Own a U.S. LLC as a non-American?
You may already owe the IRS $25,000.
Every foreign-owned single-member LLC must file Form 5472 with a pro forma Form 1120, every year, even with zero revenue. Most foreign founders don't know this until it's too late.
The penalty for not filing is $25,000 per form, per year. An additional $25,000 for each 30-day period of continued non-compliance beginning 90 days after IRS notice. There is no stated maximum cap.
This Is Not Optional
The IRS requires every foreign-owned U.S. disregarded entity to file Form 5472 annually, regardless of whether the LLC earned income, conducted transactions, or had any activity. Failure to file triggers automatic penalties with no stated maximum.
Does This Apply to Me?
If any of these describe you, you have a filing obligation:
Quick Compliance Check
Answer 4 quick questions to see where you stand. No email required.
Do you own a U.S. LLC as a non-U.S. person?
What We Handle
We take care of the full compliance picture, not just one form.
Current-Year Filing
Form 5472 + pro forma 1120, prepared and filed correctly for the current tax year.
Late-Filing Cleanup
Multi-year catch-up filings for every year your LLC existed without filing. Penalty abatement guidance included.
State Annual Reports & Reinstatement
Missing state annual reports can lead to loss of good standing or administrative dissolution. We handle filings and reinstatement.
LLC Dissolution & Closure
If your LLC is abandoned, filing and tax obligations continue until it's properly dissolved. We manage the full closure process.
Common Mistakes Foreign Founders Make
"My LLC had no income, so I assumed I didn't need to file."
Reality: The filing requirement exists regardless of activity. Zero-revenue LLCs must still file Form 5472 with a pro forma 1120 every year.
"My registered agent handles everything."
Reality: Registered agents receive mail and maintain a physical address. They do not file IRS returns. That's a separate obligation.
"I closed my bank account, so the LLC is done."
Reality: An LLC exists until it is formally dissolved with the state. Until then, filing and tax obligations continue, including Form 5472.
"I'll just catch up later. It's probably a small fine."
Reality: The penalty is $25,000 per form, per year. For an LLC open 3 years without filing, that's $75,000 in base penalties before continuation penalties begin.
Don't wait for an IRS notice.
Every day without filing increases your exposure. We'll review your situation for free and tell you exactly what needs to happen.
How Form 5472 Filing Works
Form 5472 is an IRS information return required of any U.S. disregarded entity that is 25% or more foreign-owned. For foreign-owned single-member LLCs, it must be filed annually with a pro forma Form 1120: a simplified version of the corporate tax return used solely as a cover sheet for Form 5472.
Who must file
Any non-U.S. person who owns 25% or more of a U.S. LLC classified as a disregarded entity. This includes single-member LLCs formed in any state.
When it's due
Due on April 15 for calendar-year entities. An automatic 6-month extension is available by filing Form 7004 before the original due date.
What's reported
Reportable transactions between the LLC and its foreign owner, including capital contributions, distributions, loans, and use of property, even if no money changed hands.
Free Compliance Review
Not sure where you stand? Send us your LLC details and we'll assess your filing obligations, free of charge and with no obligation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Form 5472 filing requirements, penalties, and compliance obligations for foreign-owned U.S. LLCs.
Form 5472 Resources
Review detailed guidance on filing requirements, deadlines, penalties, and compliance strategies for foreign-owned U.S. entities.