facebook

Blog Post

Compensation for Business Owners Within Each Entity

Renee Daggett • April 14, 2021

If you have recently or not so recently started a business, two things you need to understand is how you will be paid and how taxes will be paid. You may be taxed as a sole proprietorship, partnership, S corporation or C corporation. Understanding the differences is important.

Sole Proprietorship

A sole proprietorship is an individual engaged in a business without a formal tax structure. The net profit or loss from the business is reported on Form 1040 and is reported along with any other income. A net loss can offset other income reported on 1040. Self-employment tax is calculated on the net profit and is included on the 1040. Self-employment tax is basically Social Security and Medicare tax, both the employer and employee portion but is calculated using the net profit of the business from Schedule C.

A sole proprietor takes distributions from the business, which are not taxable, since tax is computed on the net profit from the business. A distribution is not a salary and has no federal or state withholding tax taken out. The owner will need to make estimated tax payments if the expected tax liability exceeds $1,000.

Partnership

A partnership is a business with two or more members engaged in business. Partnerships file a Form 1065, which is an informational return, to determine how much income is reported to each partner. The partners report the income or loss on their personal tax returns and, similar to the sole proprietor, must calculate self-employment tax.

Like the sole proprietor, partners can take distributions from the business. The distributions are not taxable since the partnership is taxed on its net profit. Partners may also loan money to the partnership and borrow money from the partnership.

Partners can also receive guaranteed payments which are not dependent on the net profit or loss of the partnership. Guaranteed payments are not subject to withholding.



S Corporation


An S corporation is a tax structure that can have one or more shareholders. It is often referred to as a “flow through” entity, which avoids double taxation. What this means is that the net profit or loss from an S corporation “flows through” and is reported on the shareholder’s tax return. The S corporation itself doesn’t pay taxes and files a tax return that is purely informational.

Shareholders must receive “reasonable” compensation from the S corporation in the form of a salary. This is because net profit that exceeds the salary is not subject to Social Security and Medicare tax, which may incentivize shareholders to pay themselves lower wages or salaries. Reasonable compensation is very important to avoid having net profit re-characterized as salary if you are audited by the IRS.

Shareholders in the S corporation can also take distributions as long as there is enough tax basis to absorb the distribution. Tax basis is the amount of profit and capital contributions less losses and distributions. Distributions exceeding tax basis become taxable as capital gains on the shareholder’s personal tax return.

Loans to and from the S corporation are also permissible. Loans to the S corporation will increase tax basis, but need to be properly documented.


C Corporation

A C corporation is a tax structure in which the business is the actual taxpayer. This is different from the S corporation in the fact that there is no “flow through” from the C corporation to shareholders. Shareholders are compensated in the form of salary or wages. Any distributions taken from the C corporation are taxable as dividends to the shareholders. This entity creates double taxation: the corporation cannot take a deduction for dividends paid and therefore pays taxes on the profits used to pay those dividends, and shareholders are then taxed again on dividends received on their individual returns. However, this entity type might still be desirable for an individual who is in a higher tax bracket since a C corporation is taxed at a 21% flat tax rate.

Note that a Limited Liability Company (LLC) is a legal structure, not a tax structure. The default entity classification for an LLC is sole proprietorship if owned by one individual and partnership if owned by two or more individuals. There are elections available to treat an LLC as an S or C corporation for tax purposes – the owner(s) may need to file Form 8832 or Form 2553 to make the appropriate election, depending on the specific circumstances.

