296 days left · Failure to file triggers a $25,000 IRS penalty per form
Form 5472 & U.S. Tax Filing for Foreign-Owned LLCs
CPA-prepared Form 5472, Form 1120 (pro forma), and Form 1065 filing for foreign-owned U.S. LLCs — prepared and signed by a licensed CPA. 230,000+ returns filed across 198 countries since 2001 — making it one of the largest dedicated platforms for U.S. tax filing for non-resident owners globally.
Simple & Complex Situations Are Our Specialty
Questions about your U.S. taxes? Let’s talk.
Tax Filing Packages
Each package is a complete, done-for-you filing — prepared by a licensed CPA, submitted to the IRS, and backed by our Zero-Penalty Guarantee.
All packages include our Zero-Penalty Guarantee — if a penalty is issued due to our error, we represent you with the IRS at no additional charge. Final price confirmed before payment. No surprises
🛡️What Happens After You Order
After checkout we send you two emails immediately:
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The first confirms your order and asks you to review the details. The second requests the information we need to begin — owner details, company information, and financials if your entity had transactions during the year.
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We then assign a licensed CPA as your dedicated account manager. That CPA prepares your filing from start to finish and stays in direct contact with you throughout the process.
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Every client receives access to our secured client portal where you can chat directly with your CPA team, upload documents securely, review your completed tax returns, and e-sign everything digitally once you approve.
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If additional information is needed at any point, your CPA will contact you promptly.
Not Sure What Package You Need?
Complete U.S. Tax Filing Service for Foreign-Owned Entities
Everything needed for accurate, compliant foreign ownership reporting
Return Preparation
Comprehensive preparation of all required forms by a licensed CPA
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Form 5472 information return
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Pro forma Form 1120 (for disregarded entities)
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All reportable transaction categories
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Related party identification
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Proper monetary value reporting
Entity Analysis
Determine your exact filing requirements for your individual situation
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25%+ foreign-owned corporations
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Foreign-owned single-member LLCs
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Disregarded entity requirements
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Related party identification
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Multiple form requirements
Transaction Reporting
Accurate reporting of all reportable transactions and a final CPA review
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Sales and purchases of goods
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Rents and royalties
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Service fees and management fees
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Loans and interest
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Distribution
Special Form 5472 Situations We Handle
Every foreign-owned U.S. entity has a different filing profile. Our licensed CPAs classify your exact situation before preparation begins.
Foreign-Owned Single-Member LLC
Disregarded entities owned by non-U.S. persons must file a pro forma Form 1120 together with Form 5472 — even with zero U.S. income or business activity. We handle both forms as a single filing.
Multi-Member LLC (Foreign Partners)
Multi-member LLCs with foreign partners are treated as partnerships for U.S. tax purposes. Form 1065 with Schedule K-1 is required for each member. We prepare all partnership returns and K-1s as a complete package.
Reportable Transactions
All transactions between your U.S. entity and foreign related parties must be disclosed — sales, services, rents, royalties, loans, and capital contributions. We classify and report every transaction category before IRS submission.
Late Filing & Penalty Relief
Missing the Form 5472 deadline triggers a $25,000 IRS penalty per form. We file overdue returns using DIIRSP procedures and prepare a professional Reasonable Cause statement to request full penalty abatement.
Related Party Analysis
We identify all foreign related parties under IRC Section 267(b) and 707(b), including family members, controlled entities, and constructive ownership chains — before a single form is prepared.
Multiple Foreign Related Parties
A separate Form 5472 is required for each foreign related party with reportable transactions. We coordinate filing across all related parties in a single engagement.
25% Foreign-Owned U.S. Corporations
U.S. corporations with 25% or more foreign ownership must file Form 5472 for each related party that had reportable transactions during the tax year. We handle multi-party corporate filings as a single CPA-reviewed package.
2026 Update: One Big Beautiful Bill Act
The OBBBA (signed July 4, 2025) introduces new requirements for foreign-owned U.S. entities effective 2026 — including a 1% excise tax on certain cross-border transfers and updated FTIN requirements on W-8BEN forms. Form 5472 filing requirements are unchanged. Our CPAs file under the updated rules.
Most Common Questions
Form 5472 Filing: The most common questions we gathered from our clients, thousands of foreign-owned U.S. LLCs and Corporations.
What is IRS Form 5472?
Form 5472 is an information return required by the IRS to track transactions between a U.S. company and its foreign owners.
