IRS Form 8832 – Entity Classification Election – IRS Form 8832, known as the Entity Classification Election, allows eligible business entities to choose their federal tax classification. Many businesses, especially limited liability companies (LLCs), use this form to opt out of default tax rules and select a more advantageous treatment, such as being taxed as a corporation or partnership.
Understanding Form 8832 is crucial for business owners who want to optimize their tax strategy. This guide covers everything you need to know, including eligibility, filing process, default rules, and key considerations based on official IRS guidelines as of 2025.

What Is IRS Form 8832?
Form 8832 enables an eligible entity to elect how the IRS classifies it for federal tax purposes. The available options are:
- Association taxable as a corporation
- Partnership (for entities with two or more members)
- Disregarded entity (for single-member entities)
Without filing Form 8832, entities follow the IRS’s default classification rules.
The form is particularly popular among LLCs, which can use it to change their tax status without altering their legal structure.
Who Is Eligible to File Form 8832?
Not all business entities can use Form 8832. Eligible entities are generally domestic or foreign business organizations that are not automatically classified as corporations under IRS regulations (Treas. Reg. § 301.7701-2).
Common eligible entities include:
- Limited liability companies (LLCs)
- Partnerships
- Certain foreign entities
Ineligible entities include:
- Corporations by default (e.g., those incorporated under state law)
- Tax-exempt organizations under section 501(a)
- Real estate investment trusts (REITs)
Certain entities that previously elected corporate status via Form 8832 may file again, subject to limitations.
Default Tax Classification Rules
If no election is made, the IRS applies these default rules:
Domestic entities:
- Single-member → disregarded entity (taxed as sole proprietorship)
- Two or more members → partnership
Foreign entities:
- Single owner with limited liability → disregarded entity
- Single owner without limited liability → association (corporation)
- Multiple owners, all with limited liability → association (corporation)
- Multiple owners, at least one without limited liability → partnership
Many LLCs file Form 8832 to elect corporate taxation for benefits like self-employment tax savings or eligibility for certain deductions.
How to File IRS Form 8832: Step-by-Step
- Obtain the Form — Download the latest Form 8832 (Rev. December 2013) from the IRS website.
- Complete Part I — Provide entity name, EIN (required; apply via Form SS-4 if needed), address, type of election (initial or change), and desired classification.
- Specify Effective Date — On Line 8 (see rules below).
- Sign the Consent Statement — All owners (or authorized representatives) must sign under penalties of perjury.
- Mail the Form — Send to the appropriate IRS service center based on your location (see addresses below). Attach a copy to the entity’s (or owners’) federal income tax return for the election year.
The IRS generally accepts the election if properly completed, and may send notification within 60 days.
Where to Mail Form 8832
| Location | Mailing Address |
|---|---|
| Connecticut, 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, Wisconsin | Department of the Treasury, Internal Revenue Service, Kansas City, MO 64999 |
| Alabama, 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 | Department of the Treasury, Internal Revenue Service, Ogden, UT 84201 |
| Foreign country or U.S. possession | Department of the Treasury, Internal Revenue Service, Ogden, UT 84201-0023 |
Effective Date of the Election
The election can be effective:
- Up to 75 days before the filing date
- Up to 12 months after the filing date
If no date is specified or it’s outside this window, the election defaults to the filing date.
IRS Form 8832 Download and Printable
Download and Print: IRS Form 8832
The 60-Month Limitation Rule
Once an entity changes its classification via Form 8832, it generally cannot make another election for 60 months. Exceptions apply for initial elections by newly formed entities or when more than 50% ownership changes (requires private letter ruling).
Late Election Relief
If you miss the timely filing deadline, relief may be available:
- Under Revenue Procedure 2009-41 — For reasonable cause and within 3 years and 75 days of the requested effective date.
- Under Revenue Procedure 2010-32 — For certain foreign entity ownership changes.
Complete Part II of the form and provide an explanation.
Common Reasons to File Form 8832
- Single-member LLC → Elect corporate status for potential tax advantages
- Multi-member LLC → Switch from partnership to corporate taxation
- Foreign entities → Align classification with business needs
Note: To elect S corporation status, file Form 2553 instead (which includes a deemed corporate election).
Key Cautions and Considerations
- Elections trigger deemed tax events (e.g., asset contributions or liquidations), which may have tax consequences.
- Disregarded entities remain separate for employment and certain excise taxes.
- Always consult a tax professional, as elections are irrevocable for 60 months in most cases.
For the most current information, visit the official IRS page on Form 8832 or download the form directly.
This guide is based on IRS publications and forms as of December 2025. Tax rules can be complex—professional advice is recommended for your specific situation.








