Scan points- 1Filing late without reasonable cause triggers 5% monthly penalty up to 25%.
- 2Failing to e-file when the RIC files 10 or more returns of any type during the calendar year.
- 3Not having the return signed by an authorized officer (president, VP, treasurer, etc.) or fiduciary.
- 4Omitting Form 1125-E when total receipts are $500,000 or more.
- 5Reporting tax-exempt interest on line 2 instead of Schedule K, item 8.
Plain English
A regulated investment company (RIC) uses this form to tell the IRS how much money it made and how much tax it owes. The form must be filed by the 15th day of the fourth month after the company's tax year ends. If the company files 10 or more tax returns of any kind in a year, it must file this form electronically. An extension can be requested using Form 7004.
Submission Date
- Filing date: 2026-01-29 16:10:39
- Preparation window: collect IDs, supporting records, and signatures in advance.
- Final review: verify names, dates, and required fields before submission.
AI co-pilot
Fill it faster. Catch mistakes before you file.
What this form is for
- Use this form to report the income, gains, losses, deductions, credits, and figure the income tax liability of a regulated investment company (RIC) as defined in section 851.
- Do not use this form for entities that do not qualify as a RIC under section 851, or for reporting excise tax on undistributed income.
- Check Form 8613 instead when the RIC is liable for the 4% excise tax on undistributed income under section 852.
Form selector
Use this form or another form?
RIC is a U.S. shareholder of a controlled foreign corporation
Required to report information under sections 6038 and 6046
✓ Confirm the RIC meets the ownership thresholds in the Form 5471 instructions
RIC claims a deduction for energy efficient commercial buildings
Used to calculate and claim the section 179D deduction
✓ Verify the building was placed in service during the tax year and meets energy standards
RIC owes excise tax on undistributed income
Reports and pays the 4% excise tax; separate from income tax return
✓ Check if the RIC had undistributed income subject to the tax
RIC has business interest expense subject to limitation
Calculates deductible business interest and carryforward under section 163(j)
✓ Ensure the RIC's average gross receipts exceed the threshold (if applicable)
RIC changes address after filing the return
Notifies IRS of new address or responsible party; do not use on the return itself
✓ File Form 8822-B separately after the return is submitted
Deadline or filing window
The filing deadline is triggered by the end of the RIC's tax year. The return is due by the 15th day of the 4th month after the tax year ends. A new RIC filing a short period return must file by the 15th day of the 4th month after the short period ends. An automatic extension of time to file can be obtained by filing Form 7004 by the regular due date.
Checklist
What you need before filling it out
Item D – Total Assets
End-of-year total assets per accounting method · RIC's books and records
Item E – Final Return
Documentation that the RIC will no longer exist (e.g., dissolution documents) · Corporate records
Item E – Name Change
Amended articles of incorporation filed with the state · State filing records
Item E – Address Change
New address details · Internal records
Item E – Amended Return
Statement explaining reasons and lines changed · Prior return and new calculations
Line 1 – Dividends
Record date and ex-dividend date for each dividend · Broker statements or dividend notices
Line 2 – Interest
Taxable interest income (e.g., from U.S. obligations, bonds) · Account statements, Form 1099-INT
Schedule K, item 8 – Tax-exempt interest
Amount of tax-exempt interest received · Portfolio records
Before you submit
- 1Confirm the form revision is 2025 and all pages are included
- 2Enter the RIC's EIN correctly; if not received, write 'Applied for' with the application date
- 3Complete Item D – Total Assets using the accounting method regularly used
- 4Check the appropriate box in Item E if this is a final return, name change, address change, or amended return
- 5If amending, attach a statement explaining the reason and identifying each changed line
- 6Include all required schedules and forms (e.g., Form 5471, Form 8613, Form 8990, Form 8992, etc.) as applicable
- 7Verify that dividends on line 1 are included by the later of the ex-dividend date or acquisition date
- 8Ensure interest on line 2 is taxable interest only; tax-exempt interest is reported on Schedule K, item 8
- 9Sign and date the return (an authorized officer must sign)
- 10Keep a complete copy of the return and all attachments for records
- 11If e-filing, check IRS.gov/Form1120RIC for electronic filing requirements (available from mid-February 2026)
- 12Pay any tax due with the return (payment method not specified in source; refer to instructions)
How to file this form
- 1Gather all income, gain, loss, deduction, and credit information for the tax year
- 2Complete Form 1120-RIC using the 2025 revision, filling in all applicable lines and schedules
- 3Attach any required supporting forms (e.g., Form 5471, Form 8613, Form 8990, Form 8992) and statements
- 4Review the return for accuracy, especially items D, E, and lines 1–2
- 5Sign and date the return (an authorized officer must sign)
- 6File the return by the due date (refer to official instructions for exact date; not provided in this excerpt)
- 7Obtain proof of filing (e.g., e-file acknowledgment or certified mail receipt)
Known limitations
- 1This form is only for entities that qualify as a regulated investment company under section 851; other corporations must use Form 1120 or other appropriate returns.
