Understanding S Corp Distributions: A Simple Guide for Business Owners

Navigate the complexities with a free tax consultation: Call [phone] or schedule a call here:
calendly.com/tryvydefree/trui...
For Businesses that are profitable, and the goal is to take the profit out of the company in a tax efficient manner, S-corp is a great tax designation to elect for your business., potentially saving thousands depending on the level of profitability of your business.
Recommended formation service - We have negotiated with Northwest to provide the best discount and packages for our users, we get compensated when users use our discount links.
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Fees are as follows $29 + state fee + $9 for BOI (this optional but recommended as failure to do so can result in a fine of $500/day)
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Fees are as follows $89 + state fee + $9 for BOI (this optional but recommended as failure to do so can result in a fine of $500/day)
🧮 To see how much you can save by forming an S corp check out our Scorp calculator:
howtostartanllc.com/form-an-l...
S Corp distributions are like a paycheck or bonus that owners get from their business's profits. They have some tax benefits, making them a popular choice for many business owners. Check out our video to learn how they work and if an S Corp makes sense for your business!
Time Stamps
0:44 1 What is an S Corp
1:43 2 Reasonable Salaries
2:21 3 What are Distributions?
3:10 4 Distribution Tax Rate
4:15 5 How Much Distributions to Take?
5:56 6 Reporting Distributions
6:59 7 Examples
8:03 8 Key Takeaways
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🎥 S Corp vs LLC
• S Corp vs LLC (Should...
📝 What is an S Corp written guide:
howtostartanllc.com/what-is-a...
#scorp #distributions #taxes

[@HowtostartanllcOfficial]

Navigate the complexities with a free tax consultation: Call [phone] or schedule a call here: calendly.com/tryvydefree/truic-taxes For Businesses that are profitable, and the goal is to take the profit out of the company in a tax efficient manner, S-corp is a great tax designation to elect for your business., potentially saving thousands depending on the level of profitability of your business. Recommended formation service - We have negotiated with Northwest to provide the best discount and packages for our users, we get compensated when users use our discount links. 💼 For LLC 75% 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝗰𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘁 link - go.truic.com/3RUammE (paid) Fees are as follows $29 + state fee + $9 for BOI (this optional but recommended as failure to do so can result in a fine of $500/day) 🏆 For S-Corp 60% 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝗰𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘁 link -go.truic.com/3ZSADnf (paid) Fees are as follows $89 + state fee + $9 for BOI (this optional but recommended as failure to do so can result in a fine of $500/day) 🧮 To see how much you can save by forming an S corp check out our Scorp calculator: howtostartanllc.com/form-an-llc/llc-vs-s-corp-whats-the-difference#calculator

[@nickhong1448]

I spoke to three CPAs today about this matter, and none explained it this clearly. The picture you showed (Distribution, Reasonable Salary, Money in the Bank, Income Tax, and Self-Employment Tax) was THE ticket in providing the thorough explanation of various differences between Distribution and Salary. Thanks for that, and thank you for speaking in plain English without losing us, non-accountants.

[@HowtostartanllcOfficial]

So glad that you found the video helpful!

[@MannyYo989]

She is awesome

[@sabrinaenglish8806]

I completely agree. The visual cleared it up for me.

[@HowtostartanllcOfficial]

Happy to help, thanks for watching!

[@benjaminjais6028]

Same experience with my accountant as well. They didn't even mention the possibility of S corp designation. Here I am potentially paying tens of thousands in SECA when there is a legal avenue to not do so. Someone is getting let go lol it's almost like CPA's have an upside to netting the IRS more tax revenue

[@eversunnyguy]

Best explanation I ever heard for starting S-Corp

[@HowtostartanllcOfficial]

Thank you! We're happy that you found it helpful!

[@josephinebardot8403]

Thank you a lot for this video. This is very interesting and informative. Keep posting like those amazing videos, this is awesome.

[@diemtrangthuyduong8353]

Best explanation for S-Corp. Thank you so much.

[@HowtostartanllcOfficial]

Glad it was helpful! Let us know if you need help with setting it up.

[@jacobharris2373]

Phenomenal video! Thank you so much this was super helpful you are awesome!

