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Publication 3402 (11-2014) TAX ISSUES FOR LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANIES


Publication 3402 (11-2014)

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  • Institutional Authors
    Internal Revenue Service
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    English
Citations: Publication 3402 (11-2014)

Reminder

 

Introduction

 

What is a Limited Liability Company?

 

Classification of an LLC

 

LLCs Classified as Partnerships

 

LLCs Classified as Disregarded Entities

 

LLCs Classified as Corporations

 

Subsequent Elections

 

Community Property

 

How To Get Tax Help

Reminder

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Introduction

This publication provides federal income, employment, and excise tax information for limited liability companies. This publication does not address state law governing the formation, operation, or termination of limited liability companies. This publication does not address any state taxes.

Comments and suggestions. We welcome your comments about this publication and your suggestions for future editions.

You can send us comments from http://www.irs.gov/formspubs. Click on "More Information" and then on "Give us feedback."

Or you can write to:

Internal Revenue Service Tax Forms and Publications 1111 Constitution Ave. NW, IR-6526 Washington, DC 20224

We respond to many letters by telephone. Therefore, it would be helpful if you would include your daytime phone number, including the area code, in your correspondence.

Although we cannot respond individually to each comment received, we do appreciate your feedback and will consider your comments as we revise our tax products.

Ordering forms and publications. Visit http://www.irs.gov/formspubs to download forms and publications. Otherwise, you can go to http://www.irs.gov/orderforms to order forms or call 1-800-829-3676 to order current and prior-year forms and instructions. Your order should arrive within 10 business days.

Tax questions. If you have a tax question, check the information available on IRS.gov or call 1-800-829-1040. We cannot answer tax questions sent to the above address.

Useful Items

You may want to see:

Publication

 

Publication 15

(Circular E), Employer's Tax Guide

Publication 334 Tax Guide for Small Business

Publication 505 Tax Withholding and Estimated Tax

Publication 535 Business Expenses

Publication 541 Partnerships

Publication 542 Corporations

Publication 544 Sales and Other Dispositions of Assets

Publication 583 Starting a Business and Keeping Records

Publication 925 Passive Activity and At-Risk Rules

 

Form (and Instructions)

 

Form 1065

U.S. Return of Partnership Income

Form 1120 U.S. Corporation Income Tax Return

Form 1120S U.S. Income Tax Return for an S Corporation

Form 2553 Election by a Small Business Corporation

Form 8832 Entity Classification Election

 

See

How To Get Tax Help

near the end of this publication for information about getting publications and forms.

What is a Limited Liability Company?

For purposes of this publication, a limited liability company (LLC) is a business entity organized in the United States under state law. An LLC may be classified for federal income tax purposes as a partnership, corporation, or an entity disregarded as separate from its owner by applying the rules in Regulations section Classification of an LLC

Default classification. An LLC with at least two members is classified as a partnership for federal income tax purposes. An LLC with only one member is treated as an entity disregarded as separate from its owner for income tax purposes (but as a separate entity for purposes of employment tax and certain excise taxes). Also, an LLC's federal tax classification can subsequently change under certain default rules discussed later.

Elected classification. An LLC can elect to be classified as an association taxable as a corporation or as an S corporation. After an LLC has determined its federal tax classification, it can later elect to change that classification. For details, see Subsequent Elections, later.

LLCs Classified as Partnerships

If an LLC has at least two members and is classified as a partnership, it generally must file Form 1065, U.S. Return of Partnership Income. Generally, an LLC classified as a partnership is subject to the same filing and reporting requirements as partnerships. See the Instructions for Form 1065 for reporting rules that apply specifically to LLCs.

Member manager. Only a member manager of an LLC can sign the partnership tax return. And only a member manager can represent the LLC as the tax matters partner under the consolidated audit proceedings in sections 6221 through 6234. A member manager is any owner of an interest in the LLC who, alone or together with others, has the continuing authority to make the management decisions necessary to conduct the business for which the LLC was formed. If there are no elected or designated member managers, each owner is treated as a member manager.

Change in default classification. If the number of members in an LLC classified as a partnership is reduced to only one member, it becomes an entity disregarded as separate from its owner under Regulations section 731(a). See Partnership Distributions in Publication 541.

