LLC Tax Forms: What Forms Does an LLC File?
The tax form your LLC files depends on one thing: its tax classification. A single-member LLC filing as a disregarded entity uses Schedule C. A multi-member LLC uses Form 1065. An LLC taxed as an S-corp uses Form 1120-S. An LLC taxed as a C-corp uses Form 1120. Here is a clear breakdown of each.
The tax form an LLC files depends on its tax classification. Single-member LLC (disregarded entity): Schedule C with Form 1040. Multi-member LLC (partnership): Form 1065 + Schedule K-1 to each member. LLC taxed as S-corp: Form 1120-S + Schedule K-1. LLC taxed as C-corp: Form 1120. Most LLCs are pass-through entities — members pay tax on their personal returns. Verify current deadlines and form requirements at IRS.gov.
Why Tax Classification Determines Everything
Unlike corporations, LLCs do not have a fixed federal tax form. The IRS gives LLCs "check-the-box" flexibility — you can elect to be taxed as a disregarded entity, partnership, S-corp, or C-corp depending on your situation.
Your tax classification determines:
- Which federal tax form you file
- Whether the LLC pays income tax at the entity level
- What deadline applies to your return
- Whether you issue K-1 forms to members
- How members report LLC income on their personal returns
| LLC Type | Default Classification | Federal Form | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single-member LLC | Disregarded entity | Schedule C (Form 1040) | April 15 |
| Multi-member LLC | Partnership | Form 1065 + K-1s | March 15 |
| LLC electing S-corp | S-Corporation | Form 1120-S + K-1s | March 15 |
| LLC electing C-corp | C-Corporation | Form 1120 | April 15 |
Single-Member LLC: Schedule C
A single-member LLC that has not elected corporate taxation is treated as a disregarded entity. Its income and expenses are reported on Schedule C (Profit or Loss from Business), which is filed as part of the owner's personal Form 1040.
Key Points
- The LLC itself does not file a separate federal return
- All business income and deductions appear on Schedule C
- Self-employment tax (SE tax) applies to net profit on Schedule C
- Schedule SE must also be completed to calculate self-employment tax
- Quarterly estimated tax payments may be required if SE tax exceeds $1,000
What You Need
- Form 1040 (personal return)
- Schedule C (business income/expenses)
- Schedule SE (self-employment tax)
- Any other schedules required by your deductions (Schedule A, E, etc.)
Self-employed LLC owners typically pay quarterly estimated taxes throughout the year — not just at tax time. The IRS expects estimated payments in April, June, September, and January of the following year. Verify current estimated tax payment due dates on IRS.gov.
Multi-Member LLC: Form 1065
A multi-member LLC is treated as a partnership by default and must file Form 1065 (U.S. Return of Partnership Income). The LLC also issues a Schedule K-1 to each member showing their share of income, deductions, and credits.
Key Points
- Form 1065 is an information return — the LLC itself pays no income tax on it
- Each member reports their K-1 income on their personal Form 1040, Schedule E
- Active members generally pay self-employment tax on their share of LLC income
- An EIN is required — partnerships cannot file Form 1065 without one
- Filing deadline: March 15 (or September 15 with Form 7004 extension)
What You Need
- LLC's EIN
- Form 1065 (filed by the LLC)
- Schedule K-1 for each member
- Members file Form 1040 + Schedule E incorporating K-1 data
The IRS charges a penalty for late Form 1065 filings on a per-partner, per-month basis. Verify current penalty amounts on IRS.gov — they increase with inflation adjustments. File on time or request an extension with Form 7004 before the deadline.
LLC Taxed as S-Corporation: Form 1120-S
An LLC that elects S-corp taxation files Form 1120-S (U.S. Income Tax Return for an S Corporation) and issues Schedule K-1 to each shareholder (member).
How to Elect S-Corp Status
An LLC elects S-corp treatment by filing Form 2553 with the IRS. The election must be filed by March 15 of the tax year in which it is to take effect (for calendar-year entities).
Key Points
- Like partnerships, S-corps are pass-through entities — no corporate-level income tax
- Owner-employees must pay themselves a "reasonable salary" subject to payroll tax
- Distributions above salary are not subject to self-employment tax (potential savings)
- S-corp election has eligibility requirements: must be a domestic entity, have fewer than 100 shareholders, have only one class of stock, and all shareholders must be U.S. citizens or residents
- Filing deadline: March 15 (or September 15 with extension)
LLC Taxed as C-Corporation: Form 1120
An LLC that elects C-corp taxation files Form 1120 (U.S. Corporation Income Tax Return). Unlike other LLC types, a C-corp pays federal income tax at the entity level.
Key Points
- C-corps pay the flat 21% corporate tax rate on net income (as of current law; verify current rate at IRS.gov)
- Dividends paid to shareholders are then taxed again on personal returns ("double taxation")
- C-corp election is generally used by LLCs seeking venture capital, stock issuance flexibility, or specific deductions
- Filing deadline: April 15 (or October 15 with extension)
Tax Filing Deadlines by Classification
| LLC Classification | Return Due | Extension Available | Extended Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Disregarded entity (Schedule C) | April 15 | Form 4868 | October 15 |
| Partnership (Form 1065) | March 15 | Form 7004 | September 15 |
| S-Corporation (Form 1120-S) | March 15 | Form 7004 | September 15 |
| C-Corporation (Form 1120) | April 15 | Form 7004 | October 15 |
Tax deadlines can shift when they fall on weekends or federal holidays, and the IRS occasionally provides relief extensions. Always verify current deadlines at IRS.gov before filing.
State Tax Forms
In addition to federal filings, many states require LLCs to file state income or franchise tax returns. Common state requirements include:
- California: LLCs pay an annual $800 minimum franchise tax (form Form 568 for single-member LLCs, or applicable form for multi-member); LLC fee applies above $250,000 gross receipts
- Texas: LLCs file a franchise tax return (also called the Texas margin tax) if they meet certain revenue thresholds
- New York: LLCs pay a filing fee based on gross income and must file an annual report
- Florida: LLCs with C-corp election pay Florida corporate income tax; otherwise, no state income tax
State requirements vary significantly. Check your state's tax agency website for current requirements and deadlines specific to your state and LLC type.