Are you struggling to figure out if Form 8832 is necessary for your business? The reality is that while this form may seem like just another bureaucratic hurdle, it can be a crucial tool in ensuring that your business is taxed in the most advantageous way. 

Although it is commonly associated with Limited Liability Companies (LLCs), 8832 form isn’t exclusive to them. In fact, various types of entities, including partnerships and corporations, may benefit from filing it. 

What Is Form 8832?

IRS Form-8832 is a powerful tool that allows businesses to elect a federal tax classification different from their default status, offering flexibility in how they’re taxed. Essentially, this form enables a company to choose a tax treatment that better aligns with its financial goals and growth trajectory. 

For example, a single-member LLC, which typically defaults to being taxed as a sole proprietorship, can use the 8832 form to opt for corporate tax treatment instead. This shift means the LLC will then file as a corporation and adhere to corporate income tax rates, potentially benefiting from lower taxes. For growing businesses, especially those with significant taxable income, this can lead to substantial savings. 

While smaller businesses often find pass-through taxation advantageous, where income is taxed at individual rates, larger entities might save more by electing corporate status, given that C corporations enjoy a lower federal income tax rate of 21% compared to the individual rate of up to 37%. 

Reasons to File IRS Form 8832

Filing IRS Form 8832 can be a strategic move for various reasons, particularly when it comes to optimizing your business’s tax situation. One major reason is to achieve a more favorable tax rate; for instance, a business might elect corporate tax treatment to benefit from the lower corporate tax rate of 21% compared to the higher personal income tax rates. 

Additionally, filing the 8832 form allows businesses to align their tax treatment with their financial and operational goals, such as transitioning from a pass-through entity to a corporation as the company grows and becomes more profitable. 

This election can also provide advantages in terms of tax planning and financial management, offering opportunities for more efficient capital management and potentially reducing the overall tax burden. 

Who Should File IRS Form 8832?

IRS Form 8832 is beneficial for various types of businesses that seek to optimize their tax strategy by choosing a more advantageous tax classification. It's particularly useful for businesses looking to adjust their federal tax treatment to better align with their growth and financial goals.

form-8832
  • Single-Member LLCs: To switch from default sole proprietorship tax treatment to corporate taxation.
  • Multi-Member LLCs: To elect to be taxed as a corporation instead of a partnership.
  • Partnerships: To opt for corporate tax treatment, which might offer tax savings.
  • Corporations: To change their classification to a different type of corporation or entity for tax purposes.
  • Growing Businesses: To benefit from lower corporate tax rates as they expand.

What information do I need to file Form 8832?

To file IRS Form 8832, you'll need specific information about your business and its tax status. The form requires details that help identify your business and specify your desired tax classification.

  • Business Name: The official name of your business entity.
  • Business Address: Your business’s physical or mailing address.
  • Business Phone Number: A contact number for your business.
  • Employer Identification Number (EIN): The unique number assigned by the IRS to your business.
  • Parent Corporation Details: Name and EIN of the parent corporation, if applicable.
  • Owner’s Information: If you are a single-owner business, include your name and either your Social Security number (SSN) or ID number.
  • Current and Desired Tax Status: Indicate your current tax classification and the new classification you wish to elect.

Part 1: Election Information

Answer questions about your business’s current tax classification and the election you want to make. Choose the correct option for your entity type (e.g., 6a for C-corporation, 6b for partnership). Designate an effective date for the new tax status (within 75 days before or 12 months after filing).

Part 2: Late Election Relief

If filing late, provide details required to request relief for late election.

When Should You File IRS Form 8832?

Timing is crucial when filing IRS Form 8832, as the effective date of your tax election can significantly impact your business’s tax strategy. You can file the 8832 form either when your company is first formed or at a later date to align with strategic financial goals. 

To ensure your election takes effect on a desired date, you must file the form within specific timeframes: no later than 75 days after the desired effective date or less than 12 months before it. For instance, if you wish your new tax status to be effective from January 1, 2025, you should submit Form 8832 between January 1, 2024, and March 17, 2025. 

Remember, once you’ve made an election, your business cannot file another 8832 form for a new election within five years, unless it’s a newly-formed entity.

How do File Form 8832?

IRS Form 8832 filing is a straightforward process, but it requires careful attention to detail, particularly in how and where you submit the form. The IRS mandates that the 8832 form be filed via paper mail, and it is essential to send it to the correct address based on your business location. To ensure timely processing, refer to the appropriate mailing address for your region, as outlined below.

Mailing AddressBusiness Location
Department of Treasury Treasury Internal Revenue Service Kansas City, MO 64999Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin
Department of Treasury Treasury Internal Revenue Service Ogden, UT 84201Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Florida, Hawaii, Idaho, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Washington, Wyoming, foreign countries or U.S. possessions

Bottom Line

Filing IRS Form 8832 can be a pivotal step in optimizing your business’s tax strategy, offering flexibility to align your tax classification with your financial objectives. Whether you're a new business or an established entity seeking a more advantageous tax treatment, understanding the requirements and deadlines for form-8832 is essential. 

For personalized guidance and expert assistance, consider consulting with a qualified tax advisor or CPA. At NJ CPA USA, our team is ready to help you navigate the complexities of Form 8832 and ensure that your tax strategy aligns with your business goals.