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Level 5
September 18, 2023

Form 5471 E-File Submission

  • September 18, 2023
  • 1 reply
  • 23 views

The instructions of Form 5471 "Where to File" says the form needs to be attached to the tax return.  Last Friday 9/15 by midnight, I just E-filed my first C-Corp tax return Form 1120 including Form 5471 (it was a rushed time to work with the CEO together, and E-Filed by midnight), and I forgot to print the Form 5471 and attach it as a PDF attachment. 

Normally if a PDF attachment is required, ProConnect would give me a warning message and e-File button would not be available. But this time, the E-File went through without the PDF attachment Form 5471.  I thought I probably needed to amend the return after it was accepted to re-submit the PDF attachment. 

This morning I called ProConnect help and we looked at the tax return together.  I was told that Form 5471 was already submitted to the IRS and no need to be submitted a second time - she was certain about this because she saw Form 5471 was generated within the ProConnect Software and was available for partial print. 

I was relieved to hear that, but after the call, I remembered Form 7203 was also available for partial printing, and was still required to submit as an attachment.  So I can't help become worried again and wonder if Form 5471 was actually submitted in my case.  

Side fact: before calling ProConnect, I actually called the IRS international tax law phone number to ask if I needed to amend the return.  I was told the IRS personnel are not allowed to answer Form 5471-related questions, as the whole agency was not trained with this tax form and was not allowed to give out advice.  She suggested that I should ask this question to paid professionals.  

Anyone who filed Form 5471 before?  This is such a screwup for me and it won't happen again.  

Thank you in advance!!

 

 

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    1 reply

    sjrcpa
    Level 15
    September 18, 2023

    It will be an expensive screw up if it wasn't transmitted.

    Is this a calendar year return on extension? If yes, the good news is it is due October 15, so there's time to figure it out.

    The more I know the more I don’t know.
    TaxesTechAuthor
    Level 5
    September 19, 2023

    I asked ProConnect Help (twice, to different agents), and they both looked at the return with me on SmartLook, and both confirmed that ProConnect supports E-Filing Form 5471, as the PDF form was generated within ProConnect for the IRS, and no critical diagnosis appeared to prevent e-filing.   

    The tax return was a C-corp return with a 9/15 extended deadline.    

    I wonder if I should leave it as it is, or should I still file an Amended Return with no changes on income and deduction, and just attach the PDF form stating the attachment was accidentally omitted?