This is the IRS rules regarding tax filing for an LLC, jointly owned by husband and wife, in a community property state.
the LLC may file as a disregarded entity or as a partnership as desired. a partnership files a separate 1065. a disregarded entity would file a Sch C.
If you’re not in a community property state, you cannot file a Sch C. In this case your default classification would be as a partnership on 1065.
begin rev proc:
Rev. Proc. 2002-69, 2002-2 CB 831, 10/09/2002, IRC Sec(s). 7701
Definitions—business entity owned solely by spouses.
Headnote:
Taxpayers’ treatment of business entity owned solely by married couple as community property under applicable local law, where no other person would be considered owner for tax purposes and where entity isn’t treated as corp., as either disregarded entity or as partnership, will be respected for federal tax purposes. IRS became aware of need for guidance due to taxpayers’ uncertainty, so will respect their treatment of these arrangements.
Reference(s): ¶ 77,015.02(5); Code Sec. 7701;
Full Text:
- Purpose
The Treasury Department and the Internal Revenue Service have become aware that taxpayers are unsure of the classification for an entity that is owned solely by a husband and wife as community property under the laws of a state, a foreign country, or a possession of the United States. To alleviate this uncertainty and in the interest of administrative simplicity, this revenue procedure provides that the Internal Revenue Service will respect a taxpayer’s treatment of these entities as either disregarded entities or partnerships.
This revenue procedure provides guidance on the classification for federal tax purposes of a qualified entity (described in section 3.02 of this revenue procedure) that is owned solely by a husband and wife as community property under the laws of a state, a foreign country, or a possession of the United States. - Background
Section 301.7701-1(a)(1) states that the Code prescribes the classification of various organizations for federal tax purposes. Whether an organization is an entity separate from its owners for federal tax purposes is a matter of federal tax law and does not depend on whether the organization is recognized as an entity under local law.
Section 301.7701-1(b) provides that the classification of organizations that are recognized as separate entities is determined under §§ 301.7701-2, 301.7701-3, and 301.7701-4 unless a provision of the Code provides for special treatment of that organization.
Section 301.7701-2(a) defines the term “business entity” as any entity recognized for federal tax purposes (including an entity with a single owner that may be disregarded as an entity separate from its owner under § 301.7701-3) that is not properly classified as a trust under § 301.7701-4 or otherwise subject to special treatment under the Code. A business entity with two or more members is classified for federal tax purposes as either a corporation or a partnership. A business entity with only one owner is classified as a corporation or is disregarded; if the entity is disregarded, its activities are treated in the same manner as a sole proprietorship, branch, or division of the owner. - Scope
.01. In General.
.01. This revenue procedure provides guidance on the classification for federal tax purposes of a qualified entity (described in section 3.02 of this revenue procedure).
.02. Qualified Entity.
.02. A business entity is a qualified entity if:
(1) The business entity is wholly owned by a husband and wife as community property under the laws of a state, a foreign country, or a possession of the United States;
(2) No person other than one or both spouses would be considered an owner for federal tax purposes; and
(3) The business entity is not treated as a corporation under § 301.7701-2. - Application
.01. If a qualified entity (as described in section 3.02 of this revenue procedure), and the husband and wife as community property owners, treat the entity as a disregarded entity for federal tax purposes, the Internal Revenue Service will accept the position that the entity is a disregarded entity for federal tax purposes.
.02. If a qualified entity (as described in section 3.02 of this revenue procedure), and the husband and wife as community property owners, treat the entity as a partnership for federal tax purposes and file the appropriate partnership returns, the Internal Revenue Service will accept the position that the entity is a partnership for federal tax purposes.
.03. A change in reporting position will be treated for federal tax purposes as a conversion of the entity. - Effective Date
This revenue procedure is effective on the date published in the Internal Revenue Bulletin. - Drafting Information
The principal author of this revenue procedure isLaura Nash of the Office of the Associate Chief Counsel (Passthroughs and Special Industries). For further information regarding this revenue procedure contactMs. Nash or Ms. Rebekah Myers at (202) 622-3050 (not a toll free call).