Example 2. George and Henrietta are members of an LLC classified as a partnership for federal tax purposes. Each holds an equal membership interest. The LLC does not hold any unrealized receivables or substantially appreciated inventory. George and Henrietta each sell their entire interests in the LLC to Ian, an unrelated person, in exchange for $10,000. After the sale, the business is continued by the LLC, which is owned solely by Ian. No entity classification election is made after the sale to treat the LLC as a corporation for federal tax purposes. The partnership terminates when Ian purchases the entire interests of George and Henrietta in the LLC. George and Henrietta must report gain or loss, if any, resulting from the sale of their partnership interests. For purposes of classifying the acquisition by Ian, the partnership is deemed to make a liquidating distribution of its assets to George and Henrietta. Immediately following this distribution, Ian is deemed to acquire, by purchase, all of the former partnership's assets.

For more details on the preceding two examples, see Revenue Ruling 99-6, 1999-6 I.R.B. 6. You can find Revenue Ruling 99-6 at http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-irbs/irb99-06.pdf.

LLCs Classified as Disregarded Entities

Income tax. If an LLC has only one member and is classified as an entity disregarded as separate from its owner, its income, deductions, gains, losses, and credits are reported on the owner's income tax return. For example, if the owner of the LLC is an individual, the LLC's income and expenses would be reported on the following schedules filed with the owner's Form 1040:

 

• Schedule C, Profit or Loss from Business (Sole Proprietorship);

• Schedule C-EZ, Net Profit From Business (Sole Proprietorship);

• Schedule E, Supplemental Income and Loss; or

• Schedule F, Profit or Loss From Farming.

 

Note.

The LLC should not file an income tax return.

Employment tax and certain excise taxes. A single-member LLC disregarded for income tax purposes is considered a corporation for employment tax and collection of income tax and certain excise tax purposes and must use its own name and identification number for those purposes.

See the employment and excise tax returns and instructions, including the following, for more information.

 

• Form 637, Application for Registration (For Certain Excise Tax Activities)

• Form 720, Quarterly Federal Excise Tax Return

• Form 730, Monthly Tax Return for Wagers (Section 4401 of the Internal Revenue Code)

• Form 2290, Heavy Highway Vehicle Use Tax Return

• Form 11-C, Occupational Tax and Registration Return for Wagering

• Form 8849, Claim for Refund of Excise Taxes

 

For the purposes of determining certain exceptions from employment tax because of the familial relationship or religious affiliation of the employer and employee, the owner of the LLC is considered the employer. Additionally, the owner of the entity is subject to the withholding requirements imposed by section

3406

(backup withholding).

Self-employment tax. An individual owner of a single-member LLC classified as a disregarded entity is not an employee of the LLC. Instead, the owner is subject to tax on the net earnings from self-employment of the LLC which is treated in the same manner as a sole proprietorship.

Example 3. LLC is a disregarded entity owned by Irene. LLC has three employees (Kent, Patricia, and Tex) and pays wages. LLC is treated as an entity separate from its owner for purposes of employment taxes. For the wages paid to Kent, Patricia, and Tex, LLC is liable for income tax withholding, Federal Insurance Contributions Act (FICA) taxes, and Federal Unemployment Tax Act (FUTA) taxes. In addition, LLC must file under its name and EIN the applicable employment tax returns; make timely employment tax deposits; and file with the Social Security Administration and furnish to LLC's employees (Kent, Patricia, and Tex) Forms W-2, Wage and Tax Statement. Irene is self-employed for purposes of the self-employment tax. Thus, Irene is subject to self-employment tax on her net earnings from self-employment with respect to LLC's activities. Irene is not an employee of LLC for purposes of employment taxes. Because LLC is treated as a sole proprietorship of Irene for income tax purposes, Irene must report the income and expenses from LLC on her Schedule C. Irene will figure the tax due on her net earnings from self-employment on Schedule SE. Irene can also deduct one-half of her self-employment tax on line 27 of her Form 1040.

