The Reasons Why Companies are S-Corps
During this article, we will seek to discover just what the advantages of being an S-Corp are. The benefits of an s-corp are tangible and ones to consider if you are not one already. If you are, then it might be useful to remind yourself just why you are.
Defining an S-Corp
To better understand the advantages of an S-Corp it may prove useful to first define exactly what one is.
A company will be classified as an S-corporation for United States federal income tax. It will mean that it is a firmly held company that makes valid elections to be charged under what is known as subchapter S concerning Chapter 1 of the IRS (Internal Revenue Code).
S corporations have unique tax advantages and this makes them a popular choice for a wide range of small businesses. Put simply, an S-corp is a tax designation that allows a company’s profits to pass through to the owners’ personal tax returns.
For this reason, both corporations and limited liability companies (LLCs) can choose to be taxed as an S-corp.
The Reasons Why Companies are S-Corps
It is good to know that there are all these benefits to S-corps, and the option is still possible for the one-person business too. We should note that where there are employees, payroll will need to take place to pay them and that any shareholders will be considered as employees.
Obviously, there are many reasons why companies are s corps and the primary ones are listed below.
1. Asset Protection When an S-Corp
Asset protection is one of the main advantages of a company being classified as an S-corp for tax purposes. This means that its owners are provided with limited liability protection whatever their tax status is.
Limited liability protection will mean that the company’s owners will have personal assets protected from creditors who will look to make a claim upon them in the event of the company running out of money to pay them.
It is a protection from litigation and business contracts affecting personal wealth. it is peace of mind to be an S-corp when you are a company owner.
In legal terms, forming an S-corp will create a legal separation between a business and its owners. It then allows for business and personal assets to be kept completely separate. This makes for easier accounting apart from the asset protection mentioned.
2. Transfers
S-corps make it easier for businesses to transfer business interests. This will be because business and personal interests are not all mixed as one. We need that separation of personal assets and companies for simplicity’s sake. It is then also easier to see the financial position of our business in terms of budgeting.
3. Tax Savings for S-Corps
Apart from protecting assets, those companies that are S-corps can benefit from tax savings. For example, federal status allows an S-corp’s shareholders to avoid in effect double taxation on corporate income.
Any Restrictions on Number of Owners?
The good news about forming an S-corp is that it can be owned by just one person. So, there is no reason not to consider it as a sole trader. It offers the kind of protection you would not normally have when your house and car could ordinarily be taken off you in the event of liquidation. We do not want to think about it but we need to allow for it. Our families will be glad that we did.
An S-corp is essentially a pass-through entity. This means that income and losses will pass through the corporation and to the owner’s “personal” tax returns. Many smaller businesses will use S-corps because of their benefits.
Thinking about the above, something like 75% of all S-corps will be owned by only one person. The owner will then have complete control over what salary they take.
Once salaries have been paid, the remaining business profits will be passed to shareholders through distributions.
The Final Thoughts
There is no doubt that the protection of personal assets is a major draw to a business owner forming an S-corp, as opposed to another kind of entity. Business owners could otherwise be left with nothing should a business fail. This can be avoided with S-corps that offer that protection for those running businesses in environments that are competitive and where absolutely nothing is certain in terms of survival.
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