📝 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.”

INCHUB helps you register your LLC in days — 100% online, 100% compliant.

Start! your business with confidence