Tax Extension

Overview

Form 7004 (the 6-month extension form) is an IRS form. It gives you 6 extra months to file certain business tax returns. This includes the pro forma Form 1120 (a simplified cover form required alongside Form 5472). All foreign-owned single-member US LLCs must file Form 5472 + pro forma Form 1120 every year.

Filing Form 7004 moves your deadline from April 15 to October 15. The extension is automatic. The IRS does not need to approve it. You simply file the form before the original deadline and the IRS grants the extension.

Who Should File a Tax Extension

A tax extension makes sense if any of the following apply:

• You are approaching the April 15 deadline and your Form 5472 is not ready to file.
• You are still gathering transaction records or bank statements from your LLC's tax year.
• You have only just learned about Form 5472 and need time to find a filing service.
• You are switching filing services and need a safe window to make the transition.

We can file your extension before the deadline

What the Extension Filing Includes

• Form 7004 prepared and filed: We prepare Form 7004 with your LLC's details and submit it electronically to the IRS on your behalf.
• Automatic 6-month extension: Form 7004 is automatic. No IRS approval required. Your new deadline moves to October 15.
• E-filed for fastest processing: Electronic filing is faster and more reliable than paper. The IRS typically confirms acceptance within 24–48 hours.
• Filing confirmation provided: Once the IRS accepts your extension, we send you a confirmation for your records.

How It Works

1. Provide your LLC details: We need your LLC name, EIN, state of formation, and the tax year you are extending.
2. We prepare and e-file Form 7004: We complete the form and submit it electronically to the IRS.
3. Receive your confirmation: Once the IRS accepts the extension, we send you a confirmation for your records. Your new deadline is October 15.

Deadlines & Timeline

• Original filing deadline: April 15 (or the next business day if April 15 falls on a weekend or holiday).
• Extension deadline: Form 7004 must be filed before the original April 15 deadline to be valid.
• Extended deadline: October 15. You must file your Form 5472 + pro forma 1120 by this date.
• Processing time: The IRS typically accepts e-filed extensions within 24–48 hours.

Important Notes

• An extension gives you extra time to file your forms. It does not give you extra time to pay taxes. Most foreign-owned LLCs do not owe US income tax, so this usually does not apply to you. If you are unsure, talk to a tax professional.
• After the extension, you still need to file Form 5472 + Pro Forma 1120 by October 15. The extension gives you more time. It does not remove the filing requirement. If you miss October 15, the same $25,000 late filing penalty applies.
• Filing an extension is always better than filing late. Late filing penalties for Form 5472 start at $25,000 per form, per year.
• You must have an active EIN before filing Form 7004. If you are still waiting for your EIN, see our EIN acquisition service. Processing times vary, so apply early.

After the Extension

Once your extension is confirmed, your next step is to file Form 5472 + pro forma Form 1120 before October 15. We offer both standard and fast filing options.

Visit our Form 5472 filing service page for details on how the process works.