IRS Form 5471 Filing

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What Is IRS Form 5471?

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.

Top 6 Google Questions About IRS Form 5471

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.

4 Reasons to Work with Walter Ludlow, CPA

25+ Years of Experience in International Tax Compliance

Walter Ludlow is a seasoned CPA in California with decades of experience helping clients with cross-border tax issues, including IRS Form 5471.

Specialized Knowledge in U.S. Shareholder Filing Categories

Each category of Form 5471 comes with unique requirements—Walter knows how to handle them all.

Avoid Costly Mistakes and Penalties

Filing late or incorrectly can cost thousands in penalties. Walter ensures timely, accurate filings every year.

One-on-One Support for Complex Foreign Structures

Whether you own one foreign corporation or many, Walter provides direct, personalized service that automated software simply can’t match.

Don’t risk a $25,000 penalty.
File IRS Form 5471 with confidence.

Walter Ludlow, CPA is your trusted partner in IRS compliance for foreign-owned U.S. entities.
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