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The Daily Insight

How do I file an inactive LLC tax return?

Author

Emma Jordan

Published Mar 29, 2026

An LLC that is not considered a separate entity for federal income tax purposes is taxed in the same way as a sole proprietor: the LLC’s income and expenses are reported as self-employment income on Schedule C of the member’s personal tax return.

How do I close an EIN number?

You cannot cancel your EIN, however, you can close your account with the IRS. You’ll need to send a letter to the IRS office and explain the reason you want to close your tax account. You’ll need to include important details about your business, such as the corporation name, structure, address and EIN.

You don’t have to file a federal business return when there’s no business activity in your inactive LLC taxed as a partnership. LLCs treated as partnerships report their business activity on Form 1065. As a pass-through entity, partnerships pay taxes through each owner’s personal return, not at the company level.

What do you do if you don’t get your tax forms?

What else you can try: Call the IRS. The IRS might be able to contact your employer about the missing tax document. But if you’re up against the filing deadline or your employer went out of business, you may be able to file IRS Form 4852, which is a substitute W-2.

What do tax forms do I need to file for a LLC?

In this case, the following forms need to be filed: Form 8832 to elect classification as a C corporation. The filer attaches a copy of this form to the federal income tax return of each LLC owner. Form 2553 to elect classification as an S corporation

Can a sole member of a LLC file a tax return?

The IRS classifies most LLC with just one member as an entity separate from its owner. In this case, the owner report tax declarations on the following Form 1040 schedules: The sole LLC member should not file an income tax return.

What kind of tax form does a limited liability company file?

A Limited Liability Company (LLC) will file one of the following depending on its situation. Form 1040 (Schedule C, E, or F) (appropriate for single member LLCs) Form 1065 (Partnership) (appropriate for multiple member LLCs) Form 1120S (S Corporation) Form 1120 (Corporation)

Do you have to file a tax return for an inactive LLC?

For example, a newly formed LLC might not have started doing business yet, or an older LLC might have become inactive without being formally dissolved. But even though an inactive LLC has no income or expenses for a year, it might still be required to file a federal income tax return. LLC tax filing requirements depend on the way the LLC is taxed.