[@HowtostartanllcOfficial]

So glad it was helpful!

[@mariabell8320]

It is a great video thanks for the great information and well delivered. This is exactly what I was looking for.

[@HowtostartanllcOfficial]

That's great to hear! Thank you so much for watching.

[@ShahzainAli-tl8sk]

I like your video presentation. It is informative too, at the same time. Thanks a lot for your guidance!

[@HowtostartanllcOfficial]

Thanks for watching and thanks for the compliment!

[@cheryllynn386]

Very clear and concise. Thank you

[@HowtostartanllcOfficial]

You're welcome and thank you for watching!

[@RIGONBI2]

Wow! So clear. Thanks!!

[@HowtostartanllcOfficial]

We're happy to hear that!

[@davedwave7]

Thank you for this. Do you have a video on Retained Earnings? Do we pay taxes (like a disbursement) yet keep it in the company

[@franciscomaldonado6860]

She GO hard in da paint!!! Thank You !!!

[@HowtostartanllcOfficial]

Thanks, we work hard over here!

[@samueldelaespriella6335]

I loved this video, it should cap "but wait, there's more" !

[@HowtostartanllcOfficial]

Thanks, we're glad you found it helpful!

[@mjfontec]

Thank you for this video, extremely helpful! Two questions - when can an S-corp take a distribution? And is there a time period before it can take its first distribution?

[@CryptoQueen8888]

Thanks! For taking time to replying to my questions!!!

[@HowtostartanllcOfficial]

Thanks so much! What a genuine and generous gift. Thank you. We're grateful to have a platform to help small business owners :)

[@HowtostartanllcOfficial]

Regarding the definition of long-term vs short-term, I was able to find this information but I need to reiterate that I am not an attorney or a CPA and this information should be verified accordingly! So, there are two issues here. The first is the duration of the loan term. The second is the purpose to which the loan funds are directed. A long term loan can be defined in two ways, either as (i) a loan with a loan term of over 12 months, or (ii) a loan that is not paid off within the financial year, that is, it appears on successive balance sheets. What purpose are the funds to be used for? The ultimate purpose determines whether the funds are working capital or longer term capital. According to GAAP, working capital is cash, inventory, amounts owed by trade debtors, and other current assets. Current assets are assets that will be “consumed” by the business in one accounting period (the business’s financial year). Assets that last longer than one accounting period are fixed assets mostly, e.g. equipment, buildings, and so on. Fixed assets provide "services" to the business that extend over several accounting periods

[@CryptoQueen8888]

​@HowtostartanllcOfficial Thank you for your research and response. In the s corp year starting election as an S Corp, I as a 100 percent shareholder withdrew the funds to purchase a property as an asset under my real estate company. Basically 3rd party loans and one SBA loan was given to the SCorp. In that same year, I withdrew distributions purchase a property. Please advise if you can.

[@HowtostartanllcOfficial]

This question is unfortunately outside of my wheelhouse as I don't have direct knowledge of real estate law and finance. If you find this answer, please do share it with everyone here!

[@munchkinm6929]

Great video thank you

[@HowtostartanllcOfficial]

We're glad you liked the video! Are you thinking about electing S corp or are you already operating as one?

[@donnajessee2014]

This was a great video thank you

[@HowtostartanllcOfficial]

Happy to help! Thank you for watching.

[@derekalfaro9764]

Well spoken thanks. Just one thing. When does one owe taxes on the profit after a reasonable salary? Only if moving that profit to a personal bank account? Or even if it’s left in biz account?

[@craigthomas540]

Excellent!!!

[@HowtostartanllcOfficial]

Thanks for watching!

[@midamericaaviation1648]

Thank you!

[@HowtostartanllcOfficial]

You're very welcome! Thanks for watching.

[@sikhswim]

This is the best content I have seen on this topic! Thank you!!!! This is amazing. Question: Can one take distributions along the way -- or is it something that happens at the end of the year?

