Form 1120 Corporate Tax Return

What Is the Name Field on Form 1120? How to Enter Your LLC Name Correctly

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Written byLipai WangFounder · IRS-registered tax professional

Key Takeaways

Enter your LLC's full legal name exactly as registered with the state
Include the LLC designator (LLC, L.L.C., etc.) as shown on formation documents
The name must match your EIN assignment letter (CP 575 or 147C)
Never use a DBA name or personal name instead of the legal entity name

The 'Name' Field on Form 1120

The very first field on Form 1120 asks for the name of the corporation or entity. For a foreign-owned single-member LLC filing a pro forma Form 1120, you must enter the LLC's legal name exactly as it appears on your Articles of Organization filed with the state.

This field establishes the identity of the entity for all IRS processing. Any mismatch between the name on your Form 1120 and your state formation documents or EIN assignment letter can cause processing delays.

Use Your LLC's Full Legal Name

Enter the complete legal name as registered with your state — including 'LLC,' 'L.L.C.,' or 'Limited Liability Company' exactly as it appears on your formation documents. Do not abbreviate or shorten the name.

If your LLC name includes a designator like 'LLC' at the end, include it. If your state registration says 'XYZ Holdings LLC,' that is what goes on Form 1120 — not 'XYZ Holdings' alone.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Do not use a DBA (doing business as) name instead of your legal name. Do not add words or abbreviations that are not part of the registered name. Do not use your personal name if you are the owner — the form asks for the entity name, not the owner name.

The name on Form 1120 should match the name on your EIN assignment letter (CP 575 or 147C). Consistency across all IRS filings is critical.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I use my personal name or my LLC name on Form 1120?

Always use your LLC's legal name — the name registered with the state. Form 1120 is filed by the entity, not the owner.

What if my LLC name was misspelled on the EIN letter?

Contact the IRS to correct the name on file before filing. Use Form 8822-B or call the Business & Specialty Tax Line at 1-800-829-4933.

form 1120corporate taxforeign-owned LLC

IRS Form 1120 Instructions

Official IRS source on irs.gov

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