- 2The form does not report or pay the 4% excise tax on undistributed income; use Form 8613 for that purpose.
- 3Information reporting for controlled foreign corporations is not handled on this form; attach Form 5471 if applicable.
- 4The energy efficient commercial buildings deduction under section 179D is not computed on this form; use Form 7205.
- 5The limitation on business interest expense under section 163(j) is calculated on Form 8990, not on Form 1120-RIC directly.
- 6Global intangible low-taxed income (GILTI) under section 951A is figured on Form 8992 and attached to this return.
Field map
Compact field-by-field guide
Entity Info
2 items
Full legal name of the corporation and its Employer Identification Number.
Current mailing address and date of incorporation.
Income
3 items
Total revenue from business operations before deducting costs.
Direct costs attributable to producing goods sold by the corporation.
Gross receipts minus cost of goods sold and returns/allowances.
Deductions
1 items
Sum of all business expenses including compensation, rent, interest, taxes, and depreciation.
Tax
2 items
Total income minus total deductions.
Tax calculated on taxable income using the applicable corporate tax rate, minus any credits.
Signatures
1 items
An authorized corporate officer must sign and date the return.
Almost done reviewing the fields?
Fillable formOpen in Editor->The current edition is the 2025 revision of Form 1120-RIC. The instructions point to IRS.gov/Form1120RIC for the latest information on developments after publication. Notable changes include electronic filing becoming available in mid-February 2026 and an increase in the minimum penalty for failure to file (for returns due in 2026) to the smaller of the tax due or $525.
What changed or needs a fresh check
- Edition date — confirm the form revision is 2025 (the current instructions are dated 2025)
- Fee — not stated in the official source — verify on the agency site
- Mailing address — not stated in the official source — verify on the agency site
- Signature — an authorized officer must sign and date the return before filing
- EIN — if not received by the due date, enter 'Applied for' and the date applied in the EIN space
- Total assets — enter the RIC's total assets at end of tax year; enter -0- if none
Quick Facts
Downloads
After you file
- 1Retain a copy of the filed return and all attachments for at least 3 years (or longer if required by state law)
- 2If e-filed, save the electronic acknowledgment as proof of filing
- 3If mailing, use certified mail or a private delivery service to obtain proof of delivery
- 4If the RIC changes address after filing, submit Form 8822-B to notify the IRS
- 5If an error is discovered after filing, file an amended return by checking the 'Amended return' box on Form 1120-RIC, completing the entire return, and attaching an explanation
- 6Respond promptly to any IRS notices or requests for additional information
- 7Pay any additional tax due with the amended return or in response to a notice
Sources
- SRCInstructions p.1 — purpose of Form 1120-RIC is to report income, gains, losses, deductions, credits, and figure income tax liability of a RIC as defined in section 851
- SRCInstructions p.1 — electronic filing will be available beginning in mid-February 2026
- SRCInstructions p.1 — for returns required to be filed in 2026, the minimum penalty for failure to file over 60 days late is the smaller of tax due or $525
- SRCInstructions p.6 — Form 5471 is required if the RIC is a U.S. shareholder of a controlled foreign corporation
- SRCInstructions p.6 — Form 7205 is used to calculate and claim the energy efficient commercial buildings deduction under section 179D
- SRCInstructions p.6 — Form 8613 is used if the RIC is liable for the 4% excise tax on undistributed income
- SRCInstructions p.7 — Form 8975 and Schedule A (Form 8975) must be filed with the income tax return of the ultimate parent entity of a U.S. multinational enterprise group
- SRCInstructions p.7 — Form 8990 is used to calculate the limitation on business interest expense under section 163(j)
- SRCInstructions p.7 — Form 8992 is used to figure GILTI under section 951A and attached to Form 1120-RIC
- SRCInstructions p.9 — Item D: enter total assets at end of tax year; if none, enter -0-
- SRCInstructions p.9 — Item E: check boxes for final return, name change, address change, or amended return; for amended return, complete entire return and attach statement explaining changes
- SRCInstructions p.9 — Line 1: dividends are included by the later of the ex-dividend date or the date the RIC acquired the share
Common confusion points
When should I use Form 1120-RIC instead of Form 1120?
