S Corp: Definition, Benefits, and Examples

If you are self-employed or own a small business, consider forming an S corp. S corp is the short expression for S Corporation. An S corp is taxed differently than a traditional C corporation and offers several potential benefits for small business owners. In recent years, S corp becomes a popular option for small businesses and has played a significant role in the growth of entrepreneurship and small business ownership in the United States.

What is an S Corp?

An S corp is a pass-through entity, which means it does not pay taxes on its net earnings. In contrast, a C corp is subject to double taxation, meaning both the corporation and its shareholders are taxed on the corporation’s profits. Shareholders of an S corp report the profits as income on their personal tax returns. To qualify as an S corp, a corporation must meet certain criteria required by the IRS.

To qualify as an S corp, a corporation must meet specific criteria the IRS requires.

History of S Corporation

The S corporation (S corp) was created by the Small Business Job Protection Act of 1996, which amended the Internal Revenue Code to allow certain small businesses to elect to be taxed as S corp. Before this, the only option for small businesses was to be taxed as a regular corporation, also known as a C corporation.

Subchapter S of the Internal Revenue Code, which outlines the rules and requirements for this type of corporation, gave the S corporation (S corp) its name.

S Corp Facts

Since introducing the S corp, it has become a popular option for small businesses due to its tax advantages and flexibility. According to IRS data, there are over 5 million S corporations in the United States.

S Corp tax returns account for 44.7% of all corporate tax returns filed. In summary, the S corporation was created in 1996 as a tax option for small businesses, allowing them to avoid double taxation and enjoy other tax benefits. There are bout 30 million small businesses, according to SBA data. That means about 1 out of small businesses choose s corp election.

What is the Difference Between S Corp and C Corp? 

The most significant difference between an S corp and a C corp is the way they are taxed. As mentioned above, an S corp is a pass-through entity, while a C corp is subject to double taxation. In addition, certain ownership and management requirements for S corps do not apply to C corps. For example, S corps cannot have more than 100 owners (shareholders), and all shareholders must be U.S. citizens or residents.

Another key difference is in the way profits and losses are allocated. In a C corp, profits and losses are allocated based on the number of shares each shareholder owns. In an S corp, profits and losses are allocated based on each shareholder’s ownership percentage.

What are the Key Requirements for an S Corp?

A business must meet certain requirements of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to qualify for election as an S corp. These requirements include:

1. Be a domestic corporation: The corporation must be incorporated under the laws of one of the 50 states of the U.S., the District of Columbia, or another U.S. territory.
2. Have only allowable shareholders: The corporation can have no more than 100 shareholders (owners), and all shareholders must be individuals. Estates, certain trusts, and certain tax-exempt organizations are also allowed to be shareholders of the S Corp. Partnerships; corporations and nonresident alien shareholders are not eligible.
3. Have only one class of stock: The corporation can have only one class of stock. All shares have the same rights to dividends and liquidation proceeds.
4. Not be an ineligible corporation: Certain businesses are not eligible to be taxed as S corps, including financial institutions, insurance companies, and domestic and international sales corporations (DISCs).

In addition to these requirements, certain operational rules must be followed to maintain S corp status. These rules include the following:

1. All income and losses must be allocated among shareholders in proportion to their ownership interests.
2. The corporation must maintain records and follow other administrative procedures required by the IRS.
3. Shareholders must be paid reasonable compensation for services provided to the corporation.
4. The corporation must adopt a calendar year for tax purposes unless it can establish a business purpose for using a fiscal year.
5. Shareholders must report their pro rata share of the corporation’s income or losses on their personal tax returns.

Failure to comply with these rules can result in the loss of S corp status, which can have significant tax implications for the corporation and its shareholders.

How to Start an S Corp?

