What’s All the Fuss About S-Corps?

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TaxNow
18 Jul 2024

Ever thought about "incorporating yourself"? If so, you’ve probably heard about S corporations, or better known as “S-Corps”. What makes S-Corps so popular and are they the right move for your business?

What Exactly is an S-Corp?

An S-Corp is a special type of corporation that allows income, losses, deductions, and credits to pass through to its shareholders for federal tax purposes. This means the company itself doesn’t pay income tax. Instead, shareholders report the business’s income and losses on their personal tax returns, potentially saving money by avoiding double taxation. Sounds pretty good, right?

The Perks of being an S-Corps

Tax Benefits: One of the biggest advantages of an S-Corp is the tax benefit. Unlike regular corporations (C-Corps) that get taxed on their income and then shareholders get taxed again on dividends, S-Corps avoid this double taxation.
Limited Liability Protection: Just like other corporations, an S-Corp protects its owners' personal assets. If the business can't pay its debts or gets sued, your personal savings and possessions are still generally safe.

The Rule to Qualify

Before you start doing the paperwork to become an  S-Corp, make sure your business meets these requirements:

Be a domestic corporation: Your business must be based in the U.S.
Eligible shareholders: Only individuals, certain trusts, and estates can be shareholders. Partnerships, other corporations, and non-resident aliens can’t.
Limit on shareholders: You can’t have more than 100 shareholders.
One class of stock: You can only have one type of stock.
Eligible business types: Some businesses, like certain financial institutions, insurance companies, and international sales corporations, can’t become S-Corps. Make sure your business type is eligible.

State Differenes

Keep in mind, rules around corporate liabilities can vary by state. It's important to check the specific laws in your state to make sure an S-Corp is right for you.

Is an S-Corp Right for You?

If you're looking for tax benefits and want to protect your personal assets, an S-Corp might be the perfect fit. But remember, every business is different. Consider your specific needs and chat with a tax advisor or attorney to make sure you’re making the best choice.

Incorporating can sound complex, but with a little research and the right help, you could be on your way to reaping the sweet rewards of an S-Corp!

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