IRS Form 5472: What Foreign-Owned Startups Need to Know

Описание:  Foreign-owned Delaware startup? Learn who must file IRS Form 5472, when it’s due, what it reports, and how to avoid the $25,000 penalty.

IRS Form 5472 for Foreign-Owned Delaware Startups (2025 Guide)

💬 What’s Form 5472 and Who Needs to File?

Form 5472 is a required IRS disclosure for U.S. companies with 25%+ foreign ownership. It’s all about transparency, who owns what and what money got moved. If you’re a Delaware C‑Corp (or foreign‑owned LLC taxed as a corp), and a non‑U.S. person has at least 25%, you’ll need to file it.

📅 Filing Deadline: April 15, 2025 (or October 15 with Extension)

• 🕐 Due April 15, 2025 - same day as Form 1120

• ✅ File Form 7004 by April 15 to get an automatic 6‑month extension (new deadline: October 15)

• ⚠️ You cannot file Form 5472 alone — it attaches to Form 1120 

⚠️ Why Missing It Hurts

• 💸 $25,000 penalty per missing form, per year

• Additional $25,000 if you're still late after 90 days

• Stacks fast if you file multiple forms or miss multiple years

• Shows up on audits, investor docs, and can shake confidence

📝 What You’ll Need to File

• Your company’s basic info (EIN, address, incorporation date)

• Details on each foreign owner: name, country, percentage ownership

• Records of any money or non-cash transactions (capital, services, loans, IP, reimbursements)

• Dollar amounts and dates for each transaction

🧠 Founder Life Hacks

• ✅ Even zero-transaction years still must file if ownership qualifies

• 🧾 Use your Form 7004 extension to cover 1120 and 5472 together

• 💾 Bundle Stripe, Wise, bank transfers and founder ownership docs in one folder, easier filing

• 📅 Use calendar alerts and TaxHero AI reminders to avoid APR 15 stress (Free calendar with reminders here: https://taxhero.vc/checkin )

To read more about 1120 - click here 

🤖 How TaxHero Makes It Simpler

• Detects if you need to file 5472 automatically

• Prepares and submits both 1120 and 5472 in one flow

• Sends reminders and collects info early, so you’re not racing on deadline day

👉 Ready to file stress-free? Get started with TaxHero

Stay compliant year-round, see our 2025 startup tax calendar. Or click https://taxhero.vc/checkin to get your personalized Tax Calendar with auto-reminders for free. 

🙋 Quick FAQs

Can I file Form 5472 alone?
No, it must be attached to Form 1120 or 1120‑F when due 

Our foreign owner didn’t send money, still file?
Yes. Ownership alone triggers filing, even with “zero” transactions.

What if we’re a foreign‑owned LLC treated as corp?
Same rules apply, you file a pro‑forma Form 1120 + 5472 by April 15 (extension optional) .