CT-3: General Business Corporation Franchise Tax Return (2025)
New York · NY DTF · Used for tax years 2025
Form CT-3 is New York’s General Business Corporation Franchise Tax Return under Tax Law Article 9-A. It reports corporate information and calculates franchise tax, credits, prepayments, and the balance due or overpayment.
What you'll need
- A complete copy of your federal return. Mark the applicable federal return box in Part 1, Section C, and attach the copy.
- Partnership information, if applicable. If you have an interest in any partnerships, enter their names and EINs on Form CT-60 and file it with your return.
- Supporting forms for income adjustments and deductions. Entries on Part 3, lines 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 16, or 18 require the appropriate completed attachment form.
- Tax credit claim forms, if applicable. File the corresponding properly completed claim form for each credit claimed.
- Amended return documentation, if applicable. Mark the applicable boxes in Part 1, Section C, and attach documentation.
The return also asks for corporate identification information, income, assets, liabilities, New York State and total receipts, and prepayment amounts.
How to file
Read Form CT-3-I before completing the return. Form CT-3 directs you to the instructions for where to file. The supplied text does not provide a mailing address or e-filing directions.
- Enter the beginning and ending dates of your tax period.
- Complete the required attachments and have the authorized person sign and date the certification.
- If payment is due, pay the amount on Part 2, line 19c. Make payment payable to New York State Corporation Tax and attach it in the payment area on page 1. Detach all check stubs.
Common mistakes
- Using the 2025 form for an earlier tax period. This form is only for tax periods beginning on or after January 1, 2025. A return using it for a prior period will not be processed or considered timely filed, and penalties and interest may result.
- Leaving out required Part 3 attachments. If you enter an amount on line 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 16, or 18, complete and file the appropriate attachment form. Otherwise, a claimed tax benefit may be disallowed or delayed.
- Entering negative amounts on those Part 3 lines. The form requires all amounts on those lines to be entered as positive numbers.
Questions people ask
Which tax amount goes on Part 2, line 2?
Enter the largest of the business income base tax, capital base tax, or fixed dollar minimum tax shown on lines 1a, 1b, and 1c. The form also directs you to the instructions.
What if the corporation has an interest in a partnership?
Mark Yes for question D on page 1. Enter the partnership names and EINs on Form CT-60 and file it with the return.
How do I report an overpayment?
Mark the overpayment box on page 1. Part 2 includes lines for an overpayment credited to the next period, credited to Form CT-3-M, or refunded.
How do I count tax credit forms?
In Part 1, Section C, line 4, enter the number of tax credit forms filed with the return. If you file multiple forms for the same credit, count each form separately.