Taxpayer identification number. For all income tax purposes, a single-member LLC classified as a disregarded entity must use the owner's social security number (SSN) or EIN. This includes all information returns and reporting related to income tax. For example, if a disregarded entity LLC that is owned by an individual is required to provide a Form W-9, Request for Taxpayer Identification Number and Certification, the LLC must provide the owner's SSN or EIN, not the LLC's EIN.

However, most new single-member LLCs classified as a disregarded entity will need to obtain an EIN for the LLC. An LLC will need an EIN if it has any employees or if it will be required to file any of the excise tax forms listed above (see Employment tax and certain excise taxes earlier). See Form SS-4, Application for Employer Identification Number, for information on applying for an EIN.

Change in default classification. If a single-member LLC classified as a disregarded entity for income tax purposes acquires an additional member, it becomes a partnership under Regulations section Revenue Ruling 99-5, 1999-6 I.R.B. 8. You can find Revenue Ruling 99-5 at http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-irbs/irb99-06.pdf.

LLCs Classified as Corporations

An LLC with either a single member or more than one member can elect to be classified as a corporation rather than be classified as a partnership or disregarded entity under the default rules discussed earlier. File Form 8832 to elect classification as a C corporation. File Form 2553 to elect classification as an S corporation. LLCs electing classification as an S corporation are not required to file Form 8832 to elect classification as a corporation before filing Form 2553. By filing Form 2553, an LLC is deemed to have elected classification as a corporation in addition to the S corporation classification.

CAUTION: If the LLC elects to be classified as a corporation by filing Form 8832, a copy of the LLC's Form 8832 must be attached to the federal income tax return of each direct and indirect owner of the LLC for the tax year of the owner that includes the date on which the election took effect.

Example 6. Classification as a corporation without an S election. Wanda and Sylvester are members of an LLC. They agree that the LLC should be classified as a corporation but do not want to elect to have the LLC be treated as an S corporation. The LLC must file Form 8832.

Example 7. Classification as a corporation with an S election. Evelyn and Carol are members of an LLC. They agree that the LLC should be classified as an S corporation. The LLC must file Form 2553 instead of Form 8832.

If the LLC is classified as a corporation, it must file a corporation income tax return. If it is a C corporation, it is taxed on its taxable income and distributions to the members are includible in the members' gross income to the extent of the corporation's earnings and profits (double taxation). If it is an S corporation, the corporation is generally not subject to any income tax and the income, deductions, gains, losses, and credits of the corporation "pass through" to the members.

Corporations generally file either:

 

• Form 1120; or

• Form 1120S.

 

For more information on the income taxation of corporations and their shareholders, see

Publication 542

. For more information on the income taxation of S corporations and their shareholders, see the Instructions for Form 1120S.

Subsequent Elections

An LLC can elect to change its classification. Generally, once an LLC has elected to change its classification, it cannot elect again to change it classification during the 60 months after the effective date of the election. An election by a newly formed LLC that is effective on the date of formation is not considered a change for purposes of this limitation. For more information and exceptions, see Regulations section Publication 541 and Property Exchanged for Stock in Publication 542.

Corporation to partnership. An election to change classification from a corporation to a partnership will be treated as if the corporation distributed all of its assets and liabilities to its shareholders in liquidation and the shareholders then immediately contributed all of the distributed assets and liabilities to a new partnership.

For more information, see Contribution of Property in Publication 541 and Distributions to Shareholders in Publication 542.

Corporation to disregarded entity. An election to change classification from a corporation to a disregarded entity will be treated as if the corporation distributed all of its assets and liabilities to its single owner in liquidation.

For more information, see Distributions to Shareholders in Publication 542.

Disregarded entity to corporation. An election to change classification from a disregarded entity to a corporation will be treated as if the owner of the disregarded entity contributed all of the assets and liabilities to the corporation in exchange for stock.

For more information, see Property Exchanged for Stock in Publication 542.

Community Property

A married couple may choose to treat a business entity as a partnership or as a disregarded entity if:

 

1. The business entity is wholly owned by the couple as a community property under the laws of a state, a foreign country, or possession of the United States;

2. No person other than one or both spouses would be considered an owner for federal tax purposes; and

3. The business entity is not treated as a corporation under Regulations section  

A change in reporting position will be treated as a conversion of the entity.

