Deadline : 
April 15, 2025

Form 5471

$400
first subsidiary
$300
all further subsidiaries

Form 5471 is a tax requirement for US owners of foreign corporations, used to declare their ownership in the company.

Deadline for this form has passed. Contact us if you've missed the deadline.

All about Form 5471

For U.S. corporations holding a minimum 10% stake in a foreign corporation, it's crucial to grasp the purpose of Form 5471 and determine if filing is necessary.

This form discloses foreign corporate ownership and offers detailed info on the company's financial activity and operations.

Mandatory for

U.S. individuals, entities, or firms with foreign corporation shares file Form 5471. Also, foreign corporations with a U.S. shareholder owning ≥10% of their stock must do so.

Penalties

A penalty of $10,000 applies for each year of the foreign corporation's annual accounting period.

Due date

For corporations, it's usually March 15th (or extended). For individuals, it's typically April 15th (or extended).

FAQs

Do I need to file a Form 5471 ?

Yes if your US corporation had a foreign subsidiary at any time during the concerned tax year.

What is a Form 1120 in Delaware?

Form 1120 is a crucial tax document utilized by corporations in the United States to disclose their income, gains, losses, deductions, and credits for federal income tax goals. In Delaware, corporations are expected to submit Form 1120 if they are operating within the state or have obtained income from sources within its boundaries.

What does Delaware C Corp mean?

A Delaware C Corporation (C Corp) is a type of business entity formed under the laws of Delaware and is taxed separately from its owners. A C Corp is considered a separate legal entity from its shareholders, meaning it can enter into contracts, own assets, and conduct business in its name.

What is Delaware C corporation tax?

C corporations conducting business in Delaware must pay an annual fee known as the Delaware state franchise tax, a privilege fee for operating within the state's jurisdiction.

How do Form 5471 and Form 5472 differ?

Form 5471 is filed by U.S. taxpayers, while Form 5472 is for foreign corporations in U.S. business or U.S. corporations with 25% foreign ownership.

What is Form 926 used for by C corporations?

C corporations use Form 926 to report property transfers to foreign corporations.

What information is required on Form 5471?

Detailed reporting on foreign corporation ownership, finances, operations, including key data, related-party transactions, and essential info.

Are there exceptions to filing Form 5471?

Yes, there are exceptions based on ownership thresholds and specific circumstances. It's essential to review the IRS guidelines to determine if you meet the criteria for exemption from filing Form 5471.

Who is required to submit Tax Form 1120?

Regardless of taxable income, every US-based domestic corporation must file tax Form 1120. 

The following entities fall under the obligation to file tax Form 1120:

  1. Businesses opting for corporate taxation. These businesses must also complete Form 8832 and include a copy of Form 1120.
  2. Limited liability companies (LLCs). LLCs file Form 1120 only if they've chosen corporate taxation. Partnership LLCs use Form 1065, while single-member LLCs typically file taxes through the owner's personal federal tax return.
  3. Farming corporations. They are required to file Form 1120 to report their income/losses.
  4. Corporations with an ownership interest in a FASIT (Financial Asset Securitization Investment Trust).
  5. Foreign-owned domestic disregarded entities. If a foreign entity owns 100 percent of a domestic disregarded entity (D.E.), the D.E. is treated as separate from its foreign owner. The foreign entity must file Form 1120 and attach Form 5472.

Additionally, some types of corporations may need to complete additional forms, such as Form 1120 (Schedule N), for foreign operations in the U.S. Small corporations might not be required to fill out these additional forms. You can locate them by searching for "Form 1120" using the IRS Forms and Publications tool.

What sets apart a 1040 from an 1120?

Individuals employ Form 1040 to file personal income taxes, whereas C corporations utilise Form 1120 for corporate tax returns. The primary distinction lies in the taxpayer type: 1040 is for individuals, and 1120 is for corporations.

Which organisations are exempt?

The IRS grants tax-exempt status to specific organisations, such as:

  1. Charitable organisations
  2. Social welfare organisations
  3. Social clubs
  4. Trade associations
  5. Labor organisations
  6. Veterans' organisations
  7. Political organisations

The IRS maintains a comprehensive list of tax-exempt organisations, available here. These organisations are required to submit an information return, which may include Form 990, Form 990-EZ, and Form 990-PF.

What happens if errors are made during the completion of Form 1120?

In such cases, you need to rectify the mistake by amending the form. Utilise Form 1120X, the Amended U.S. Corporation Income Tax Return, for this purpose. Form 1120X must be submitted within three years from the original return.

To complete Form 1120X, you'll need the following information:

  1. Business name
  2. Explanation of changes
  3. Business address
  4. Details on payments and credits
  5. Data on income and deductions
  6. Tax amount due or overpayment
  7. Employer Identification Number (EIN)
  8. Signature

Still have questions?

Reach out to our support team if you have any additional questions regarding filing.

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