Do You Need to File Form 5472?
A 30-second check for foreign-owned U.S. LLCs. Miss it and the penalty starts at $25,000.
If you're not a U.S. person and you own a U.S. LLC, the IRS often wants this form — even if the company made no money. Answer a couple of quick questions to find out.
This tool is general information, not tax or legal advice. Rules reviewed 2026-06-25; always confirm against the current IRS Instructions for Form 5472.
Form 5472 in plain English
Form 5472 is how the IRS keeps an eye on money moving between a U.S. company and its non-U.S. owners. Since 2017, a U.S. LLC with a single non-U.S. owner has to file it — even with no income at all — and missing it costs $25,000 per form. That's why it catches so many founders off guard.
Form 5472 FAQ
A U.S. corporation that is 25% or more foreign-owned, or a foreign-owned U.S. single-member (disregarded) LLC, that had a reportable transaction during the tax year.
Yes. A foreign-owned single-member LLC is treated as a reporting corporation and files Form 5472 attached to a pro forma Form 1120 — even with zero income.
$25,000 per form for failing to file, filing late, or filing an incomplete form, with additional $25,000 amounts if non-compliance continues after IRS notice.
It is filed with Form 1120 — April 15 for calendar-year filers, extendable to October 15 by filing Form 7004.
Money or property moving between the LLC and its foreign owner or related parties: capital contributions, distributions, loans, the owner paying the LLC's expenses, sales, services, rent, or interest.
Generally no. A foreign-owned disregarded LLC files the pro forma Form 1120 plus Form 5472 by fax or mail, not the standard e-file path.