Starting an S corporation (S corp) involves several steps. Here’s an overview of the basic process:

1. Choose a state of incorporation: S corps must incorporate under state law. Many small businesses choose to incorporate in the state where they are physically located, but you may also consider incorporating in a state with more favorable tax or business laws. You must choose a state of incorporation and file the necessary paperwork with the state’s Secretary of State office.
2. Choose a name for your corporation: You will need to choose a name that is unique and not already used by another business. Your corporation’s name must also include “Corporation,” “Incorporated,” or an abbreviation such as “Corp.” or “Inc.” You can check the availability of your desired name with your state’s Secretary of State office.
3. File Articles of Incorporation: To incorporate your S corp, you will need to file Articles of Incorporation with the state’s Secretary of State office. 
4. Get a Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN or EIN): S corps must obtain a FEIN from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). This number is used to identify the corporation for tax purposes. You can get EIN online from the IRS website, and it is free. 
5. Draft corporate bylaws: Your S corp will need to have bylaws that outline the rules and procedures for running the corporation. This document should include information about the roles and responsibilities of directors and officers, how meetings will be conducted, and other important details.
6. Hold an organizational meeting: Once your S corp is incorporated, and you have drafted your bylaws. Officers and directors of an as corp also need to hold an organizational meeting. At this meeting, you will need to adopt your bylaws, elect officers and directors, and issue shares of stock to the initial shareholders.
7. Make an S corp election: Once your corporation is incorporated, you can elect to be taxed as an S corp by filing Form 2553 with the IRS. File the Form within two months and 15 days of the corporation’s tax year starting or before the 15th day of the 3rd month of the corporation’s tax year.

Advantages of Forming an S Corp

There are several potential advantages to forming an S corp, including:

1. Pass-through taxation: As mentioned above, an S corp is a pass-through entity, meaning the s corp itself does not pay taxes on its profits. This can result in a lower overall tax burden for the corporation and its shareholders.
2. Limited liability: Like a C corp, an S corp offers limited liability protection to its shareholders. This means that the shareholders are generally not responsible for the corporation’s obligations.
3. Ability to raise capital: Because an S corp is a corporation, it can issue stock and raise money from investors.
4. More flexibility in managing the business: S corps have more flexibility than C corps in terms of how they are managed. For example, S corps can have a more informal management structure and can have different classes of stock with different voting rights.

Disadvantages of Forming an S Corp

Forming an S corp can be a good option for small business owners who want the limited liability protection of a corporation but don’t want to be subject to double taxation. However, carefully considering the disadvantages of s corp election is important.

There are also some potential disadvantages to forming an S corp, including:

1. Restrictions on ownership and management: As mentioned above, certain ownership and management requirements for S corps do not apply to C corps. For example, S corps cannot have more than 100 shareholders, and all shareholders must be U.S. citizens or residents.
2. More complex tax reporting: While pass-through taxation can be an advantage, it can make tax reporting more complicated, especially if the S corp has multiple shareholders.
3. Higher administrative costs: S corps are subject to more regulatory requirements than sole proprietorships or partnerships, which can result in higher administrative costs.

Advantages of Electing LLC as S Corp

Suppose you are a small business owner and have decided to form a limited liability company (LLC). In that case, you may consider electing to be taxed as an S corporation (S corp). This election can offer several advantages for your business. 

What is an S corp election for an LLC?

An S corp election is an option available to LLCs that allows them to be taxed as an S corporation. An LLC is also taxed as a pass-through entity. The LLC itself does not pay taxes on its profits. Instead, the profits are passed to the LLC’s owners and reported on their personal tax returns.

By electing an S corp, the LLC can continue to be treated as a pass-through entity for tax purposes, but with the added benefits of being taxed as an S corporation. This can provide the LLC with several advantages. , Following are the advantages of electing to be taxed as an S corp for your LLC.

Reduced self-employment taxes

One of the most significant advantages of electing to be taxed as an S corp for your LLC is the potential to reduce self-employment taxes. As an LLC owner, you are typically subject to self-employment taxes on all of the LLC’s profits.

However, by electing to be taxed as an S corp, you may be able to reduce your self-employment taxes. This is because, as an S corp owner, you may be able to take a portion of your profits as a salary, which is subject to payroll taxes, and a portion as a distribution, which is not subject to payroll taxes. 

The lower overall tax burden

In addition to reducing self-employment taxes, electing to be taxed as an S corp can result in a lower overall tax burden for your LLC. This is because S corporations are not subject to corporate income tax at the federal level and are only subject to state-level taxes in certain states. This can result in significant tax savings for your LLC, which can be reinvested in the business or distributed to shareholders.

Increased credibility

Electing an S corp can also increase the credibility of your LLC. This is because S corporations are subject to more regulatory requirements than LLCs, which can provide an added layer of protection for investors and creditors. In addition, electing to be taxed as an S corp can signal to potential investors and partners that your business is serious and well-run.

