Tax Documents Checklist

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US Tax Documents: First Year Checklist

Essential tax documents and deadlines for your first year with a US LLC. Stay organized and compliant.

Attorney-ReviewedUnited StatesUpdated January 20, 2026

1Tax Identification Numbers

EIN (Employer Identification Number) - Required for LLCConfirm EIN letter (CP 575) received and stored safelyITIN application (if personal tax filing required)Keep Turkish tax ID (Vergi Kimlik No) records accessible

2Forms to Collect/Provide

W-8BEN or W-8BEN-E (provide to US clients/platforms)W-9 understanding (you should NOT complete this as non-US person)1099-NEC copies (if received from US clients paying $600+)1099-K copies (from Stripe, PayPal if above threshold)1042-S copies (if tax was withheld at source)

3Record Keeping

All invoices issued to US clientsBank statements for US business accountPayment processor statements (Stripe, PayPal, Wise)Business expense receipts (if deductible)Currency conversion records (USD to TRY)Copy of Operating AgreementAnnual report receipts (if required by state)

4Important Deadlines

Mark March 15: Partnership/multi-member LLC deadline (if applicable)Mark April 15: Individual tax deadline (if filing 1040-NR)Note state annual report deadline (varies by state)BOI update deadline (30 days after ownership changes)Set calendar reminders 30 days before each deadline

5Turkey Tax Obligations

Report US income on Turkish tax return (worldwide income)Convert USD income to TRY at transaction date ratesClaim foreign tax credit if US tax was withheldKeep records for 5 years (Turkish requirement)Consider working with Turkish SMMM for cross-border taxes

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to file US taxes if I have no US income?

Generally no federal filing if no US-source income. However, some states require annual reports regardless of income. Check your state's requirements.

What is the difference between W-8BEN and W-8BEN-E?

W-8BEN is for individuals. W-8BEN-E is for entities (like your LLC). If your single-member LLC is a disregarded entity, you may use W-8BEN as the owner.

Should I hire a US accountant?

Recommended if you have significant US income, multiple states, or complex situations. For simple cases, proper record-keeping and understanding the basics may suffice.

What happens if I miss a deadline?

Penalties vary: late filing penalties, interest on unpaid taxes, or potential LLC suspension for missed annual reports. Set reminders well in advance.

Related Resources

W-8/W-9 Tax Guide

Which form to sign

EIN vs ITIN vs SSN

Tax IDs explained

1099 Tax Documents

Understanding 1099 forms

Business Starter Kit

5 essential contract templates

Cite This Entry

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EchoLegal, “Tax Documents Checklist,” EchoLegal Legal Encyclopedia, v1.0 (last updated Jan 25, 2026), https://echo-legal.com/en/checklists/tax-documents-checklist.

Bluebook

Tax Documents Checklist, EchoLegal Legal Encyclopedia (last updated Jan 25, 2026), https://echo-legal.com/en/checklists/tax-documents-checklist.

Citation ID:ecl-chk-00005

This checklist is for informational purposes only and does not constitute tax or legal advice. Tax laws change frequently. Consult a qualified CPA or tax attorney for your specific situation.