Pro forma Form 1120: the cover return for Form 5472

What goes on it

The IRS instructions are short on this: “The only information required to be completed on Form 1120 is the name and address of the foreign-owned U.S. DE and items B and E on the first page.” They also say to write “Foreign-owned U.S. DE” across the top of Form 1120. The DE uses the same tax year its owner uses for US tax filing or, if none, the calendar year (IRS i5472).

Everything else on the 1120 stays blank. Most people get stuck here, because the blank 1120 looks like a full corporate tax return.

When it’s due

Form 1120 is generally due by the 15th day of the 4th month after the tax year ends (IRS i1120). For a calendar-year LLC, that’s April 15. The pro forma 1120 + 5472 package follows that date. A Form 7004 extension moves it (see the extension page).

Where it goes (not the normal 1120 address)

The IRS instructions say foreign-owned U.S. DEs must use a dedicated address and do not use the mailing addresses in the Form 1120 instructions:

• Fax (300 DPI+): 855-887-7737
• Mail: Internal Revenue Service, 1973 Rulon White Blvd., M/S 6112, Attn: PIN Unit, Ogden, UT 84201

Prepare it with 5472Direct

You answer questions about your LLC and the year’s owner–LLC transactions. You get back the pro forma 1120 and Form 5472 as one packet, already marked “Foreign-owned U.S. DE”. $199, with optional IRS fax delivery for $49.