Better management structure

Finally, electing to be taxed as an S corp can provide your LLC with a better management structure. This is because S corporations must have a board of directors that provides a more formal structure for decision-making and governance. This can be especially beneficial for LLCs looking to grow and expand their operations.

Can an S Corp Own an LLC?

Yes, an S corporation (S corp) can own a limited liability company (LLC). This can be a useful structure for small business owners who want to separate different aspects of their business and limit their liability.

When an S corp owns an LLC, the LLC is typically considered a subsidiary of the S corp. The S corp owns all or a portion of the ownership interests in the LLC, and the LLC is treated as a separate legal entity for tax and liability purposes.

One benefit of this structure is that it can provide additional liability protection for the S corp and its shareholders. Because the LLC is a totally separate legal entity, it can shield the S corp and its shareholders from any liability that may arise from the LLC’s operations.

Additionally, owning an LLC can provide the S corp with more flexibility in terms of how it operates and how it is taxed. For example, the S corp can choose to have the LLC taxed as a disregarded entity, meaning that the LLC’s income and expenses are reported on the S corp’s tax return. Alternatively, the S corp can choose to have the LLC taxed as a partnership, which can provide additional tax benefits.

It’s important to note that there are certain legal and tax implications to consider when an S corp owns an LLC. These can include complex tax reporting requirements, state-specific regulations, and potential conflicts of interest between the two entities. As with any business structure, it’s important to consult with a tax professional and attorney to determine whether owning an LLC is the right choice for your S corp and ensure all legal and tax requirements are met.

How to File S Corp Tax Return?

Filing an S corporation (S corp) tax return involves several steps. Here’s an overview of the basic process:

1. Gather financial and tax information: Before you can file your S corp tax return, you will need to gather all of the financial and tax information for the tax year. This may include income and expense statements, balance sheets, payroll records, and other financial documents.
2. Complete Form 1120S: The S corp tax return is filed on Form 1120S, which is the tax return for an S Corp. This Form is used to report the corporation’s income, deductions, and credits for the tax year. You will need to fill out all required sections of the Form, including schedules and attachments, as necessary.
3. Complete Schedule K-1: As a pass-through entity, an S corp does not pay income tax. Instead, the corporation’s income and deductions are passed to the shareholders, who report this information on their personal tax returns. To facilitate this, you will need to complete Schedule K-1 for each shareholder, which shows their pro rata share of the corporation’s income, deductions, and credits.
4. File the tax return and pay any taxes due: Once the tax return is complete, you will need to file it with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) by the due date, which is typically March 15 of the year following the end of the corporation’s tax year. You may also need to file state tax returns, depending on where the S corp is incorporated or does business. You will also need to pay any taxes due, which can be done electronically or by mail.

It’s important to note that filing an S corp tax return can be complex and time-consuming. You may want to consider working with a tax professional or using tax software to ensure that all requirements are met and to minimize the risk of errors or penalties. Additionally, S corps may be required to make estimated tax payments throughout the year, which can also be a complex process. 

When is S Corp Taxes Due?

S corps file their federal income tax return on Form the 1120S by March 15, unless they operate on a fiscal year.

For fiscal year S corps, the tax return is due by the 15th day of the 3rd month following the end of their fiscal year.

S corps may need to make estimated tax payments based on their expected income and tax liability, due on April 15, June 15, September 15, and January 15.

State tax requirements for S corps can vary, and a tax professional or attorney should be consulted to ensure compliance.

Do S Corps Get 1099?

Yes, S corporations (S corps) can receive 1099 forms. Individuals and businesses use a 1099 form to report various types of income received, such as non-employee compensation, interest income, dividend income, and others. S corps can receive 1099 forms if they receive income from sources such as rent, interest, or other types of non-employee compensation.

Additionally, if an S corp pays non-employee compensation of $600 or more to an individual or a business during the year, the S corp is required to issue a 1099-MISC form to the payee and to the IRS. This requirement applies to payments made for services rendered, including payments made to independent contractors, freelancers, and other non-employees.

It’s important to note that depending on the types of income they receive and the payments they make during the year, S corps may also have to issue other types of 1099 forms. For example, an S corp that pays interest of $10 or more during the year must issue a 1099-INT form to the payee and to the IRS.