Publication 541
taxmap/pubs/p541-003.htm#en_us_publink1000104227Every partnership that engages in a trade or business or has
gross income must file an information return on Form 1065 showing its income,
deductions, and other required information. The partnership return must show the
names and addresses of each partner and each partner's distributive share of
taxable income. The return must be signed by a general partner. If a limited
liability company is treated as a partnership, it must file Form 1065 and one of
its members must sign the return.
A partnership is not considered to engage in a trade or business,
and is not required to file a Form 1065, for any tax year in which it neither
receives income nor pays or incurs any expenses treated as deductions or credits
for federal income tax purposes.
See the instructions for Form 1065 for more information about
who must file Form 1065.