If you own a US single-member LLC from abroad, this is the filing you can't forget. The penalty for missing it is $25,000.
What triggers the filing
Foreign-owned single-member LLCs with a reportable transaction — including simply funding the company — generally must file Form 5472 with a pro-forma Form 1120. Even a zero-income year can require it.
How to handle it
Most non-residents use a compliance service that bundles bookkeeping with the 5472 filing so it's done correctly and on time — or a cheaper option if they only need the filing.
Bookkeeping + 5472 bundled via doola · recurring Just the 5472 filing via Firstbase · cheaper
This is high-stakes tax content: always confirm the current requirement and penalty on IRS.gov, and consider a tax professional. Nothing here is tax advice.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Form 5472 penalty?
$25,000 for failure to file, per form. If the IRS notifies you and the form is still not filed within 90 days, a further $25,000 applies for each 30-day period that follows, with no maximum.
Do I file even with no income?
Possibly — a reportable transaction such as funding the LLC can trigger the requirement even at zero revenue.
Can a service handle Form 5472 for me?
Yes — compliance providers file it, often bundled with bookkeeping and tax.