If you are a non-U.S. founder running a foreign-owned single-member LLC or corporation, you must file this form annually to report transactions with related parties.
This requirement applies even if your business generated zero income during the year, as long as a "reportable transaction" occurred—such as initial company formation, capital contributions, or owner distributions. Failure to file carries a strict initial penalty of $25,000.
I have a U.S. Company, Do i need to file Form 5472?
You are required to file Form 5472 if your business falls into any of these categories and has reportable transactions:
Foreign-Owned Single-Member LLCs: If you are a non-U.S. resident who owns 100% of a U.S. LLC, your business is treated as a "disregarded entity" for tax purposes. You must file Form 5472 attached to a pro forma Form 1120. This is the most common setup for international founders and e-commerce entrepreneurs.
Foreign-Owned U.S. Corporations: Any U.S. corporation (like a C-Corp) that is at least 25% foreign-owned.
Foreign Corporations in the U.S.: A foreign company engaged in a U.S. trade or business.
Multi-Member LLCs: If your LLC has two or more foreign owners and is taxed as a partnership, you generally do not file Form 5472. Instead, your filing obligations center around partnership returns like Form 1065 and its associated international schedules.
I didn't have any business activity or income. Do I still need to file Form 5472?
Yes. This is one of the most common and costly compliance misunderstandings for international founders. The IRS requires foreign-owned single-member LLCs (disregarded entities) and corporations to file Form 5472 based on ownership and specific transaction types, not on whether the business made a profit or engaged in active trading.
Even if your business generated exactly $0 in revenue and had no commercial operations, you are still required to file if a "reportable transaction" occurred. Under IRS guidelines, the definition of a reportable transaction is broad and includes:
Company Formation & Setup Costs: Any funds used to pay state filing fees, registered agents, or legal services to establish the entity—even if paid directly out of your personal pocket.
Capital Contributions: Any money transferred from your personal foreign bank account into the U.S. business bank account to keep it open or prepare for future operations.
Owner Distributions: Taking any remaining funds out of the company.
Administrative Expenses: Paying a recurring annual registered agent fee or mail forwarding service.
The Compliance Reality: Truly "dormant" status is exceptionally rare for a U.S. entity. If you paid a single dollar to keep the company active, or if you formed the company during the tax year, a reportable transaction occurred, and failing to file will trigger the automatic $25,000 statutory penalty.
What is the Deadline for Filing Form 5472?
The IRS deadline for filing Form 5472 for foreign-owned Single-Member U.S. LLCs and C-Corporations is April 15th, while Multi-Member LLCs taxed as partnerships must file Form 1065 by March 15th.
The official deadline for filing IRS Form 5472 depends entirely on the tax classification of the U.S. entity:
Foreign-Owned Single-Member U.S. LLCs (Disregarded Entities): The filing deadline is April 15th of the year following the tax year. The foreign-owned single-member LLC must file Form 5472 attached to a pro forma Form 1120. Filing an automatic extension via Form 7004 extends the Form 5472 filing deadline to October 15th.
Foreign-Owned U.S. C-Corporations: The filing deadline is April 15th following the close of the calendar tax year, or the 15th day of the 4th month following the end of the fiscal tax year. An approved Form 7004 extension moves this deadline to October 15th.
Multi-Member U.S. LLCs (Taxed as Partnerships): Foreign-owned multi-member LLCs do not file Form 5472. Instead, they must file Form 1065 (U.S. Return of Partnership Income) along with international schedules (such as Schedule K-1, Schedule K-2, and Schedule K-3). The partnership filing deadline is March 15th of the year following the tax year. Filing an extension moves the final partnership deadline to September 15th.
Failing to file a complete and timely Form 5472 or partnership return by these designated regulatory deadlines results in an immediate statutory IRS penalty assessment.
What will happen if I don't file Form 5472?
Failing to file, filing late, or submitting an incomplete Form 5472 carries severe financial consequences from the IRS:
The Initial Penalty: The base IRS penalty is $25,000 per missing or incorrect Form 5472.
Continuing Failure Penalties: If the IRS notifies you of a missing form and you do not respond within 90 days, an additional $25,000 penalty is charged for each 30-day period (or part of a period) that the failure continues.
Partnership Penalties (Form 1065): If you run a multi-member LLC and fail to file your partnership return on time, the late-filing penalty is $255 per partner, per month (up to 12 months).
