IRS Form 5472
Mandatory annual filing for US LLCs with foreign owners.
Meine Erfahrung
Every US LLC with a foreign owner must file Form 5472 annually, even if the LLC has no income or activity. This is a reporting requirement, not a tax — you don't owe money with this form, but failing to file carries a $25,000 penalty.
The form must be filed together with a Pro Forma 1120 (a "proxy" corporate tax return). Many developers don't know about this requirement until they receive a penalty notice.
**What you need to file:**
- Form 5472 (report of foreign-owned disregarded entity)
- Pro Forma 1120 (proxy corporate tax return)
- These are filed together as a single submission
**Key deadlines:**
- Due by the 15th day of the 4th month after your LLC's tax year ends
- For calendar year LLCs (most common): April 15
- Extension available (Form 7004) pushes to October 15
**Tips:**
- You can file by mail or electronically (EFILE)
- Double-check the LLC's EIN and tax year
- Keep records of all transactions with foreign related parties
- Consider hiring a CPA specializing in international tax if your situation is complex
Vorteile
- +Required by law — filing protects your LLC from penalties
- +Can be filed electronically or by mail
- +No tax due with the form itself (informational filing)
Nachteile
- −Late filing penalty is $25,000 — very costly to miss
- −Must be filed with a Pro Forma 1120 (proxy tax return)
- −The form is complex and easy to fill out incorrectly
- −IRS instructions are not developer-friendly
Ideal fur
Any non-US resident who owns a US LLC. If you have an LLC, you must file this every year.
