Form 5472 Explained

Form 5472 is the annual disclosure that foreign-owned single-member US LLCs must file with the IRS under IRC Section 6038A. This guide explains who must file, what counts as a reportable transaction, the $25,000 penalty for non-filing, and the filing mechanics.

Answer

IRS Form 5472 is the annual disclosure required for foreign-owned single-member US LLCs under Internal Revenue Code Section 6038A and Treasury Regulation 1.6038A-2. You must file it (with a pro forma Form 1120 cover) every year, even if no US tax is owed. The penalty for non-filing is $25,000 per failure. Form 5472 reports related-party transactions: capital contributions, owner draws, loans between you and the LLC. Operating revenue from unrelated customers does NOT go on Form 5472. Due April 15, extended to October 15 with Form 7004.WyomingLLC offers a $99/year add-on to file Form 5472 plus pro forma 1120 for you.

By Zawwad, Founder & CEO, WyomingLLC by Topslice LLC.

Last updated May 20, 2026

Who must file Form 5472

Foreign-owned single-member US LLCs treated as disregarded entities
US LLCs with 25%+ foreign ownership treated as corporations
US corporations with 25%+ foreign shareholders engaged in reportable transactions
Foreign corporations engaged in a US trade or business with reportable transactions

What goes on the form

Part I: Reporting corporation identification (your LLC)
Part II: 25%+ foreign owner identification (you)
Part III: Related parties (other entities you control)
Parts IV and V: Reportable transactions (money flowing between you and the LLC)
Part VI: Additional information about the business

What counts as a reportable transaction

Reportable (goes on Form 5472):

Capital contributions you make to the LLC
Owner draws or distributions back to you
Loans between you and the LLC
Payments to related foreign entities (your home-country company)

NOT reportable:

Sales revenue from unrelated customers
Bank interest
Payments to unrelated vendors (AWS, freelancers, suppliers)
Salary to unrelated employees

How to file

Complete pro forma Form 1120 as a cover sheet (one page identifying the LLC)
Complete Form 5472 with related-party transactions
Attach Form 5472 to pro forma 1120
File by mail or fax (no e-filing for foreign-owned single-member LLCs)
Due April 15. File Form 7004 to extend to October 15.
Mail address: Internal Revenue Service, 1973 Rulon White Blvd., M/S 6112, Attn: PIN Unit, Ogden, Utah 84201

The $25,000 penalty

IRC Section 6038A(d) imposes a $25,000 penalty per failure. If the IRS sends notice and you do not file within 90 days, additional $25,000 every 30 days. The penalty applies regardless of tax owed. Even $0 tax LLCs owe $25,000 for not filing.

Frequently asked questions

Do I owe US tax just because I file 5472?

No. Form 5472 is information-only. Many foreign-owned LLCs file annually while owing $0 US tax.

When is Form 5472 due?

April 15 by default. Form 7004 extension extends to October 15.

Can I e-file Form 5472?

No. Foreign-owned single-member LLCs cannot e-file. Must mail or fax.

What if I have not filed for prior years?

Consult a US CPA. There are voluntary disclosure procedures (Streamlined Foreign Offshore, DIRSP) to reduce penalties.

Does Form 5472 affect home-country taxes?

Form 5472 is US-specific. Home country may have separate disclosure rules for foreign company ownership.

Can WyomingLLC file Form 5472 for me?

Yes, $397 customers can opt into the $99/year Form 5472 + pro forma 1120 filing add-on.

What about FBAR or Form 8938?

FBAR and Form 8938 are for US persons with foreign accounts. Form 5472 is for foreign-owned US LLCs. They are different forms with different filers.

Multi-member LLCs file 5472?

Multi-member LLCs typically file Form 1065 (partnership return), not 5472. Form 5472 primarily applies to foreign-owned single-member LLCs treated as disregarded entities.