If you are a non-U.S. founder, keeping up with these forms is the absolute single most important step to keeping your U.S. company compliant and avoiding catastrophic fines.
Want to know your exact financial risk? Use our Form 5472 Penalty Calculator to instantly calculate your estimated IRS exposure.
How Do You File IRS Form 5472?
Filing IRS Form 5472 involves selecting the correct corporate entity package, identifying reportable foreign transactions, passing a professional CPA compliance review, and submitting the completed documents to the IRS.
Step 1: Choose Your Filing Package & Classification
Single-member U.S. LLCs owned by non-U.S. residents must prepare Form 5472 attached to a pro forma Form 1120. U.S. C-Corporations must attach it to Form 1120, while Multi-Member LLCs utilize partnership reporting structures - Form 1065
Step 2: Complete the Secure Information Questionnaire
Complete the Secure Information Questionnaire: The reporting entity must aggregate its Employer Identification Number (EIN), legal name, address, and comprehensive data regarding all direct or indirect 25% foreign owners.
Step 3: Disclose and Itemize Reportable Transactions
All financial movements between the U.S. company and the foreign owner—including capital contributions, loans, profit distributions, and setup expenses—must be mathematically categorized.
Step 4: Execute a Licensed CPA Compliance Review
To completely eliminate the statutory $25,000 failure-to-file penalty, all transaction records and data entries are cross-verified by an international tax specialist before submission.
Step 5: File Your Corporate Return with the IRS
Completed filings must be transmitted securely to the Internal Revenue Service via authorized electronic corporate channels, fax, or secure mail routing.
Step 6: Receive Your Filing Confirmation
Once processing is finalized, the foreign owner receives verifiable IRS filing receipts, a complete copy of the executed returns, and long-term compliance records.
Your Compliance Is Our Responsibility
With more than 230,000 filings completed since 2004, our streamlined CPA infrastructure handles the entire technical paperwork process from start to finish, keeping your international business fully protected.
Late Filing & Penalty Removal: Critical questions regarding missed deadlines and historical compliance
What happens if I missed the Form 5472 deadline for 2026?
Missing the 2026 Form 5472 filing deadline immediately triggers an automatic $25,000 IRS late-filing penalty, but international founders can request a total penalty waiver by submitting a formal Reasonable Cause Abatement application.
If you missed the current year deadline for filing IRS Form 5472, the Internal Revenue Service will automatically issue a statutory $25,000 USD penalty assessment notice to your U.S. entity. This penalty is assessed even if your business generated zero income, had no U.S. tax liability, or was completely inactive during the tax year, as long as a reportable transaction occurred.
To resolve a missed deadline and protect your business, you must take immediate corrective action:
Step 1: Prepare and File the Missing Forms Immediately You must file the delinquent Form 5472 attached to a pro forma Form 1120 as soon as possible to stop the clock on secondary IRS enforcement actions.
Step 2: Apply for an IRS Penalty Removal (Abatement) If you have a legitimate reason for filing late—such as relying on incorrect professional advice, serious illness, or lack of access to records—you can submit a formal Reasonable Cause Abatement Application under Internal Revenue Code Section 6038A.
Step 3: Stop Continuing Penalties Filing the late return is critical because if the IRS sends a notice of delinquency and the form remains unfiled for more than 90 days, they will charge an additional $25,000 penalty every 30 days until the form is submitted.
Acting quickly to submit your late forms combined with a professional CPA abatement letter is the most effective protocol to secure a full penalty waiver and restore your company's good standing with the IRS.
To quickly determine your potential exposure, you can check the estimated penalty you owe with our Form 5472 Penalty Calculator.
Get Professional Help from our CPA Team →
What happens if I didn't file Form 5472 for 2 or 3 years because I didn't know I had to?
Failing to file Form 5472 for multiple years due to a lack of awareness triggers cumulative $25,000 annual IRS penalties, leaving your U.S. company facing serious financial and legal liabilities.
Failing to file IRS Form 5472 for 2 or 3 consecutive tax years creates a severe compliance risk, as the IRS assesses the statutory $25,000 penalty per form, per year. If you missed filing for 3 years, your U.S. entity faces a cumulative base penalty of $75,000 USD, regardless of whether your company made a profit or operated at a net loss.