How To Get Tax Help

Do you need help with a tax issue or preparing your tax return, or do you need a free publication or form?

Preparing and filing your tax return. Find free options to prepare and file your return on IRS.gov or in your local community if you qualify.

 

• Go to IRS.gov and click on the Filing tab to see your options.

• Enter "Free File" in the search box to use brand name software to prepare and e-file your federal tax return for free.

• Enter "VITA" in the search box, download the free IRS2Go app, or call 1-800-906-9887 to find the nearest Volunteer Income Tax Assistance or Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) location for free tax preparation.

• Enter "TCE" in the search box, download the free IRS2Go app, or call 1-888-227-7669 to find the nearest Tax Counseling for the Elderly location for free tax preparation.

 

The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program offers free tax help to people who generally make $53,000 or less, persons with disabilities, the elderly, and limited-English-speaking taxpayers who need help preparing their own tax returns. The Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) program offers free tax help for all taxpayers, particularly those who are 60 years of age and older. TCE volunteers specialize in answering questions about pensions and retirement-related issues unique to seniors.

Getting answers to your tax law questions. IRS.gov and IRS2Go are ready when you are--24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

 

• Enter "ITA" in the search box on IRS.gov for the Interactive Tax Assistant, a tool that will ask you questions on a number of tax law topics and provide answers. You can print the entire interview and the final response.

• Enter "Tax Map" or "Tax Trails" in the search box for detailed information by tax topic.

• Enter "Pub 17" in the search box to get Pub. 17, Your Federal Income Tax for Individuals, which features details on tax-saving opportunities, 2014 tax changes, and thousands of interactive links to help you find answers to your questions.

• Call TeleTax at 1-800-829-4477 for recorded information on a variety of tax topics.

• Access tax law information in your electronic filing software.

• Go to IRS.gov and click on the Help & Resources tab for more information.

 

Tax forms and publications.

You can download or print all of the forms and publications you may need on

http://www.irs.gov/formspubs.

Otherwise, you can:

 

• Go to

http://www.irs.gov/orderforms

to place an order and have forms mailed to you, or

• Call 1-800-829-3676 to order current-year forms, instructions, publications, and prior-year forms and instructions (limited to 5 years).

 

You should receive your order within 10 business days.

Where to file your tax return.

 

• There are many ways to file your return electronically. It's safe, quick and easy. See

Preparing and filing your tax return,

earlier, for more information.

• See your tax return instructions to determine where to mail your completed paper tax return.

 

Getting a transcript or copy of a return.

 

• Go to IRS.gov and click on "Get Transcript of Your Tax Records" under "Tools."

• Download the free IRS2Go app to your smart phone and use it to order transcripts of your tax returns or tax account.

• Call the transcript toll-free line at 1-800-908-9946.

• Mail Form 4506-T or Form 4506T-EZ (both available on IRS.gov).

 

Using online tools to help prepare your return.

Go to IRS.gov and click on the Tools bar to use these and other self-service options.

 

• The

Earned Income Tax Credit Assistant

determines if you are eligible for the EIC.

• The First Time Homebuyer Credit Account Look-up tool provides information on your repayments and account balance.

• The Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT) Assistant determines whether you may be subject to AMT.

• The Online EIN Application helps you get an Employer Identification Number.

• The IRS Withholding Calculator estimates the amount you should have withheld from your paycheck for federal income tax purposes.

• The Electronic Filing PIN Request helps to verify your identity when you do not have your prior year AGI or prior year self-selected PIN available.

 

Understanding identity theft issues.

 

• Go to

http://www.irs.gov/uac/Identity-Protection

for information and videos.

• If your SSN has been lost or stolen or you suspect you are a victim of tax-related identity theft, visit http://www.irs.gov/identitytheft to learn what steps you should take.

 

Checking on the status of a refund.

 

• Go to

http://www.irs.gov/refunds.

• Download the free IRS2Go app to your smart phone and use it to check your refund status.

• Call the automated refund hotline at 1-800-829-1954.

 

Making a tax payment.

