Form 5472 Explained: A Guide for Foreign Owners of U.S. LLCs
Who must file Form 5472, what counts as a reportable transaction, deadlines, penalties, and the documents you need.
For non-U.S. owners of U.S. LLCs · 100% onlineFor non-U.S. owners of U.S. LLCs
Form 5472 and state filings for foreign-owned U.S. LLCs.
Pro Forma 1120 included. Missed years caught up.
If you live outside the United States and own a U.S. LLC, we prepare and file your Form 5472 and Pro Forma 1120 every year, keep your state filings current, and catch up any years you missed.
$25,000is where the IRS penalty starts for each Form 5472 left unfiled, per year. Filing on time avoids it.
U.S. filing deadlines
- Mar 15Partnership returns (Form 1065)
- Apr 15Form 5472 + Pro Forma 1120, FBAR
- Sep 15Form 1065, only if you filed an extension
- Oct 15Form 5472, only if you filed an extension by Apr 15
What you receive
- A written quote before any work starts
- A copy of your filed return
- Proof it was sent to the IRS
- A free reminder before next year's deadline
What we do
The three filings that keep a foreign-owned LLC compliant
Most owners abroad need the same three things each year. We handle all of them.
Federal
Form 5472 & Pro Forma 1120
The yearly IRS filing for foreign-owned LLCs. Required even when the company earned nothing.
from $200Learn more →
StateState filings & annual reports
Annual reports, franchise tax, and state returns that keep your company in good standing.
$100 + state feeLearn more →
Catch-upLate filings & missed years
Unfiled years brought up to date, with a reasonable cause statement where it applies.
Quoted by years missedLearn more →
Need bookkeeping, LLC formation, or another return? See our other services.
Free compliance check
What does my U.S. company need to file?
Many foreign owners only learn about Form 5472 when the IRS sends a penalty notice. Answer six quick questions and get your own filing checklist, with starting prices.
$25,000IRS penalty for each Form 5472 not filed, per year
Behind on Form 5472?It is not too late to get compliant. We map out the years to file and give you a clear quote.How catch-up works →
This check gives general guidance only and is not tax advice. We confirm your exact requirements when we prepare your free quote.
Question 1 of 6
How it works
From first message to filed return
Request a free quote
Tell us about your company, your state, and the tax years that need attention.
Checklist and written quote
We confirm the filings that apply, send your document checklist, and give you a clear price. A 50% deposit starts the work.
Preparation and filing
We prepare your filings, review them with you, file them, and track your next deadlines.
Why owners choose Meritline Tax
Clear starting prices
Prices are published on our pricing page, and you get a written quote before any work begins.
Replies within 30 minutes
On working days we reply within 30 minutes, and within an hour at weekends.
Federal and state together
Your Form 5472 and your state filings are tracked and handled in one place.
Missed years handled
We catch up unfiled years and prepare reasonable cause statements where they apply.
Built for owners abroad
We work fully online with founders in any country, by email and WhatsApp.
Plain-language answers
We explain what you are filing and why, without tax jargon.
Who you will work with
Client reviews
What our clients say
Frequently asked questions
Answers for foreign owners of U.S. LLCs
Still unsure what you need to file? Ask us and we will guide you.
Does my foreign-owned U.S. LLC need to file Form 5472 if it had no income?
In most cases, yes. A foreign-owned single-member LLC generally files Form 5472 with a pro forma Form 1120 for any year it has reportable transactions with its owner. Paying formation or state fees, or funding the company's bank account, usually counts, so having no revenue does not by itself remove the requirement.
What happens if Form 5472 is not filed?
The IRS penalty for failing to file Form 5472 starts at $25,000 per form, per year. If you have missed prior years, we can help you catch up and, where it applies, prepare a reasonable cause statement.
When is Form 5472 due?
For calendar-year companies, Form 5472 and the pro forma Form 1120 are generally due April 15. Filing Form 7004 before that date extends the deadline to October 15.
Does my LLC also have to file with its state?
Often, yes. Wyoming and Florida require an annual report, and Delaware charges LLCs a yearly tax. New Mexico does not require an annual report from LLCs. We check the rules for your state and file what is due.
What documents do I need for Form 5472?
Usually your formation documents, EIN confirmation letter, owner details, and bank statements showing money the owner put in or took out during the year. After you request a quote, we send a checklist tailored to your company.
Do you work with clients outside the United States?
Yes. Most of our clients live outside the U.S. and own a U.S. company. We work entirely online, by email and WhatsApp, wherever you are.
How quickly do you respond?
We reply within 30 minutes on working days (Monday to Friday, 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM GMT) and within 1 hour on Saturdays and Sundays.
How do I get started?
Request a free quote on our contact page or message us on WhatsApp. We confirm what you need, send your checklist, and give you a clear price before any work begins.
Guides
Learn before you file
Foreign-owned businesses
Tax deadlines
U.S. Tax Deadlines for 2027: A Calendar for Businesses and Individuals
Every key federal due date for the 2027 filing season, from Form 1065 in March to extended returns in October.
Business taxes
Form 1120 vs. Form 1065: Which Tax Return Does Your U.S. Business File?
How your entity type decides your federal return, with a simple table for LLCs, partnerships, and corporations.
Not sure what your company needs?
Tell us about your situation. We will confirm the filings that apply and send a clear, free quote.