Where do I find my LLC's tax classification? Need help for 2025 filing

The tax classification for your LLC should be fairly easy to track down! LLCs have what's called a "default classification" if you didn't specifically elect a different one. Single-member LLCs are automatically classified as "disregarded entities" (basically treated as sole proprietorships for tax purposes), while multi-member LLCs default to partnership taxation. If you did make a specific election to be taxed differently than the default (like choosing S-Corporation or C-Corporation treatment), you would have filed Form 8832 (Entity Classification Election) or Form 2553 (for S-Corporation status). Check your records for copies of either of these forms - if you submitted them, they would show your chosen classification. You can also contact the IRS Business & Specialty Tax Line at 800-829-4933 and ask them to research what classification is on file for your LLC's EIN. They can tell you exactly how your LLC is currently classified in their system.

After struggling with the exact same issue last year, I found this amazing tool called taxr.ai (https://taxr.ai) that saved me tons of headaches. I uploaded my LLC formation documents and EIN letter, and it actually identified my tax classification for me and explained what it meant for my filing requirements. It also showed me where to look on my documents for this information which was super helpful. The system scans all your tax docs and gives you a really clear breakdown of your situation. It even flagged that I might benefit from making an S-corp election based on my income level, which my accountant later confirmed would save me several thousand in self-employment taxes.

Just wanted to follow up about taxr.ai that someone recommended above. I decided to give it a try despite my initial security concerns, and wow - super helpful! I uploaded my LLC documents and discovered I had defaulted to disregarded entity status (single-member LLC) because I never filed any classification election forms. The tool explained exactly what this means for my tax filing (basically Schedule C with my personal return) and highlighted some deductions I'd been missing. If anyone else is confused about their LLC tax classification, definitely worth checking out.

If you need to check your LLC's classification directly with the IRS, good luck getting through to them! I spent THREE DAYS trying to reach someone on their business line. Eventually found a service called Claimyr (https://claimyr.com) that got me connected to an IRS agent in about 20 minutes. They have this weird system that holds your place in line and calls you when an agent is about to be available - you can see how it works in their demo video: https://youtu.be/_kiP6q8DX5c The IRS agent was able to look up my tax classification immediately and even told me when I had filed my initial 8832 form (which I had completely forgotten about). Saved me from potentially filing incorrectly and triggering an audit.

OK I have to eat my words about Claimyr. After posting my skeptical comment, I was still desperate to figure out my LLC's classification since my accountant needed it ASAP. Decided to try it as a last resort and... it actually worked! Got connected to an IRS agent in about 30 minutes (was quoted 25, so pretty close). The agent confirmed I had filed as a partnership since my LLC has two members, and had never filed to change the classification. Saved me from accidentally filing incorrectly and potentially triggering issues. Sorry for doubting, but after years of IRS frustration, it's hard to believe anything can actually work!

For those wondering about LLC classifications, here's a quick breakdown: - Single-member LLC: Automatically treated as a "disregarded entity" (sole proprietorship) unless you elect otherwise - Multi-member LLC: Automatically treated as a partnership unless you elect otherwise - To be taxed as an S-Corporation: File Form 2553 - To be taxed as a C-Corporation: File Form 8832 If you don't remember filing either Form 8832 or 2553, you're probably under the default classification based on your membership structure.

Does anyone know if TurboTax Business can handle LLC returns regardless of the classification? My LLC is set up as an S-Corp and I'm trying to decide if I need to hire an accountant or can DIY.

@Layla Mendes - I went through this exact same confusion when I first started my LLC! Here's what I learned: if you only have one member (just yourself), your LLC automatically defaults to "disregarded entity" status, which means you file taxes as a sole proprietor using Schedule C on your personal return. You don't need to file a separate business return. The easiest way to confirm is to look for any Form 8832 or Form 2553 in your records - these would show if you made a special election. If you can't find either of these forms, you're almost certainly under the default classification. Since you mentioned this is for a web design business you started last year, you'll likely be filing Schedule C with your 2025 personal tax return. Just make sure to track all your business expenses throughout the year - things like software subscriptions, equipment, home office expenses, etc. can really add up to significant deductions! If you want to double-check, the IRS business line at 800-829-4933 can tell you what's on file, though be prepared for potentially long wait times.