[@HowtostartanllcOfficial]

Thanks for the question! Typically, the LLC's operating agreement will cover when distributions can be made. But, in general, an LLC can make distributions at any time. Keep in mind that when making distributions from an S corp, there has to be enough profit left over to also pay a reasonable salary. Thanks again and good luck! Please note that the information provided by us is not, and it is not intended to, constitute legal advice or tax advice. For the most up-to-date legal advice, we advise deferring to a professional attorney or certified public accountant.

[@Red-tq4vq]

Awesome

[@kainaatrajabali1522]

Hi, isn’t the distribution tax based of of shareholder basis? If they take a distribution less than their basis in the company, then it’s not taxable. If their basis is less than distribution, then they would only be subject to income taxes? Thanks!

[@mattlcosio]

Thank you for this video. Very clear and concise. I have a questions about the definition of a shareholder distribution - Are any profits/losses in the S-Corp that are passed through to the individual owners' tax returns considered the distribution or is it only profits drawn from the business bank account that are considered distributions?

[@HowtostartanllcOfficial]

Thanks for the question. Distributions would be cash or other property that is actually received by owners.

[@ivanblazhenko99]

Best explanation without doubt. Just have one question is that correct that it is possible to take all money as a distribution and don't pay yourself salary if net profit was let's say 30k and it was first year in the business? If yes how many years are Okay to be on that low profit? 1-2-3 before the business will be considered as hobby or so

[@HowtostartanllcOfficial]

Thanks for the question! The IRS requires that an S corp owner pays themselves a reasonable salary. It's non-negotiable and it can't be delayed. But maybe there's room to pay yourself a salary? The first step would be to figure out what your job title is and then use Glassdoor to see how much you would earn for the amount of time you spend working. Then, check out this S corp calculator: howtostartanllc.com/start-an-s-corp/s-corp-vs-llc-calculator If a business earns 30,000 annually, we wouldn't classify it as a hobby anymore, so congrats on that accomplishment! Important question: Have you already started an LLC?

[@designrama68]

Clear and precise! Thank you. Example #2 7:42, let's say corp net profit is $100k and average reasonable salary for the role is $120k. Instead of paying yourself $100k as salary, could you pay your $60k as salary and $40k in distribution as compensations?

[@HowtostartanllcOfficial]

Great question, thank you. The rule for reasonable salary can be applied in both directions-- it can't be too high or too low.

[@iamanovercomer3253]

Very clear information 👍 . My question is do I need to be a llc before I can be a s corp ❓️

[@Venezuela305]

You do not. You can form an LLC or Corporation, from the get go. Then, you file a form to be taxed as an S-Corp, iether on your LLC or Corporation. This is not the real question. The main consideration is if you make enough profit to pay all of the extra fees required to be taxed as an S-Corp. Most suggest 30-40K a year, to justify the expense. Otherwise you are running around in circles, and spending all your potential saving. Consider corporation if you have a full game plan. Employees, shareholders, retirement plan, write-off, expenses, etc. Don't jump the gun because it's extra work to change something that is already formed, but not impossible.

[@HowtostartanllcOfficial]

Yes. To elect S-Corporation tax treatment, a business entity must be either a C-Corporation or a Limited Liability Company.

[@ababiya_worku]

God in Heavens, I can't thank you enough!

[@HowtostartanllcOfficial]

So happy to help! Thanks for watching :)

[@jimeagle5509]

Great video. One question - example $100K total income. 50K salary (W2) / 50K distribution. What form(s) and specific line is that 50K distribution reported on (both personal return and S-corp return)…? Thanks so much.

[@HowtostartanllcOfficial]

Hey, thanks for the question. When an S Corp makes distributions, it is required to file Sch. K-1, Form 1120-S with the IRS. The amount of distribution is recorded in Box 16, with a Code D to show the item is a non-dividend distribution. A copy is sent to the shareholder. Subsequently, using the information in their copy of Sch.K-1, 1120-S, an owner reports distributions from an S Corp in Part II of Schedule E Supplemental Income and Loss of his Individual Income Tax Return Form 1040, which tracks income from an S Corp. Thanks for watching and please like and subscribe! Please note that the information provided by us is not, and it is not intended to, constitute legal advice or tax advice. All content is exclusively provided for entertainment purposes. For the most up-to-date legal advice, we advise deferring to a professional attorney or certified public accountant.

