IRS Form 5472 Filing Deadline & Extension Guide (2026 Tax Year)

For Foreign-Owned Single-Member LLCs

If you own a foreign-owned single-member LLC (SMLLC) in the United States, IRS Form 5472 is one of the most critical compliance filings you must submit each year.

Even if your LLC had no income, no expenses, and no U.S. business activity, missing the deadline can result in an automatic $25,000 IRS penalty.

This guide explains the Form 5472 filing deadline for the 2026 tax year, how extensions work, and exactly how foreign-owned single-member LLCs must file to stay compliant.

What Is Form 5472?

Form 5472 is an information return required by the Internal Revenue Service to report financial transactions between a U.S. company and its foreign owner.

Although a foreign-owned single-member LLC is treated as a disregarded entity for income tax purposes, the IRS requires it to file Form 5472 for information reporting.

Who Must File Form 5472?

You must file Form 5472 if:

• Your LLC is registered in the United States, and
• The LLC is 100% owned by a non-U.S. individual or foreign company

Foreign-owned single-member LLCs are required to file:

• Form 5472, and
• A pro forma Form 1120 (used only as a cover page)

This requirement applies even if the LLC had zero income or activity.

Form 5472 Filing Deadline for the 2026 Tax Year

For foreign-owned single-member LLCs, the Form 5472 filing deadline for the 2026 tax year is:

📅 April 15, 2026

This deadline applies regardless of whether:

• The LLC earned income
• The LLC opened a bank account
• The LLC only received owner funding

What If April 15 Falls on a Weekend or Holiday?

If April 15 falls on a U.S. weekend or federal holiday, the deadline automatically moves to the next business day.

How to Get a Form 5472 Extension (2026)

If you are not ready to file by April 15, you can request an automatic extension.

✅ Extension Form Required

To extend Form 5472, you must file:

Form 7004 – Application for Automatic Extension of Time To File Certain Business Income Tax Returns

📅 Extended Deadline

If Form 7004 is filed on time, the new deadline becomes:

October 15, 2026

Important Extension Rules for Foreign-Owned SMLLCs

• There is no standalone extension for Form 5472
• The extension applies because Form 5472 is attached to Form 1120
• Form 7004 must be filed by April 15, 2026
• The extension applies to filing only, not to payment
• Even zero-income LLCs must request an extension if they cannot file on time

How to File Form 5472 (Correct Filing Method)

This is one of the most common areas of confusion.

❌ Form 5472 cannot be e-filed

Foreign-owned single-member LLCs must submit:

• Paper Form 5472
• Paper pro forma Form 1120
• Filed together as one complete submission

✅ Accepted IRS Filing Methods

The IRS allows Form 5472 filings to be submitted by:

• Mail, or
• Fax

Both methods are acceptable as long as:

• Form 5472 and the pro forma Form 1120 are sent together
• The forms are complete and properly signed
• They are sent to the correct IRS mailing address or fax number listed in the official instructions

Submitting only one of the forms, or sending them separately, is treated as an incomplete filing and may still trigger penalties.

What Counts as a “Reportable Transaction”?

Even simple transactions can trigger the Form 5472 requirement. Common examples include:

• Capital contributions from the foreign owner
• Owner paying LLC expenses
• Transfers between the owner and the LLC
• Loans between the owner and the LLC

If any transaction occurred between the foreign owner and the LLC during the year, it must be reported.

Penalties for Missing the Form 5472 Deadline

The IRS penalty for late or missing Form 5472 is severe:

💸 $25,000 per year, per LLC

If the failure continues after IRS notice, additional penalties may apply.

⚠️ The penalty applies even if the LLC had no income or business activity.

What If You Missed Filing in a Prior Year?

If you failed to file Form 5472 in a previous year:

• File the missing forms as soon as possible
• Include a reasonable cause statement explaining why the filing was late
• Request penalty abatement

Prompt corrective action can significantly improve the chances of reducing or removing penalties.

Form 5472 Filing Checklist for Foreign-Owned SMLLCs

Before filing Form 5472 or requesting an extension, make sure you have:

• LLC legal name and EIN
• Foreign owner’s full legal details
• Description and amounts of reportable transactions
• Pro forma Form 1120 (completed correctly)
• Correct IRS mailing address or fax number

Key Takeaways for the 2026 Tax Year

• Form 5472 deadline: April 15, 2026
• Extension deadline: October 15, 2026 (via Form 7004)
• Who must file: Foreign-owned single-member LLCs
• Filing method: Mail or fax only (no e-filing)
• Penalty: $25,000 for late or missing filing

👉 Start filing with confidence

Last updated: January 2026