📝 What Is Federal Tax Filing?
Every U.S.-based business — whether active or not — must file annual tax forms with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). This applies to both LLCs and Corporations, including those owned 100% by non-U.S. residents.
Filing your taxes proves your company is compliant, legally operating, and fulfilling its obligations under U.S. law. Even if you had no revenue, you may still be required to file — especially if you’re a foreign- owned LLC.
🎯 Who Is Required to File U.S. Federal Taxes?
• Single-member LLCs owned by non-U.S. persons
• Multi-member LLCs with foreign ownership
• C-Corporations regardless of income status
• U.S. companies generating income, hiring, or holding assets
• Businesses applying for tax treaty benefits, refunds, or ITINs
If your company is active — or even just registered — the IRS expects to hear from you.
✅ Benefits of Filing Your Taxes Properly
• Avoid massive penalties from the IRS (starting at $25,000+)
• Maintain your company’s good standing with U.S. authorities
• Stay eligible for platforms like Stripe, Amazon, and banks
• Access tax treaty benefits to reduce withholding taxes
• Build a compliant business history for future investments or immigration
• Gain peace of mind that your legal obligations are fulfilled
🧾 Required Forms Based on Company Type
1. Foreign-Owned Single-Member LLC
• Form 5472 (Information Return)
• Pro Forma Form 1120 (cover page only)
• Deadline: April 15 (can extend to October 15)
2. U.S. Corporation (C-Corp)
• Form 1120 (Corporate Income Tax Return)
• Applicable whether profitable or not
• Must include financial details and deductions
3. Non-Resident Individuals (owners)
• Form 1040-NR
• Required if the individual earns income from U.S. sources or is the tax recipient from a U.S. LLC
INCHUB prepares and files all of the above on your behalf with complete IRS-compliant documentation.
⚠ What Happens If You Don’t File?
• $25,000+ penalty per missed Form 5472 (even with no income)
• IRS may mark your company as “non-compliant”
• You may lose your EIN or access to Stripe/PayPal
• Delayed processing for future ITIN or refunds
• Risk of tax audits, investigations, and reputational damage
🛠 Why Filing Is Mandatory Even Without Income
Many non-U.S. clients think:
“I didn’t make any money, so I don’t need to file.”
This is false.
Even if your U.S. LLC is inactive or has $0 income, the IRS still expects an informational return to confirm that status. Failure to do so = automatic penalties.
📍 Filing Requirements for Non-U.S. Founders
To file your U.S. federal taxes correctly, you may need:
• Your company’s EIN
• Basic income & expense reports
• ITIN (for personal reporting, if needed)
• Access to previous IRS notices or letters
• Company formation documents (Articles, Operating Agreement)
INCHUB simplifies this by walking you through every step.
🕒 When Do You Need to File?
• Every year, before April 15 (can be extended to October 15)
• For companies formed during the year, filing starts from that tax year• Failure to file on time= penalties start accruing immediately
🔍 Real Case Example
Youssef from Algeria formed an LLC in 2023 but didn’t file tax forms because his business had no
income. In 2024, he received a penalty notice from the IRS demanding $25,000 for missing Form
5472. He reached out to INCHUB to fix the issue and learn how to avoid future problems.
💡 Expert Tip from INCHUB
“Filing U.S. taxes isn’t optional — even with $0 income. It’s your company’s way of telling the IRS, ‘I’m here, I’m clean, I’m compliant.’ That’s priceless for your long-term success.”