[@macphestozoo3885]

Great explanation but what happens when you only get tax distributions on your k1 from the company but no profit? Example k1 says $10,000 but you only get a distribution of $4,000 for taxes even thou my k1 says $10k?

[@juliacostalos8413]

The remaining $6000 is in your shareholder basis which hopefully your accountant is tracking

[@tonyy5739]

Thanks for the video, some clear information. You talked about this in #6 but still have questions. If I am paying myself a reasonable wage (w2) and I am the only shareholder of the company (as the sole owner) and the profit from the business at the end of the year is more than the w2 wage I am being paid can I take that profit as a distribution? The reasonable wage was determined by market research in my specific area. Example, w2 wage paid to myself was 72k a year but profit from business was 110k would it be a red flag if I were to receive a distribution of 110k. Secondly, if the 110k would not be taken as a distribution in the year that it was made (as a profit), how would I move that (to my personal account) in the future? Say if I were to retire or close the business. Thanks!

[@HowtostartanllcOfficial]

Hi, those are great questions. The simple, baseline standard is 60/40, salary/distribution. But, as this article I'm about to give you puts it, this determination is "more art than science". Some CPAs will take the percentage much further on the side of distributions. Here's an article from the journal of accountancy that might help you determine the "art" of your situation: www.journalofaccountancy.com/issues/2007/sep/scorporationprofitsorpayday.html As for leftover distributions, S corps can pay distributions from prior years. Thanks for the awesome questions, best of luck to you!

[@reallyfrodo]

One correction (and tell me if I'm wrong), when you say you don't "have to take distributions" - yes you do if there's profit. And you can't if there isn't any. So there isnt' really a choice there. You can't leave it in the business untaxed. Whether you take the money out or not, the IRS will tax you as if you did. The only way around that is to be a c-corp, where you can leave profit in the business, but then it's taxed at the corporate rate. There's no way around getting taxed on profit.

[@HowtostartanllcOfficial]

Hey there, thanks for the comment! You’re quite right. And also, there’s a little more to it. Profit (income) generated by an S Corp is “passed through” to the owner. “Passed through” does not mean the owner has received any funds. It simply means the owner will have to report that income as his own personal taxable income. The income is subject to income tax whether or not the owner actually receives any funds. But note that there is no requirement to take distributions if there is a profit. The funds can be left in the business, i.e. reinvested.

[@chacejosephac]

Cute and smart 😍

[@impacttheworld8713]

What is a good percentage to put to the side to pay taxes for distribution? For the money is left over

[@HowtostartanllcOfficial]

Thanks for the question. The answer depends on your individual tax return and income. Your distribution would pass through to your individual tax return and then you'd pay taxes on it like you would on your other income. One option is to use the IRS estimated withholding calculator: apps.irs.gov/app/tax-withholding-estimator/ S corp taxes are something that are generally handled by an accountant. 1800accountant offers free consultations: go.truic.com/48nFpfX At TRUiC, our mission is to offer free resources and information. We support our work by partnering with service providers, earning a percentage on some of the offers we’ve negotiated on your behalf. 1800accountant is one such partner.

[@douglastarvestad186]

I have a question. The Sch E on the 1040 shows that owners portion of the profit, or loss, which then flows to the 1st page and is taxed at a personal level. The K-1 shows the distribution but I don't see how that flows to the 1st page to be taxed. Are you saying that an S-Corp profits are double taxed similar to a C-Corp with the profit being taxed and the distribution also?

[@videosabia]

Indeed! Google articles on Sec. 1368 (as usual with all things related to taxes … it depends!!!)

[@HowtostartanllcOfficial]

Great question!! You won’t see S Corp distributions on the 1040. The S Corp reports income in Box 1, Part III of Sch. K-1 1120-S. The amount of distributions is reported at Box 16, Part III Items Affecting Shareholder Basis. Distributions are reported because they affect stock basis and because they may be subject to capital gains tax if they exceed that basis, not because they incur income tax.

[@tbarricklow82]

If I don't take a distribution (leave my profit in the company bank account), do I still pay taxes on my share of the profit during that tax year?

