The tax forms your LLC must file depend on how your business is taxed-sole proprietorship, partnership, S corporation, or C corporation. Each classification has its own IRS requirements.
While the legal structure of an LLC is always the same, its federal tax treatment can vary depending on how many owners it has and whether you’ve elected a special tax status. That means no two LLCs necessarily file the same tax forms. Knowing which ones apply to your business helps you avoid penalties and stay compliant.
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1. LLC Taxed as a Sole Proprietorship (Single-Member)
If your LLC has one owner and you have not elected corporate tax treatment, the IRS treats it as a “disregarded entity.” It’s taxed the same way as a sole proprietorship.
Required tax forms:
- Form 1040: Your individual income tax return
- Schedule C (Profit or Loss from Business): Reports LLC income and expenses
- Schedule SE: Calculates self-employment tax
- Form 1040-ES: For paying quarterly estimated taxes (if required)
All LLC profits pass through to your personal tax return, and you pay income and self-employment taxes on them-even if you don’t take a paycheck.
2. LLC Taxed as a Partnership (Multi-Member)
Multi-member LLCs are taxed as partnerships by default. The LLC itself doesn’t pay federal income tax, but it must file an informational return.
Required tax forms:
- Form 1065: U.S. Return of Partnership Income
- Schedule K-1 (Form 1065): Issued to each member to report their share of profit or loss
- Form 1040 (per member): Each member reports income from Schedule K-1 on their personal tax return
- Form 1040-ES (per member): For paying quarterly estimated taxes
Even if your LLC made no money, Form 1065 and Schedule K-1s must still be filed annually.
3. LLC Taxed as an S Corporation
If your LLC elected to be taxed as an S corporation (by filing Form 2553), it must follow S Corp rules. You’ll need to file a corporate return and issue payroll if you pay yourself a salary.
Required tax forms:
- Form 1120-S: U.S. Income Tax Return for an S Corporation
- Schedule K-1 (Form 1120-S): Given to each shareholder to report their share of income
- Form 1040 (per owner): Includes Schedule E for K-1 income
- Payroll forms: If you pay yourself or others a salary, file Forms 941 (quarterly), 940 (annually), and W-2/W-3
- Form 1040-ES: For estimated payments on pass-through income
S Corp taxation reduces self-employment tax liability on distributions but requires more administrative work and strict compliance.
4. LLC Taxed as a C Corporation
LLCs can also elect to be taxed as a C corporation by filing Form 8832. In this setup, the LLC is treated as a separate tax-paying entity.
Required tax forms:
- Form 1120: U.S. Corporation Income Tax Return
- Form 1040 (per owner): If you receive dividends or a salary from the LLC
- Payroll forms: If the business pays wages-Forms 941, 940, W-2, and W-3
Unlike other LLC classifications, C Corps are subject to corporate income tax, and owners pay a second tax on any dividends-resulting in double taxation.
5. State-Level Filing Requirements
In addition to federal tax forms, most states require annual filings and may impose:
- Annual reports or statements of information
- State income tax returns
- State franchise taxes or LLC fees
- State employment and payroll tax filings if you have employees
Deadlines, forms, and fees vary by state, so check with your state’s department of revenue or Secretary of State’s office.
6. Additional Forms to Consider
Depending on your LLC’s activities, you may need to file additional IRS forms:
- Form 1099-NEC: If you paid $600 or more to independent contractors
- Form W-9: To collect tax ID information from contractors
- Form 4562: For depreciation of business assets
- Form 8829: To deduct home office expenses
The forms your LLC needs to file depend on how it’s taxed and how it operates. At a minimum, every LLC must track income and expenses, and most must file either a Schedule C, Form 1065, 1120-S, or 1120. Getting it right ensures you’re in good standing with the IRS and helps you avoid penalties. If you’re unsure which tax forms apply to your business, consult a qualified tax professional who understands LLC structures.