You can make electronic payments online, by phone, or from a mobile device. Paying electronically is safe and secure. The IRS uses the latest encryption technology and does not store banking information. It's easy and secure and much quicker than mailing in a check or money order. Go to IRS.gov and click on the Payments tab or the "Pay Your Tax Bill" icon to make a payment using the following options.

 

Direct Pay

(only if you are an individual who has a checking or savings account).

• Debit or credit card.

• Electronic Federal Tax Payment System.

• Check or money order.

 

What if I can't pay now?

Click on the Payments tab or the "Pay Your Tax Bill" icon on IRS.gov to find more information about these additional options.

 

• An

online payment agreement

determines if you are eligible to apply for an installment agreement if you cannot pay your taxes in full today. With the needed information, you can complete the application in about 30 minutes, and get immediate approval.

• An offer in compromise allows you to settle your tax debt for less than the full amount you owe. Use the Offer in Compromise Pre-Qualifier to confirm your eligibility.

 

Checking the status of an amended return.

Go to IRS.gov and click on the Tools tab and then

Where's My Amended Return?

Understanding an IRS notice or letter. Enter "Understanding your notice" in the search box on IRS.gov to find additional information about your IRS notice or letter.

Visiting the IRS. Locate the nearest Taxpayer Assistance Center using the Office Locator tool on IRS.gov. Enter "office locator" in the search box. Or choose the "Contact Us" option on the IRS2Go app and search Local Offices. Before you visit, use the Locator tool to check hours and services available.

Watching IRS videos. The IRS Video portal http://www.irsvideos.gov contains video and audio presentations on topics of interest to individuals, small businesses, and tax professionals. You'll find video clips of tax topics, archived versions of live panel discussions and Webinars, and audio archives of tax practitioner phone forums.

Getting tax information in other languages. For taxpayers whose native language is not English, we have the following resources available.

 

1. Taxpayers can find information on IRS.gov in the following languages.

 

a.

Spanish.

b. Chinese.

c. Vietnamese.

d. Korean.

e. Russian.

 

2. The IRS Taxpayer Assistance Centers provide over-the-phone interpreter service in over 170 languages, and the service is available free to taxpayers.

 

The Taxpayer Advocate Service Is Here To Help You

What is the Taxpayer Advocate Service?

The Taxpayer Advocate Service (TAS) is an independent organization within the Internal Revenue Service that helps taxpayers and protects taxpayer rights. Our job is to ensure that every taxpayer is treated fairly and that you know and understand your rights under the Taxpayer Bill of Rights.

What Can the Taxpayer Advocate Service Do For You?

We can help you resolve problems that you can't resolve with the IRS. And our service is free. If you qualify for our assistance, you will be assigned to one advocate who will work with you throughout the process and will do everything possible to resolve your issue. TAS can help you if:

 

• Your problem is causing financial difficulty for you, your family, or your business,

• You face (or your business is facing) an immediate threat of adverse action, or

• You've tried repeatedly to contact the IRS but no one has responded, or the IRS hasn't responded by the date promised.

 

How Can You Reach Us?

We have offices in every state, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. Your local advocate's number is in your local directory and at http://www.taxpayeradvocate.irs.gov. You can also call us at 1-877-777-4778.

How Can You Learn About Your Taxpayer Rights?

The Taxpayer Bill of Rights describes ten basic rights that all taxpayers have when dealing with the IRS. Our Tax Toolkit at http://www.taxpayeradvocate.irs.gov can help you understand what these rights mean to you and how they apply. These are your rights. Know them. Use them.

How Else Does the Taxpayer Advocate Service Help Taxpayers?

TAS works to resolve large-scale problems that affect many taxpayers. If you know of one of these broad issues, please report it to us at http://www.irs.gov/sams.

Low Income Taxpayer Clinics

Low Income Taxpayer Clinics (LITCs) serve individuals whose income is below a certain level and need to resolve tax problems such as audits, appeals, and tax collection disputes. Some clinics can provide information about taxpayer rights and responsibilities in different languages for individuals who speak English as a second language. To find a clinic near you, visit http://www.irs.gov/litc or see IRS Publication 4134, Low Income Taxpayer Clinic List.

DOCUMENT ATTRIBUTES
  • Institutional Authors
    Internal Revenue Service
  • Jurisdictions
  • Language
    English
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