[@HowtostartanllcOfficial]

Yes, taxes will still be owed on the profit if it isn't distributed. Thanks for the question!

[@jimandrews89]

Do you think the bureau of labor and statistics average national salary for your position would justify what you chose to pay yourself? Like if a barber pays himself $36k a year, as is the national median wage, then distributes something like $64k, would that be esily dependable in the face of an audit? Asking for opinions only.

[@HowtostartanllcOfficial]

The IRS has not published guidelines as to what a reasonable salary may be. That gives taxpayers a wide range of discretion. Regardless, what is reasonable in one state or locality may not be reasonable somewhere else. A more specific locality search is warranted. Some accountants prefer the 60/40 rule but that is conservative in many situations. Though many S corp business owners do choose to be conservative to avoid audit.

[@zackattack1188]

Do you have a video that explains what you do with distributions when you are an owner- nonemployee?

[@HowtostartanllcOfficial]

Thanks for the question. To clarify, is your business taxed as an S corp? If so, are you considered an owner-nonemployee and then is there another owner that is considered an owner-employee?

[@zackattack1188]

@@HowtostartanllcOfficial We are taxed as and S corp. Im the only owner, however I do not participate in the daily operations of the business. I primarily handle the back end, taxes etc.

[@HowtostartanllcOfficial]

Here's the IRS guideline on that: "The definition of an employee for FICA (Federal Insurance Contributions Act), FUTA (Federal Unemployment Tax Act) and federal income tax withholding under the Internal Revenue Code include corporate officers. When corporate officers perform a service for the corporation and receive or are entitled to payments, those payments are considered wages. The fact that an officer is also a shareholder does not change this requirement. Such payments to the corporate officer are treated as wages. Courts have consistently held S corporation officers/shareholders who provide more than minor services to their corporation and receive, or are entitled to receive, compensation are subject to federal employment taxes. If an officer does not perform any services or only performs minor services and is not entitled to compensation, the officer would not be considered an employee." ---------- > Here's a link to this information: www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/s-corporation-employees-shareholders-and-corporate-officers Accounting, bookkeeping, and financial planning, in our opinion, is not a "minor service". The question might be how many hours you spend doing this, what a reasonable salary would be, and if the tax savings would make up for the extra steps in maintaining S corp. That said, the information presented here is not meant to constitute legal or financial advice. Now that you have a good baseline for moving forward with S corp election, we strongly recommend getting a final go-ahead from a CPA.

[@Crittek]

@@zackattack1188With the information she gave it sounds like it’s better off to just outsource whatever it is that you do. If your company pays for the services that isn’t an employee of your company then that can be written off as a loss, no payroll tax, you do literally nothing and you just take distributions. Just a theory, I’m not a CPA or anything but is an interesting loophole I’d like to know if it can be filled.

[@HowtostartanllcOfficial]

Interesting ideas! Good to see collaboration.

[@stormlight1553]

Is a dvidend distribution the same as a distribution?

[@HowtostartanllcOfficial]

I'm not familiar with the term "dividend distribution" but I can tell you that dividends and distributions are different yet very similar. Entities taxed as C corporations pay owners through dividends and entities taxed as S corporations pay owners through distributions.

[@mrssologov5861]

I’m trying to payoff my mortgage and my EA is saying we can’t move money from the business savings because distributions off an S Corp is taxable. 🤷🏽‍♀️

[@HowtostartanllcOfficial]

Distributions are taxable as income (capital gains income) in some situations. In the video we mention that S corp owner-employees don't pay self-employment taxes on distributions. Assuming your EA is well versed in S corp and your business's tax profile, it is reasonable to assume that paying off a mortgage with S corp distributions wouldn't be financially beneficial.

[@dsbrioneso]

Hi. Can I manage an S-Corp (being in the payroll) AND work as a full-time w2 at the same time for another company? Is there any restriction?

[@HowtostartanllcOfficial]

Hi! Could you please rephrase the question for us? Are you asking about having two different jobs?

[@dsbrioneso]

​@@HowtostartanllcOfficial Sure: can I receive a payroll of an S-Corp (as a Manager) and work in another company as in a full time job w2 at the same time? Is there any restriction?

