Complete Guide to Form 5472 for Foreign-Owned LLCs
If you're a foreign person who owns a U.S. single-member LLC, you're required to file Form 5472 with the IRS every year — even if your LLC had no income or activity.
This guide covers everything you need to know: who must file, what to report, deadlines, and how to stay compliant.
What is Form 5472?
Form 5472 is an IRS information return titled "Information Return of a 25% Foreign-Owned U.S. Corporation or a Foreign Corporation Engaged in a U.S. Trade or Business."
For foreign-owned single-member LLCs (which are "disregarded entities" for tax purposes), Form 5472 is filed together with a Pro Forma Form 1120 to report transactions between the LLC and its foreign owner.
The IRS uses Form 5472 to monitor cross-border transactions between related parties — not to collect taxes.
Who Must File Form 5472?
You must file Form 5472 if:
You are a non-U.S. person (foreign individual or entity)
You own 100% of a U.S. single-member LLC
The LLC is treated as a disregarded entity for U.S. tax purposes
The LLC exists for any portion of the tax year
This applies regardless of whether the LLC had any income, expenses, or business activity during the year.
Key Filing Requirements
1. EIN Requirement
Your LLC must have an Employer Identification Number (EIN) to file. If you don't have one, you'll need to apply for it first using Form SS-4.
2. Pro Forma 1120
Form 5472 cannot be filed alone. It must be attached to a Pro Forma Form 1120 — a simplified version of the corporate tax return that only includes identifying information (no income or tax calculations).
3. Paper Filing Only
Form 5472 with Pro Forma 1120 must be filed by mail. The IRS does not accept electronic filing for this combination.
Mailing Address:
Department of the Treasury
Internal Revenue Service Center
Ogden, UT 84201-0012
Filing Deadline
The deadline depends on your LLC's tax year:
For calendar-year LLCs: April 15 of the following year
Example: For tax year 2024, the deadline is April 15, 2025
Extensions are available. Filing Form 7004 grants an automatic 6-month extension (to October 15 for calendar-year filers).
What Transactions to Report
Form 5472 reports "reportable transactions" — exchanges of money, property, or services between your LLC and you (or other related parties).
Common Reportable Transactions
Zero-Activity Filing
If there were no transactions between you and your LLC during the year, you still must file — just report $0 for all transaction types. This is completely normal and IRS-compliant.
Parts of Form 5472
Part I — Reporting Corporation
Information about your LLC: name, address, EIN, tax year, etc.
Part II — 25% Foreign Shareholder
Information about you (the owner): name, address, country, identifying number.
Part IV — Monetary Transactions
Dollar amounts of all reportable transactions during the tax year.
Part VI — Additional Information
Questions about the reporting corporation's status and relationship.
Important Warnings
Penalty for Non-Compliance
The penalty for failing to file Form 5472 (or filing an incomplete/inaccurate form) is $25,000 per form, per year. Additional penalties may apply for continued non-compliance.
Filing Checklist
Summary
Form 5472 is a mandatory annual filing for all foreign-owned single-member LLCs. The key points to remember:
- • File every year, even with zero activity
- • Always attach Pro Forma Form 1120
- • Mail to the IRS (no e-filing available)
- • Meet the April 15 deadline (or file for extension)
- • Non-compliance penalty is $25,000
Staying compliant is straightforward when you understand the requirements.
Related Articles
What Transactions to Report on Form 5472
Learn which transactions must be reported and which can be ignored.
Read moreHow to Avoid the $25,000 Penalty
Understand the penalty structure and protect yourself from fines.
Read moreUnderstanding Pro Forma 1120
Why you need this form and how it works with Form 5472.
Read more