How to File an Extension for Form 5472: A Complete Guide for US Disregarded Entities

If you own a foreign-owned U.S. LLC and you're running out of time to file Form 5472, don't panic. Filing an extension is straightforward — but you have to do it right. One wrong address or a missing notation and the IRS treats it like you never filed at all. Here's exactly how to get it done.

What is Form 5472?

Form 5472 is an information return that reports transactions between a foreign-owned US corporation (or disregarded entity) and related parties. If you're a foreign person who owns a single-member LLC, you need to file this annually — even if your LLC had zero activity. The penalty for not filing is $25,000.

Filing Deadlines

Form 5472 is due with the entity's tax return:

• Calendar-year entities: April 15th
• Fiscal-year entities: 15th day of the 4th month after year-end
• The form attaches to a pro forma Form 1120

How to File the Extension

You need Form 7004. It gives you an automatic 6-month extension — moving your deadline from April 15 to October 15 for calendar-year filers. No IRS approval needed. No explanation required. Just file it correctly.

Complete Form 7004 Correctly

Write "Foreign-owned U.S. DE" across the top of Form 7004. This is the most commonly missed step. Without it, the IRS may not route your extension properly.

Part I:

• Enter your LLC's name and EIN
• Line 1: Enter the code for Form 1120

Part II: Complete entity information. No payment is required since foreign-owned disregarded entities typically have no U.S. tax liability.

Use the Correct Filing Address

This is where people mess up. Do not use the standard Form 7004 address. Foreign-owned disregarded entities use the same special address as Form 5472 itself.

Fax (recommended): 855-887-7737 (300 DPI or higher)

Mail: Internal Revenue Service 1973 Rulon White Blvd M/S 6112 Attn: PIN Unit Ogden, UT 84201

File by the Original Deadline

Form 7004 must be submitted by April 15 (or your original due date). Filing it even one day late gives you zero penalty protection.

Common Mistakes

• Using the standard Form 7004 mailing address instead of the Ogden PIN Unit address
• Forgetting the "Foreign-owned U.S. DE" notation on top
• Entering the wrong form code (it must be the Form 1120 code)
• Poor fax quality — the IRS requires 300 DPI or higher
• Not keeping your fax confirmation or mailing receipt as proof

Remember: when you do file your actual Form 5472, the IRS requires a wet-ink signature on the pro forma Form 1120. Electronic signatures are not accepted.

Quick Filing Checklist

1. Write "Foreign-owned U.S. DE" on Form 7004
2. Enter Form 1120 code on Line 1
3. Complete all required information
4. Fax to 855-887-7737 or mail to Ogden PIN Unit
5. File by April 15 (original due date)
6. Save fax confirmation or mailing receipt
7. Mark October 15 as your extended deadline

What to Do During the Extension Period

You've bought yourself six months. Use them. Gather your transaction records — capital contributions, distributions, any payments between you and your LLC. These get reported in Part V of Form 5472. If any transaction category totals $50,000 or less, you may be able to use a simplified reporting shortcut instead of reporting exact amounts.

Make sure you understand which family members and business relationships count as related parties — the rules are broader than most people think.

Resources

• IRS Form 5472 and Instructions
• IRS Form 7004 and Instructions
• Foreign-Owned Disregarded Entities

Ready to File?

MyFreeTaxAmerica.com walks you through the entire Form 5472 step by step — whether your LLC is an e-commerce business or holds U.S. rental property. And our Premium Package includes a full professional review before submission.

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute tax advice. Consult with a qualified tax professional regarding your specific situation.