IRS Form 1065

Form 1065: U.S. Return of Partnership Income

A plain-English guide to IRS Form 1065 — what it's for, who files it, when it's due, and how to complete it.

Form number1065
Official nameU.S. Return of Partnership Income
CategoryBusiness
Typically dueMarch 15 (calendar-year)
Official IRS Form 1065 (PDF)

What is Form 1065?

Form 1065 is the informational return a partnership or multi-member LLC files to report business income and each partner's share. The partnership itself generally pays no income tax.

A 1065 divides a partnership's income among the partners on Schedule K-1s; the partnership itself pays no income tax. The K-1 also tracks each partner's capital account and share of liabilities, which matters for how much loss a partner is actually allowed to deduct.

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Who files it

Partnerships and multi-member LLCs taxed as partnerships.

When it's due

Form 1065 is generally due March 15 (calendar-year). Deadlines can move for weekends and holidays, so confirm the exact date for the current year on IRS.gov.

Key lines and parts

Here's what you'll actually fill in on Form 1065:

  • Income and deductions
  • Ordinary business income (line 22)
  • Schedule K — partners' shares
  • Schedule K-1 for each partner

How to file

File by March 15 and give each partner a Schedule K-1 reporting their share of income, deductions and credits.

Common mistakes & penalties

K-1s frequently arrive close to (or past) the deadline, holding up the partners' personal returns — plan for it. And a partner can't automatically deduct their full share of a loss; "basis" and "at-risk" limits can cap it, a nuance that surprises new partners.
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Frequently asked questions

What is IRS Form 1065?

Form 1065 is the informational return a partnership or multi-member LLC files to report business income and each partner's share. The partnership itself generally pays no income tax.

Who has to file Form 1065?

Partnerships and multi-member LLCs taxed as partnerships.

When is Form 1065 due?

Form 1065 is generally due March 15 (calendar-year). Always confirm the current year's date on IRS.gov, since deadlines shift for weekends and holidays.

What's the most common mistake with Form 1065?

K-1s frequently arrive close to (or past) the deadline, holding up the partners' personal returns — plan for it. And a partner can't automatically deduct their full share of a loss; "basis" and "at-risk" limits can cap it, a nuance that surprises new partners.