Deadline for businesses filing a BOI
February 19, 2025
The BOI reporting deadline has been extended to March 21, 2025, but more changes may be coming. Stay informed on the latest updates, compliance requirements, and what your business needs to do now. Read more on AdminBooks.
Computer screen with
February 5, 2025
Protect your QuickBooks Online account from fraud by enabling multi-factor authentication (MFA). Follow our step-by-step guide to secure your financial data today.
January 24, 2025
The Supreme Court has ruled to reinstate BOI Reporting.
January 20, 2025
The recent wildfires in Los Angeles County have devastated communities, leaving thousands dealing with property loss, displacement, and financial uncertainty. In response, both the IRS and the State of California have granted tax deadline extensions and financial relief to help individuals and businesses recover.
January 7, 2025
The new year is here, and with it comes an important deadline for business owners: January 31, 2025. If you’ve paid independent contractors, service providers, or freelancers $600 or more in 2024, you may need to file a 1099 form for them. With the deadline just weeks away, now is the time to get organized. Filing your 1099s on time not only avoids penalties but also keeps your business in good standing.
December 30, 2024
The requirements for filing Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) reports under the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) have shifted yet again. As of December 26, 2024, BOI filing is not currently required, following an order from the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals that restored an injunction against enforcing the CTA. However, this situation remains fluid and could change on short notice.
A reminder for end of the year accounting tasks for business owners
By Renee Daggett November 13, 2024
The end of the year is fast approaching! It’s time to wrap up those final tasks that can make a big difference in reducing stress and preparing your business for tax season. Here’s a handy checklist to help you complete important end-of-year to-dos: Record Your Vehicle’s Odometer Reading Note the odometer reading for any vehicles used for business. This is essential for calculating your business versus personal mileage usage. Ideally, you have a mileage log, but at the very least, an end-of-year reading will help determine your annual total. Count Your Inventory If your business holds inventory, you’re required to do a year-end count and record its value. This ensures accurate records for taxes and helps you start the new year on track. Collect W-9s from Vendors Check if you’ve paid any contractors or vendors over $600 throughout the year, as you’ll need to issue a 1099-NEC form for them or a 1099-MISC for rent or attorney payments. The IRS provides free forms (call 1-800-829-3676), but be sure to order early as they can take a couple of weeks to arrive. Back Up Your Data Make sure to back up all your data, especially financial records. Double-check that backups are copying correctly and consider keeping a second backup for added security. Verify Payroll Tax Rates For businesses with payroll, check if your state’s employment tax rates have changed for the upcoming year. You should have received a letter with any updated rates by early December. Send them to your payroll processing team ASAP. Copy Thermal Receipts Many receipts, like those from gas stations and office supply stores, are printed on thermal paper, which can fade over time. Make copies of these receipts, as the IRS requires readable details, not just credit card statements, in case of an audit. Schedule Corporate Minutes If applicable, make note of your corporate meeting dates for the coming year. Corporate minutes are often required annually, so it’s helpful to mark them in your calendar now. Review and Update Your Business Plan Reflect on your business goals. What are your revenue projections for 2024? Consider how they compare to 2023, and think about strategies to boost profits and streamline operations in the year ahead. Set a Closing Date in QuickBooks In QuickBooks, set a closing date and password to lock down your financial records, helping ensure accuracy and security for the year-end. Review Accounts Receivable and Payable Check your outstanding invoices and follow up with any clients who haven’t paid yet. Also, settle any bills you owe to maintain accurate records and cash flow. Assess Estimated Tax Payments Review your quarterly estimated tax payments to ensure they’re accurate. Making an extra payment by the end of the year can help avoid penalties and reduce next year’s tax burden. Evaluate Your Tax Deductions Look for any additional expenses you can deduct this year, like office supplies or software subscriptions. You may also want to contribute to retirement plans to maximize deductions. Analyze Business Expenses Go through your expenses to identify any unnecessary costs you could reduce or cut in the coming year. This can improve profitability and efficiency. Renew Business Licenses and Permits Check if any licenses or permits are expiring soon and renew them in advance. This helps avoid penalties and interruptions in business operations. Review and Update Employee Benefits Review your employee benefit plans, such as health insurance and retirement contributions, to ensure they’re competitive and compliant with regulations. Evaluate Your Financial Goals and Set New Ones Look at your business’s financial performance and set realistic goals for the next year. Whether it’s increasing revenue, reducing costs, or expanding services, setting measurable goals can help guide your strategy. Completing these tasks will help your business start the new year in a stronger position and make tax season that much smoother.
November 11, 2024
For businesses where tips and gratuities are common—such as salons, spas, or other service industries—knowing how to record these amounts correctly is essential. Tips need to be accurately recorded to ensure employees are paid properly and taxes are managed. Here’s a simple guide on handling tips in QuickBooks Online (QBO), with options to make your process as smooth as possible.
Grandparents learning about the tax liabilities of investing in their grand children.
September 4, 2024
Investing in your grandchild's future can be one of the most rewarding ways to secure their financial well-being. Whether you're contributing to a 529 College Savings Plan or setting up a UGMA/UTMA account, understanding the tax implications is key to maximizing your investment. Learn about gift tax exclusions, how to avoid the Kiddie Tax, and tips for using tax-advantaged accounts. This guide will help you make smart decisions for long-term growth while minimizing tax burdens. Discover how to invest wisely in your grandchildren's future! Read our complete guide now.
By Renee Daggett August 25, 2024
Want to save money in taxes WITHOUT working harder? One way is to shift income from a higher bracket taxpayer to a lower one or even a zero rate-bracket. Let me give you an example of how this can work.
More Posts
Share by: