File your LLC's tax return before your own?
I am one of 2 members of an LLC that I started. The LLC had no income in its first year-only a small loss. I'm reflecting my share of the loss, as on my K-1, on the my own tax return.
If I file my own tax return before the LLC's tax return, does it increase my risk of an audit or otherwise cause problems? Or does the order of filing them matter?
Thanks.
1 Answer
You need to complete your LLC's tax return before you can complete your personal tax return, because you will need information from the LLC's tax return to complete your personal return. Much the same way you need to complete your federal return before you can complete your state return.
As far as when you file the returns with the IRS, I don't think filing your personal return before your business return is going to cause any major problems. However, I don't understand why this is coming up. You need to complete your business tax return before you can complete your personal return, so why not just file the business return after you have completed it? Why hold on to it? At the very least, why not just file them both on the same day? I can't think of a scenario where this issue would come up.
I don't know every single thing that would increase your chances of an audit, but I know that taking certain deductions will increase your chances. For example, taking the home office deduction.
Based on your mention of a K-1, I'm assuming a US based LLC with pass-through taxation.
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Thanks. Very helpful. Basically, I am filing my personal return electronically, but I am mailing in my LLC's return, so there is a time lag if I file my personal return first. I've filled out both already and have prepared K-1s. – User6492 13 years ago
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@user6492 You should be fine then. We did the same thing last year (i.e. electronically filed personal and mailed in business). Except we mailed in our business return as soon as we finished it, and waited a couple of weeks before starting our personal returns. There's still another month left before taxes are due. If it makes you feel more comfortable, mail in your business return now and wait a week or so before electronically filing your personal return. But, it shouldn't really matter. – Zuly Gonzalez 13 years ago
