Starting and running a US company as a global entrepreneur can be a smart move, but it also comes with tax filings and compliance obligations. Missing a deadline could result in high penalties, even if your company had no income.
In this guide, we cover the most important 2025 deadlines for foreign-owned US businesses – single-member LLC, multi-member LLC, or C Corporation. We’ll also include key deadlines for US persons and S Corps for American entrepreneurs abroad.
Why US tax compliance matters – even when you live elsewhere
If you’re a non-US resident with a US LLC or corporation, you must still file with the IRS and often with the state where your company is registered. Common filings include tax returns, information reports, and state-level documents like annual reports or franchise tax payments.
Even if your company didn’t earn income, you may still be required to file. And failing to file on time or correctly can trigger high penalties. Staying compliant is critical. If you own a US entity, the IRS doesn’t care where you live.
Key 2025 deadlines by business type
Single-Member LLC (Owned by a non-US person)
This is one of the most popular structures for international entrepreneurs.
Key filings:
- Form 5472 + Pro Forma Form 1120
- Due: April 15, 2025
- Extension available: Until October 15 with Form 7004
- Required for foreign-owned LLCs that had any reportable transactions (including funding or expenses)
- Penalty: $25,000 for missing or late filing
- State annual reports/franchise taxes
- Due dates: Vary by state (e.g., Delaware franchise tax for LLC is due June 1)
- Registered Agent Fees: Renewed annually on your formation anniversary
Multi-Member LLC (Partnerships)
If your LLC has more than one owner, the IRS treats it as a partnership by default.
Key filings:
- Form 1065 (US Return of partnership income)
- Due: March 15, 2025
- Extension available: Until September 15
- Schedule K-1s for each member
- Must be issued along with Form 1065
- Used by owners to report their share of income or losses
- State Annual Filings: Required in many states
- Franchise Tax (if applicable): Due based on the state of registration
C Corporations
The C Corp structure is common for startups and businesses planning to raise capital.
Key Filing Requirements:
- Form 1120 (US Corporation income tax return)
- Due: April 15, 2025 (for calendar-year C Corps)
- Extension available: Until October 15
- Form 5472
- Required if the corporation had any reportable transactions with a foreign shareholder
- Filed together with Form 1120
- State Corporate Tax & Annual Reports: Varies by state (e.g., Delaware requires annual reports and franchise tax by March 1)
S Corporations (US persons only)
Foreigners cannot own an S Corporation, but we include this section for our US readers.
Key filings:
- Form 1120S
- Due: March 15, 2025
- Extension: Until September 15
- Schedule K-1s
- Issued to shareholders with their share of profit or loss
- Annual state filings
- Similar to other entity types, check your state’s requirements
Other time-sensitive compliance dates
There’s more than tax due dates to keep in mind to keep your company in good standing.
| Item | Description | Deadline |
| EIN Application | Required for all US entities | As soon as entity is formed |
| Registered Agent Renewal | Required in most states | Varies by state; typically annual |
| Annual Reports / Franchise Taxes | Keeps your company in good standing | Varies by state (e.g., Wyoming: due first day of the month in which the LLC was formed) |
Quick guide to IRS tax forms for US businesses
Here’s a quick summary of what each IRS tax form mentioned earlier is about and who needs to file it.
| Form | Used For | Who Needs It | Due Date |
| Form 5472 | Foreign ownership disclosures | SMLLCs and C Corps with foreign owners | April 15 |
| Pro Forma 1120 | Filing cover for 5472 | SMLLCs | April 15 |
| Form 1120 | Corporate tax return | C Corps | April 15 |
| Form 1065 | Partnership income | Multi-member LLCs | March 15 |
| Form 1120S | S Corp income | S Corps (US persons only) | March 15 |
| Schedule K-1 | Shareholder/member breakdown | S Corps & Partnerships | With entity return |
| Form 7004 | Extension request | All entity types | Before original due date |
Top 3 mistakes international founders make with US taxes
- Skipping filings because there was “no income”
Even if your company earned nothing, many forms are still required. - Not reporting transactions correctly on form 5472
Reportable transactions between the LLC and related parties can be a bit tricky to understand. - Missing your state’s annual report deadline
Each state has its own rules. Don’t assume they all follow federal deadlines.
Staying compliant is key for running a US-based business
Running a US business from abroad offers great benefits, but staying compliant is critical. The IRS doesn’t care where you live. When you own a US entity, you must comply with US regulations.
Take control of your 2025 compliance today by contacting our expert team.
FAQ about US tax due dates for foreign founders
Do I need to file US taxes if my company didn’t make money?
Yes. Most US business entities must file an annual return, even with zero income.
For example, a foreign-owned single member LLC must file Form 5472 + pro forma Form 1120 to disclose all reportable transactions. This includes transactions between the owner and the LLC, e.g. payments the owner made to register the LLC.
Skipping a filing can trigger automatic penalties, often $25,000 for foreign-owned entities.
Can I extend the tax filing deadline?
Yes. You can request a 6-months extension by filing Form 7004 for business returns. The form to request an extension for personal returns is Form 4868.
Note: Extensions give more time to file, not to pay. You must pay any tax owed by the original due date, or face interest payments.
What happens if I miss a US tax filing deadline?
Not filing your US tax forms can result in penalties and interest, if taxes are due.
- The IRS charges late filing penalties (up to $25,000 for Form 5472, or 5% of unpaid tax per month for Form 1120)
- Interest accrues daily on unpaid tax
Filing on time (or with an extension) is the easiest way to avoid costly mistakes.
Do I need bookkeeping for my taxes?
The IRS requires accurate financial records to support your tax return. Even if your company has little or no income, you should maintain good records. You are not required to have a professional bookkeeper but it makes things easier.
For example, a bookkeeper with expertise in foreign-owned businesses can automatically identify all reportable transactions that you need to report on Form 5472. Our team of bookkeepers and tax accountants work together for a seamless transition – no need for you to convey info from one provider to another.
Can I file myself?
You can technically self-file, but most foreign founders hire a tax preparer familiar with international tax because:
- IRS forms and instructions for foreign-owned entities can be complex, e.g. definitions of related parties or reportable transactions
- Mistakes can trigger $25,000 penalties
- A tax preparer can also handle state filings
Even better, if your bookkeeper can work directly with your tax preparer (and both are familiar with US taxes for foreign-owned businesses), you don’t have to worry that everything is reported correctly.
Let our team handle your 2025 US tax compliance
We offer tax & compliance packages tailored to your entity type:
- Foreign-owned Single-Member LLCs (Form 5472 + 1120)
- Multi-Member LLCs (Form 1065 + K-1s)
- C Corporations (Form 1120 + 5472 if needed)
- S Corporations (Form 1120S) (US business owners only)
Our packages are priced transparently and built for international founders.
Select your package to get started.
All-in-one tax and compliance solution for your US company
We’ll handle it all for you.
