Accounting for foreign-owned US LLCs
Founders outside the US often run their business through a US LLC, and most don't hear about the filings until a penalty letter arrives. We set up the LLC and EIN, file Form 5472 every year, prepare a 1040-NR when you have US business income and keep the books clean.
What happens, and in what order?
We map every filing on the first call so nothing surprises you later.
Form the LLC
In the state that fits your plans.
Get the EIN
By fax or mail, without an SSN.
Set up books
Every contribution recorded.
Check other filings
Sales tax, state reports, a 1040-NR.
File Form 5472
By April 15, or October 15 extended.
What do foreign owners miss most?
All fixable, and cheaper to fix before a notice arrives.
Form 5472 in a quiet year
Paying formation fees counts, so most LLCs file even with no income.
Personal US returns
If the LLC runs a US business, you may owe on Form 1040-NR.
Sales tax on US sales
Pass a state's threshold and you may need to collect there.
Foreign owners ask us.
Ask anything else on a free video call.
Book a callFree tools: Form 5472 guide, Form 7004 extensions
Do I need to live in the US to own a US LLC?
No. Non-US residents can form and own a US LLC. The tax filings depend on what the LLC does and where.
Do I need an ITIN?
Only if you personally have to file a US return, like a 1040-NR. The LLC uses its own EIN for Form 5472.
I missed Form 5472 for past years. What should I do?
File them before the IRS contacts you. We review each year, prepare the missing filings and explain the penalty exposure first.
Does a foreign-owned single-member LLC pay US income tax?
Usually not, if it has no income connected to a US trade or business. But it still files Form 5472 with a pro forma Form 1120 every year, even with no income at all.
When is Form 5472 due?
With the pro forma Form 1120, by April 15 for a calendar-year LLC. Form 7004 extends it six months, to October 15.
Tell us what's messy. We'll tell you what it takes.
Tell us what you need and get a fixed price before any work starts. No pressure and no contract.