Tool

Form 5472 Filing Requirement Checker (2026)

Foreign-owned US LLC? You probably need to file Form 5472 + a pro-forma 1120 every year — even at $0 income. The penalty for missing it is $25,000. Find out in 30 seconds.

Form 5472 Filing Requirement Checker

Form 5472 is required for foreign-owned US entities with reportable transactions. The penalty for failure to file is $25,000 minimum — and most foreign-owned single-member LLCs need to file even with $0 of income. Answer 5 questions to find out if you need to file.

What type of US entity do you have?

Is the entity owned (in whole or in part) by a non-US person or foreign entity?

Tax year start date

What counts as a "reportable transaction"?

Sales of stock in trade or other property
Rents and royalties received or paid
Interest received or paid (including loans to/from owners)
Commissions and other compensation
Premiums received or paid for insurance/reinsurance
Amounts loaned or borrowed (and outstanding balances at year-end)
Contributions to capital by the foreign owner
Distributions / dividends to the foreign owner
For SMLLCs: any money flowing between the LLC and its foreign owner is reportable, including initial capitalization wires.

Even a $1 transfer triggers the filing requirement for a foreign-owned SMLLC.