[@HowtostartanllcOfficial]

Great question! Thanks for rephrasing. No, there aren't any restrictions regarding additional W2 jobs.

[@SuroBalloons]

Im still lost even after 20 videos on how this distribution are paid works, like do i transfer that to my account or check or how???

[@HowtostartanllcOfficial]

Thanks for the question! Shareholder distributions in an S corp can be paid by any normal payment method that a business owner might use in other situations -- like ACH transfer, Zelle, or check. The most important thing is that the payment be made from a dedicated business bank account. We've added this question to our "videos to make really soon list", thanks for commenting!

[@tonysnow2015]

Can anybody answer me this please? Do 401k contributions from my wages count? For example: if I decide to contribute a significant amount of my paycheck or nearly the full amount to my 401k; does that count towards my reasonable wages or do only non-retirement wages count?

[@HowtostartanllcOfficial]

Thanks for the question! According to the IRS, contributions to a 401k can only be made from wages. So any contribution to the plan will "count". Reference: www.irs.gov/retirement-plans/retirement-plan-faqs-regarding-contributions-s-corporation *Please note that the information provided by us is not, and it is not intended to, constitute legal advice or tax advice. For the most up-to-date legal advice, we advise deferring to a professional attorney or certified public accountant.

[@melvinjames1077]

I sold my business five years ago. It’s only on paper the corporation so all the money coming in goes into distributions. No one is running the company anymore. There’s only a CEO in a CFO me and my wife but there is no business to run, so how do you figure out how much a CEO on paper would make with no duties

[@HowtostartanllcOfficial]

Tax regulation can be subjective and in the case of S corp reasonable salary, there is room for interpretation. In your case, it would be best to find a seasoned CPA. The answer to your question really comes down to how the CPA chooses to access risk of audit or fines, how they interpret regulations and tax code, and how they would substantiate the path (in this instance, reasonable salary) they choose when filing for your business.

[@dragonpower974]

I am curious about how much is the distribution tax rate?

[@HowtostartanllcOfficial]

Distributions carry-over to the business owner's individual tax return. From there, distributions are subject to federal income taxes. Federal income tax is based off of the tax payers tax bracket, deductions, and credits.

[@dragonpower974]

@@HowtostartanllcOfficial thanks

[@d3vi0uz1]

7:52 if you didn't make enough revenue to pay yourself a reasonable salary, then what? Does that entire 90k get taxed as wages and 0 as distributions?

[@HowtostartanllcOfficial]

Yes, that’s correct. The entire 90k is subject to employment taxes, because the reasonable salary is $110k.

[@IberZhairov]

Can I just withdraw in cash 40% of distributions?

[@HowtostartanllcOfficial]

The general rule of thumb is 60/40, reasonable salary/distributions. Please note that the information provided by us is not, and it is not intended to, constitute legal advice or tax advice. For the most up-to-date legal advice, we advise deferring to a professional attorney or certified public accountant.

[@CryptoQueen8888]

Omg, you just explained SCorp in less than 10 minutes. I understand owners can withdraw a distribution by reporting K1. Do we also havr to show a balance sheet to IRS for that tax year

[@HowtostartanllcOfficial]

Glad to help, thanks for watching! You'll want to keep a detailed balance sheet but you might not need to report it to the IRS. If your S corp has more than $250,000 in net receipts and assets in a given tax year, then you'll need to itemize on schedule L. Please subscribe and like! And good luck.

[@CryptoQueen8888]

​@@HowtostartanllcOfficialThank you for your clarification!!

[@HowtostartanllcOfficial]

Anytime! We're here to help.

[@CryptoQueen8888]

​@HowtostartanllcOfficial Thank you. Are 3rd part business loans considered capital for me as a 100% shareholder since I am the guarantor of these 3rd party business loans. I believe I have excess distributions. What action can I take to avoid capital gains.