The IRS does not accept "ignorance of U.S. tax law" as an automatic excuse, but you can safely correct past non-compliance and protect your company using the following protocol:
Step 1: Execute Back-Tax Filings You must immediately compile your accounting records, identify all historical reportable transactions, and have a licensed CPA prepare the delinquent Forms 5472 and pro forma Forms 1120 for all missing years.
Step 2: Submit a First-Time Abatement or Reasonable Cause Request If you have a clean compliance history prior to those years or can prove you exercised ordinary business care but were misled or lacked access to cross-border tax education, a CPA can draft a Reasonable Cause Statement to petition the IRS for a complete wipeout of the multi-year penalties.
Step 3: Protect Your U.S. Corporate Status Leaving multiple years unfiled can eventually lead to the IRS turning over the debt to collection agencies, freezing associated U.S. corporate bank accounts, or revoking your company’s legal authorization to do business in the United States.
By proactively coming forward and filing your delinquent historical returns before the IRS initiates an official audit or sends a formal notice, you dramatically increase your chances of getting the multi-year fines completely removed through administrative relief pathways.
To assess your company's financial exposure and plan your resolution strategy, calculate your estimated penalty with our Form 5472 Penalty Calculator.
I just found out i needed to file form 5472 and 1120. what do i do now?
Don't panic, but you must act quickly. While the IRS takes unfiled international forms very seriously, there are official IRS processes available to submit your late returns and request that the penalties be completely waived.
Discovering you are out of compliance is a high-anxiety moment, but taking the wrong first step can accidentally lock in a $25,000 fine. Here is your immediate triage protocol:
1. Do NOT Just Mail a Late Form Blindly: Many founders rush to file a late form using standard software or online tools just to "get it done." This is a critical mistake. Automated IRS systems scan incoming late returns and immediately generate a $25,000 penalty notice before any human looks at your case.
2. Separate the Years: Assess exactly which tax years are missing. If you have been inactive or out of compliance for multiple years, your strategy changes because you are looking at cumulative exposure ($50,000 to $75,000+). Each year must be handled as its own separate compliance package.
3. Prepare a Unified Defense First: The key to getting these penalties waived is attaching a professional Reasonable Cause Statement to the physical front of your late package. You must have your legal defense prepared before you submit anything to the IRS.
⚠️ Professional Recommendation: Because late international disclosures are processed by automated IRS penalty systems, sending a late form without a professionally structured defense almost guarantees an automatic $25,000 fine notice. Always consult with a licensed CPA specializing in international tax compliance before submitting late filings. A qualified professional ensures your Reasonable Cause case is legally sound and handled correctly to protect your business from catastrophic fines.
Form 5472 Penalty Calculator
Are you accidentally exposing your foreign-owned U.S. business to an automatic $25,000 IRS fine? Use our 2-minute diagnostic tool below to calculate your exposure, identify reportable transactions, and check your regulatory compliance status.
Your IRS Penalty Estimator
Find out your penalty exposure in 60 seconds.
Free calculator — no signup required.
Late Filing & IRS Penalty Relief
We prepare overdue Form 5472, Form 1120, and Form 1065 filings and submit professional Reasonable Cause statements for penalty abatement where the facts support it. All late filings are prepared and signed by a licensed CPA.
Common Situations We Handle
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Missed Form 5472 deadline
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Received IRS penalty notice
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Never filed Form 1120
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Late Form 1065 and K-1 filings
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Foreign-owned LLC compliance issues
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IRS Reasonable Cause applications
Each late filing order includes two components: your entity tax filing package plus the Penalty Removal Service ($499). Both are required — the tax filing brings you into compliance, and the Penalty Removal Service requests the IRS waive the $25,000 penalty.
STEP 1
Choose Your Tax Filing Package
STEP 2
Add Penalty Removal Service
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IRS Reasonable Cause Letter
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CPA-Drafted Explanation
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Customized To Your Situation
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Penalty Abatement Request
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Lifetime IRS Support
How it works:
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Select your entity package (Single-Member, Multi-Member, or C-Corp).
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Add "Penalty Removal Service" at checkout.
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Get Protected: We file your overdue forms and draft a professional Reasonable Cause letter to request a full penalty waiver from the IRS.
🛡️What Happens After You Order
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After you order, a licensed CPA is assigned to your case immediately. Your CPA reviews your specific situation, prepares the overdue Form 5472 and Form 1120 (or Form 1065 for multi-member LLCs), and drafts a Reasonable Cause statement customized to your circumstances and filing history.
