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Which is Better, an LLC or S-Corp?

Dee Saale
Dee Saale
Dee Saale
Dee Saale

Starting a business can be very exciting. It is important to select the correct business structure to fit a given business’s needs. Depending on both the current situation and future goals of the business, one business structure may be better than another. Many business owners spend hours of time and money trying to decide between a limited liability company (LLC) and a subchapter corporation (S-corporation); however, both have pros and cons — again, depending on the nature of the business, itself.

An LLC is a kind of business structure that is available in every state. It has many of the same tax advantages as partnerships or S-corporations, but it does not have as many restrictions associated with shareholders. It protects a business owner, or member, from becoming personally liable – much like a partnership. In addition, it provides members tax benefits at the individual level – much like S-corporations.

An LLC offers increased protection to its owners relative to other business formations.
An LLC offers increased protection to its owners relative to other business formations.

In many cases, what makes an LLC better than an S-corporation is that an LLC does not restrict number of shareholders. S-corporations can only have up to 100 shareholders and the shareholders must be United States citizens. An LLC has no limit on the number of members and does not have any restrictions on the citizenship of its members. Consequently, people from outside the United States, domestic corporations, and other business groups may participate.

An LLC can have several kinds of stock. These kinds or classes of stock can be broken down between preferred or common stock. They can be sold at different prices and differ as to how dividends are paid. An LLC can also own stock in another corporation.

Setting up an LLC allows the business owner to avoid the double taxation — taxation at both the corporation and the personal level — that is associated with a traditional C-corporation; however, it still provides protection from personal liability and stock sales. It can be expensive to convert a fully functioning business into an LLC, so it is recommended mainly for new startup businesses. In addition, an LLC is regulated by state tax laws — so check with the Secretary of State to determine whether it is the correct choice for your new business.

An S-corporation is a corporation with less than 100 shareholders and one class of stock. All profits pass directly to the owners and are taxed as income – thereby preventing double taxation. An S-corporation is perfect for people who are in a lower tax bracket because any income earned by the S-corporation passes through to the shareholder and is taxed at the shareholder’s personal tax level. Thus, in that case, the overall amount of taxes paid will be less. Talk with an accountant before creating an S-corporation to prevent problems because so much depends on the future earnings of the company.

Dee Saale
Dee Saale

Dee is a freelance writer based in Colorado. She has a B.A. in English Literature, as well as a law degree. Dee is especially interested in topics relating to medicine, legal issues, and home improvement, which are her specialty when contributing to SmartCapitalMind.

Learn more...
Dee Saale
Dee Saale

Dee is a freelance writer based in Colorado. She has a B.A. in English Literature, as well as a law degree. Dee is especially interested in topics relating to medicine, legal issues, and home improvement, which are her specialty when contributing to SmartCapitalMind.

Learn more...

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Discussion Comments

anon159103

It was my understanding that with an S corp the owners pay themselves an average salary for their industry and are charged at their personal tax rate. Any profits that are paid out to them are not taxed. Is this correct?

anon127439

Can you hide the owner's name if you go LLC or S Corporation? Thanks, Vanessa

anon57615

how many employees can you have before you must pay workman's comp?

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    • An LLC offers increased protection to its owners relative to other business formations.
      By: FotolEdhar
      An LLC offers increased protection to its owners relative to other business formations.