Form 5472 guide
Form 5472 for Foreign-Owned Single-Member LLCs
A single-member LLC owned by a nonresident is disregarded for US federal income tax purposes, but it is treated as a corporation for the Form 5472 reporting rules. That is why an LLC with no US tax to pay can still have a federal filing to make — Form 5472 with a pro forma Form 1120.
Written and reviewed by Michal Zacik, US Tax Professional · Last updated 2026-09-01
What a single-member LLC is
An LLC with one owner. Under the default federal classification rules, a domestic single-member LLC that has not elected corporate treatment is a disregarded entity: for income tax purposes its activity is treated as the owner's, not the entity's.
What changes when the owner is foreign
Since tax years beginning in 2017, a domestic disregarded entity that is wholly owned by a foreign person is treated as a domestic corporation for the Form 5472 reporting rules only. That treatment exists so the information reporting has an entity to attach to. It does not turn the LLC into a taxable corporation.
What you actually file
- Form 5472 — the information return, generally one per related party.
- Pro forma Form 1120 — the cover return that carries it, completed only to the extent required, holding the signature and applicable paid preparer information.
Compare them side by side in Form 5472 vs. Form 1120.
Reportable transactions in a one-owner LLC
In a single-member structure, almost everything meaningful happens between the owner and the LLC — which is exactly the relationship this return is about.
- Contributions. Funding the LLC from personal funds.
- Distributions. Taking money out to a personal account.
- LLC expenses paid personally. Formation fees, registered agent, software, professional fees.
- Amounts paid to the owner. Services, rent, interest, royalties, or use of the owner's property by the business.
Detail on the money-movement cases: contributions and distributions.
EIN considerations
The LLC needs its own EIN, obtained in the entity's name. Keep the EIN confirmation letter: the exact legal name and address on it should match what appears on the filing, and a mismatch is one of the more common causes of avoidable trouble.
Deadline and penalty in brief
Generally due 15 April following a calendar tax year, with an extension available on Form 7004 requested by the original due date (deadline detail). Failure to file when required can result in a $25,000 penalty per form per year, subject to the applicable rules and circumstances (penalty detail).
The filing process with us
Answer the eligibility questions, complete the questionnaire, upload the EIN letter, formation document and bank statements. A US tax professional prepares and reviews the filing. There is no upfront payment: once the filing is prepared you pay, then review the completed Form 5472, sign the pro forma Form 1120, and we submit the package to the IRS via online fax.
Frequently asked questions
Written and reviewed by Michal Zacik
US Tax Professional · IRS PTIN Holder · PTIN: P03281868
Over 10 years in US corporate tax and more than 7 years working with nonresident taxation. A PTIN is a paid tax preparer identification number issued by the IRS; it is not an IRS endorsement, approval or certification. This page is general information, not tax or legal advice for your specific situation.
Sources
- IRS — Single member limited liability companies
- IRS — Instructions for Form 5472
- IRS — Employer identification number
- IRS — Instructions for Form 1120
Rules can change and many situations have exceptions. Where guidance is nuanced, the IRS instructions above control.
Related guides
What is Form 5472?
The information return behind the requirement, and how it fits with the pro forma Form 1120.
Form 5472 with no income or activity
Why 'no income' and 'no reportable transactions' are not the same test.
Contributions and distributions
Money moving between an owner and a disregarded LLC, and how it is treated.
Foreign-owned Wyoming LLC taxes
Why no state income tax does not mean no federal filing requirement.
No upfront payment to get started.
We prepare your filing first. Once it is ready, payment is required before you review the completed documents, sign the pro forma Form 1120 and authorize submission to the IRS.