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You review and e-sign everything through our secured client portal before anything is submitted to the IRS. Once filed, your CPA monitors the IRS response and handles all follow-up correspondence until the case is resolved.
Not Sure What Package You Need?
Formed your LLC via Stripe Atlas, Doola, or Firstbase but need expert tax compliance? Over 5,000 non-residents have switched to our dedicated CPA platform to guarantee accurate Form 5472 filing and avoid the $25,000 IRS penalty. Claim your special transfer offer. Learn More. Learn More ➛
I run my U.S. LLC for 6 years now. I only use Form5472 to file my annual tax report. They have amazing service and I pay $2,000 less than other asked for the same service.
Marco Simoni, March 2024
The company that setup my LLC wanted $2,999!! for Total Compliance. I used From5472 and paid only $547. Got my report and filing confirmation in 2 days.
Alex Gritti, January 2025
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Form5472.online
Industry Leader in Foreign Owned U.S. Companies Tax Filing & Compliance
Part of TAXUSA GROUP — the world's largest tax firm for non-U.S. residents. Full Service CPA Firm. 230,000+ Filings.
Trusted by global founders from 198 countries to keep their US companies compliant
Each Tax Filing Prepared by a Licensed CPA with a PTIN — Zero Penalty Guarantee & Filing Confirmation Included.
CPA-Prepared & Signed
Every filing is individually prepared and signed by a specialist licensed CPA holding an IRS-issued PTIN — a professional who stands fully accountable for your return.
IRS-Verified E-Filer
We are a verified IRS Authorized e-File Provider. Your documents are transmitted directly through the IRS official system, with filing confirmation issued upon receipt.
Zero-Penalty Guarantee
If you receive a penalty notice due to an error in our filing, our licensed CPA team takes full responsibility and represents you directly with the IRS until it is 100% resolved.
What Our Clients Say
Why CPA Preparation Matters for Foreign-Owned Entities
Moving beyond simple data entry into professional IRS advocacy provides two critical advantages:
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Accountability: A CPA signature creates professional liability. If an error occurs on our end, we represent you with the IRS at no additional charge.
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Audit-Ready Documentation: We create a defensible paper trail, ensuring you have professional backing if the IRS inquires.
Why CPA preparation matters for Form 5472 specifically — and why automated tools are dangerous →
Full CPA process explained — who prepares your return, how it is filed, and what is guaranteed →
Why Global Founders Trust Us
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Extensive Case Experience: We have filed for thousands of international structures across 198 countries. Most situations we encounter are not new to our team.
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Late Filing Specialization: A significant portion of our engagements involve overdue returns and penalty abatement. We are experienced in DIIRSP procedures and Reasonable Cause submissions.
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CPA-Signed Returns: Every filing is individually prepared and signed by a licensed CPA holding an IRS-issued PTIN — not outsourced or automated.
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Consistent Client Retention: The majority of our clients return annually. That retention rate reflects the accuracy and reliability of our process.
CPA Accuracy & Reasonable Cause Support Framework
We stand behind every filing we prepare. Our Zero-Penalty Guarantee means that if you receive any penalty notice from the IRS due to an error in our filing, we won't just tell you what to do—we will represent you.
Dedicated CPA Support
Should a notice arise, our licensed CPA team will handle all communication and correspondence with the IRS.
Active Representation
We will work directly with the IRS to contest and resolve the issue until the penalty is removed.
Complete Oversight
Every tax return we process is prepared and signed by a licensed CPA, ensuring the highest accuracy.
100% Peace of Mind
You are never left to handle the IRS alone. We stand behind our work, ensuring your U.S. entity remains in good standing.
CPA Credentials
Arik Rozen, CPA
Head of Tax Filing Department
License #025991 | IRS PTIN Holder
Arik Rozen, CPA, MBA — Head of Tax Filing Department — is a licensed Certified Public Accountant issued by the Commonwealth of Virginia Board of Accountancy (License #025991, issued September 24, 2001). Every tax return filed through Form5472.online is prepared by our licensed CPA team and reviewed and signed under his CPA license.
Verified IRS Authorized e-File Provider
Form5472.online is part of TAXUSA GROUP, a verified IRS Authorized e-File Provider registered in Brooklyn, NY 11230. You can independently verify our official IRS status below and file your non-resident forms with absolute compliance security.
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Hi, I'm Arik Rozen, your CPA. Lets start your tax filing. What is your company type?
07/25/2022