IRS Form 5471 is a complex tax reporting requirement used by certain U.S. citizens and residents who are officers, directors, or shareholders in specific foreign corporations. The form serves as an information return and is required to meet the filing obligations under Internal Revenue Code sections 6038 and 6046.
Failing to file Form 5471 correctly—or on time—can result in hefty penalties of $10,000 or more per year per form. It is one of the most misunderstood and overlooked filing obligations for international tax compliance.
Walter Ludlow, CPA is a trusted tax expert who specializes in IRS Form 5471 and other international tax reporting for U.S. individuals and corporations with foreign interests.
Any U.S. person who is an officer, director, or shareholder in certain foreign corporations, depending on ownership thresholds and filing categories.
Minimum penalties start at $10,000 per form, with additional penalties for continued non-compliance.
Form 5471 is due with your income tax return—typically April 15 for individuals and March 15 for corporations.
There are five categories (1–5), each with different ownership and control criteria. Filing requirements vary by category.
Yes, in many cases it still must be filed, even if the foreign corporation was inactive or dormant.
Due to the complexity, it’s highly recommended to work with a CPA experienced in international tax law to avoid errors and penalties.