How to File Taxes for Your LLC

LLC taxes depend on your structure: single-member, multi-member, or S corp election. Deadlines, forms, and how to file correctly.

Filing taxes for your LLC comes down to how the IRS classifies your business. A single-member LLC, a multi-member LLC, and an LLC taxed as an S corporation each use different forms, deadlines, and rules.

The short answer: a single-member LLC reports on Schedule C with Form 1040, a multi-member LLC files Form 1065 and issues K-1s, and an LLC taxed as an S corporation files Form 1120-S. The LLC itself generally pays no federal income tax — profits flow through to owners.

How LLCs are taxed by default

An LLC is a pass-through entity by default, which means the business itself does not pay federal income tax. Instead, profits and losses flow through to the owners, who report their share on personal tax returns. The LLC files informational returns in most cases.

Some states charge their own LLC taxes, such as franchise taxes or annual report fees, separately from federal income tax. Check your state's revenue department for current requirements.

Single-member LLC: Schedule C

A single-member LLC is treated as a disregarded entity. You report business income and expenses on Schedule C, which attaches to your personal Form 1040. You also pay self-employment tax on the net profit using Schedule SE.

There is no separate business tax return for a single-member LLC. If you have employees, you file payroll returns, but the business income itself appears on Schedule C.

Multi-member LLC: Form 1065

A multi-member LLC is taxed as a partnership. The LLC files Form 1065, the information return, and each member receives a Schedule K-1 reporting their share of profit and loss. Members then report that share on their personal returns and pay self-employment tax on earnings.

Form 1065 must be filed even if the LLC made no profit. It is a reporting return — the partnership itself pays no income tax.

LLC taxed as an S corp: Form 1120-S

If your LLC elected S corp status, it files Form 1120-S. Owners who work in the business must receive a reasonable salary subject to payroll taxes, and remaining profits pass through on Schedule K-1 to owners. The S corp election can reduce self-employment taxes.

See whether an LLC can be an S corp and how the election affects your tax bill.

Deadlines and estimated taxes

For calendar-year LLCs, Form 1065 and Form 1120-S are due by March 15, and personal returns with Schedule C are due by April 15. Because LLC owners have no withholding, most must make quarterly estimated tax payments in April, June, September, and January.

As of 2026, the deadlines above are the standard IRS calendar. Confirm the exact dates on the IRS website each year, since they shift when holidays fall on weekends.

Records and professional help

Keep your EIN, bank statements, and expense receipts organized for the full year. If you receive 1099 forms from clients, reconcile them against your records before filing.

LLC tax rules are detailed, and state requirements vary. Consult a tax professional if your situation is complex — the cost is usually justified by the savings and avoided penalties.

Extensions and state taxes

If you cannot file by the deadline, you can request an automatic extension. For personal returns with Schedule C, Form 4868 gives you until October 15, and for Form 1065 and Form 1120-S, Form 7004 extends the due date. An extension delays the filing deadline, not the payment deadline, so estimate and pay what you owe by the original due date.

State treatment varies: most states follow the federal pass-through rules, but some impose their own franchise taxes, minimum taxes, or separate reporting. Check your state revenue department's website for the forms and deadlines that apply to your LLC.

Frequently Asked Questions

What tax form does a single-member LLC file?

A single-member LLC reports business income on Schedule C, attached to the owner's Form 1040, plus Schedule SE for self-employment tax. No separate business return is filed for a single-member LLC.

What tax form does a multi-member LLC file?

A multi-member LLC files Form 1065, the partnership information return. Each member receives a Schedule K-1 and reports their share of profit on their personal return. The LLC itself pays no federal income tax.

When are LLC taxes due?

Form 1065 and Form 1120-S are due March 15 for calendar-year filers. Personal returns with Schedule C are due April 15. Quarterly estimated tax payments are due in April, June, September, and January. Confirm dates on the IRS website.

Does an LLC file its own tax return?

An LLC files informational returns, but it does not pay federal income tax by default. Single-member LLCs use Schedule C only, while multi-member LLCs file Form 1065 and S corp LLCs file Form 1120-S. Profits flow through to owners.