9 minute read
Are you looking to launch a new business, or perhaps looking to reevaluate an existing business with a fresh set of eyes? Choosing the right entity matters—and there are multiple types of business entities (legal entities) to choose from. Not only does entity choice matter for tax purposes, but it also plays a role when considering personal liability, administrative upkeep, growth potential, exit strategies, and others. Following is a simple chart that compares the most common entity types when it comes to three key factors: formation, liability, and tax treatment.
| Formation | S Corporation | C Corporation | Partnership | Sole Proprietorship |
| Business Registration | File Articles of Incorporation with the state | File Articles of Incorporation with the state | Register a Fictitious Business Name and/or file Certificate of Limited Partnership (or similar) form with the state | No formal business registration required |
| Ownership | Number of shareholders limited to 100, no foreign investors | Unlimited number of shareholders | 2 or more partners | Single individual |
| Stock | Only offers one class of stock | No limit on stock classes | Not applicable | Not applicable |
| Operating Agreements | Establish bylaws | Establish bylaws | Sign a partnership agreement | Not applicable |
| Liability Personal liability for business debts | In general, no personal liability associated with corporate obligations (only up to the amount of their investment) | In general, no personal liability associated with corporate obligations (only up to the amount of their investment) | General partners have unlimited personal liability for business obligations; limited partners are only personally liable for business obligations up to their investment | Unlimited personal liability for business obligations |
| Taxes Tax Forms | File Form 2553, Election by a Small Business Corporation to make an S election; S corporations report business earnings on Form 1120-S, U.S. Income Tax Return for an S Corporation; earnings flow down to individual shareholders to report distributive share on Schedule K-1 | File and pay tax using Form 1120, U.S. Corporation Income Tax Return | Partnerships report business earnings on Form 1065, U.S. Return of Partnership Income; earnings flow down to individual partners to report distributive share on Schedule K-1 | Must make quarterly tax payments by filing Form 1040-ES, Estimated Tax for Individuals and use Schedule C, Profit or Loss From Business to report business earnings |
| Manner of taxation | Entity generally not taxed; profits and losses are passed through to the individual shareholders and reported on individual returns | Double taxation. Entity taxed on earnings at corporate level; shareholders taxed on any dividends distributed by the corporation | Entity generally not taxed; profits and losses are passed through to the individual partners and reported on individual returns | Disregarded entity for tax purposes; profits and losses are reported on the individual’s tax return |
At the most basic level, sole proprietorships provide the most flexibility and freedom, but the tradeoff is that owners are personally liable for business debts and liabilities. This means that their assets are on the line if the business cannot cover its liabilities, including personal assets like their home, car, bank accounts, etc. One way to avoid this downside is through a single-member limited liability company (LLC), which can provide limited liability while still taking advantage of disregarded entity tax treatment. Most states require an LLC to file some sort of registration statement similar to organizational documents filed by limited partnerships, but rules vary by state.
On the other end of the spectrum, shareholders of C corporations remain separate from the business and are not liable for business debts or liabilities, but the entity is much more regulated and offers less freedom to the owners. Additionally, C corporation shareholders are saddled with double taxation. Not only will business earnings be taxed when you file the business return, those earnings will be taxed a second time when they are distributed as dividends.
While this won’t be a perfect fit for you, a good balance between the sole proprietor and a C corporation is often an S corporation structure. This combines the best of both worlds: it limits owners’ personal liability for business debts, there is no double taxation, and owners have more control over business operations.
If you want to learn more about each of these four common entity structures, we invite you to explore a bit more here:
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The tax landscape often plays a role in choosing the right entity for you. For example, President Biden’s current tax proposal is to raise the corporate tax rate from its current record-setting low of 21% to 28%. This tax change may affect how you choose to structure their business. As the tax landscape continues to shift or if the ownership structure in your business changes, it may be valuable to reconsider the various types of business entities to determine if your current legal entity is continuing to serve their best interests.
If you have an existing business and is thinking about changing your entity structure, consider where your business started and where it’s going. What are your goals? What is the best possible tax position? The most common entity changes include:
While corporate tax rates are still at their lowest in modern history, revoking an S election could save you tax dollars. Just remember that once an S election is revoked, the business must wait at least five years to reestablish as an S corporation.
Transitioning from a C corporation to an S corporation will remove double taxation, could provide owners with the option to withdraw equity, and could reduce tax liability on capital gains which are taxed at a preferential rate on individuals’ returns.
This could provide you with liability protection and could open them up to business tax credits and incentives that are not available to a sole proprietorship.
Once you have determined the most suitable entity selection for your current and future business goals, be sure to file the appropriate paperwork. The paperwork will vary based on your home state. For example, if you are transitioning from a sole proprietor to an LLC, you will need to file articles of incorporation and establish business licenses/permits required to operate. You’ll also need to look through filing documents with the IRS, such as making an S election or selecting how your entity will be taxed. You may also wish to establish an employer identification number (EIN), which can help you if you hope to hire employees.
As always, tax planning will be a major factor in your business decision making. Entity selection is no exception. Use Corvee’s tax planning software to project what your business activity would look like under different entity structures. This software can generate an easy-to-read report that shows you your various options with all the types of business entities.
See how Corvee allows your firm to break free of the tax prep cycle and begin making the profits you deserve.
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