[@HowtostartanllcOfficial]

Sure! While I can't give you direct advice, I can give you information on capital gains and 3rd party loans. In general, businesses are financed by two types of capital: equity capital and debt capital (loans). Loan terms lie on a spectrum from current (short term) to capital (longer term). Short term loans that inject cash for paying expenses or increasing working capital are generally treated as current liabilities. Longer term loans that finance equipment or buildings are considered debt capital. Regardless of how the items on a balance sheet are presented, they can be (re)arranged under four heads: (i) assets on one side, financed by (ii) current liabilities (e.g. stock that hasn’t been paid for as yet), (iii) debt capital: 7-year bank loan and (iv) equity capital: money contributed by the owner. Also notable: A long term loan is capital for a business regardless of whether or not the owner is guaranteeing the loan.

[@Dailycameron]

How you add shareholders

[@HowtostartanllcOfficial]

Great question, we're glad you asked! I have to let you know first that I'm not a lawyer or CPA. The information I'm providing should be verified accordingly! People become shareholders by acquiring stock in a corporation (or in an LLC that's taxed as an S Corp). And the major ways of acquiring stock are (i) investing in a business, a process that typically involves the issue of new shares, and (ii) by direct transfer of existing shares from an old to new shareholder. Direct transfer because there's unlikely to be a market maker for private company shares. With an S Corp, the new shareholder must be a U.S. citizen or legal resident. Estates and certain kinds of trusts and tax-exempt organizations can also be shareholders of an S Corp. The actual mechanics of it depends on it the legal entity type: is the S Corp a corporation or an LLC? Reference will have to be made to the Articles of Organization and Bylaws for the rules in the case of a corporation and the equivalent documents in the case of an LLC.

[@777LoveStory]

There's a self employment tax?!

[@HowtostartanllcOfficial]

Yes, self-employment tax covers social security and Medicare. When you work for someone else, they cover half. When you're self-employed, you pay the full amount at 15.3% of your income. Ouch.

[@alanmoreno2482]

No wonder I’m losing Money. 💰

[@HowtostartanllcOfficial]

Do you need help setting up your S corp?

[@skittlenyc]

Your KZbin name is confusing.

[@HowtostartanllcOfficial]

How so? Thanks for the feedback! It's the name of our website, howtostartanllc.com.

[@WhatAboutDat]

I wish she would stop moving her hand.

[@HowtostartanllcOfficial]

Thanks for the feedback! I'm passing it on.

[@beautimous9172]

😂😂😂😂

[@madeinoregon5062]

I take a reasonable salary, but my CPA is telling me that it doesn’t decrease the businesses tax liability on net profits if I were to take a distribution. Is that accurate? I just cut a check to the IRS for 225k and I’m not gonna lie, it hurt.

[@HowtostartanllcOfficial]

Thanks for the question. It may be that your business is being taxed as a pass-through entity. That is the default way that the IRS taxes an LLC. Do you know if your business has already elected to be taxed as an S corp with the IRS?

[@madeinoregon5062]

Yes, we are an S-corp.

[@HowtostartanllcOfficial]

There are a number of reasons why taking distributions may not save money. The most common one is failure to pay a reasonable salary (which you've determined is not the issue here). The IRS may reclassify some of those distributions as salary which, of course, would attract payroll taxes. Another reason is the domicile of the business and the consequent state taxes. Some jurisdictions and states-DC, NYC, New Hampshire, Tennessee, Texas-do not recognize S corp status. An S-Corp is likely to be taxed as a C corp. Another reason is the tax status of the members. Contributions to retirement plans, such as 401(k)s or Simplified Employee Pension (SEP) IRAs, are based on salary or self-employment income. If an owner wants to maximize his retirement contributions, he may choose to receive a higher salary than he might have taken, since distributions are not considered eligible compensation for retirement plan contributions. Most likely, it’s not so much distributions, per se, but the amount of distributions vs salary vs other factors. Our first inclination would be to ask the CPA why taking a distribution wouldn't help and then researching the reason given. If that doesn't prove helpful, a consultation with another CPA seems to be in line. As well as considering being taxed as a C corp. Good luck to you and thanks again for the question.

[@madeinoregon5062]

@@HowtostartanllcOfficial Thank you for the detailed response. I believe it is time to start interviewing some new CPA’s.

[@_blkbean]

Thank you!

[@HowtostartanllcOfficial]

You bet! Thanks for watching :)