Because RICs have special tax rules under section 851; the form is tailored for them
→ Check if the entity qualifies as a RIC under section 851
What if I haven't received my EIN by the due date?
The application may still be processing
→ Enter 'Applied for' and the date you applied in the EIN space
How do I report tax-exempt interest?
It is not included on line 2; it goes on Schedule K, item 8
→ Review Schedule K instructions and ensure tax-exempt interest is not omitted
What should I do if the RIC has no assets at year-end?
The instructions require entering -0- in Item D
→ Confirm the accounting method shows zero assets
How do I amend a previously filed Form 1120-RIC?
The process is the same as filing an original but with changes
→ Check the 'Amended return' box, complete the entire return, and attach a statement explaining the changes
When do I need to file Form 8613?
If the RIC owes the 4% excise tax on undistributed income
→ Calculate undistributed income and compare to the excise tax rules in section 852
Workflow map
Related forms and next steps
Current
After
Often used with
Questions about IRS Form 1120-RIC
What is IRS Form 1120-RIC used for?
A regulated investment company (RIC) uses this form to tell the IRS how much money it made and how much tax it owes. The form must be filed by the 15th day of the fourth month after the company's tax year ends. If the company files 10 or more tax returns of any kind in a year, it must file this form electronically. An extension can be requested using Form 7004.
Who must file IRS Form 1120-RIC?
Regulated investment companies (RICs) as defined in section 851 must file Form 1120-RIC. RICs that file 10 or more returns of any type during the calendar year are required to e-file, unless a waiver is granted.
What information does IRS Form 1120-RIC require?
The form collects information on the RIC's income, gains, losses, deductions, and credits. Part I reports investment company taxable income including dividends and interest; other parts cover capital gains, deductions, and tax computation. Attach Form 1125-E if total receipts are $500,000 or more.
When is IRS Form 1120-RIC due?
Generally, a RIC must file by the 15th day of the 4th month after the end of its tax year. A new RIC filing a short period return must file by the 15th day of the 4th month after the short period ends. An extension of time to file can be obtained by filing Form 7004 by the regular due date.
Where do I file IRS Form 1120-RIC?
E-file is required if the RIC files 10 or more returns. For paper filing, use the U.S. Postal Service to an IRS P.O. box address; if using a private delivery service, obtain the correct street address from IRS.gov/PDSStreetAddresses.
How do I complete IRS Form 1120-RIC?
Complete Part I (Investment Company Taxable Income) entering dividends and interest. Attach Form 1125-E if total receipts are $500,000 or more. The return must be signed by an authorized officer (president, VP, treasurer, etc.) or a fiduciary if applicable. File by the due date or request an extension using Form 7004.
What happens if IRS Form 1120-RIC is filed incorrectly?
Late filing results in a penalty of 5% of the unpaid tax per month, up to 25%, with a minimum penalty of $525 for returns over 60 days late (for returns required to be filed in 2026). Interest is also charged on unpaid tax and penalties.
When should I use Form 1120-RIC instead of Form 1120?
Because RICs have special tax rules under section 851; the form is tailored for them Check if the entity qualifies as a RIC under section 851
Source transparency
Copyright & Licensing - US Government Forms
BrieflyGo links to and explains official public form sources. We are not a government agency, and this page is for general form guidance, not legal advice.
Understand the agreement before you sign it.
Review risky clauses in plain English, fix the document, and keep it moving toward signature.