At What Income Level is an S Corp Worth it? The Income Level Threshold (2024)

Determining the optimal business structure for your venture is a crucial decision. For many entrepreneurs and small business owners, the S Corporation (S corp) structure offers a compelling blend of tax benefits and operational flexibility. However, the question arises: At What Income Level is an S Corp Worth it?

This article delves into the factors to consider when evaluating the income level threshold for the viability of an S corp.

An S corporation is a business structure that combines the limited liability protection of a corporation with the pass-through taxation benefits of a partnership or sole proprietorship. It allows shareholders to report business income and losses on their personal tax returns, avoiding the double taxation typically associated with C corporations.

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Critical Advantages of S Corporations

S corps offer several advantages that make them attractive to small business owners, including:

1. Pass-Through Taxation: S corps do not pay federal income taxes at the entity level. Instead, profits and losses flow through to the shareholders, who report them on their individual tax returns. This pass-through taxation can result in lower overall tax liability than C corporations.
2. Self-Employment Tax Savings: One significant advantage of S corps is the potential to save on self-employment taxes. Unlike sole proprietorships or partnerships, where all business income is subject to self-employment tax, S corp shareholders can divide income into salary and distributions. Only the salary portion is subject to self-employment taxes, while distributions are generally not.
3. Limited Liability Protection: Like C corporations, S Corps provides shareholders with limited liability protection. This means that shareholders are generally not personally liable for the corporation’s debts and legal obligations.
4. Operational Flexibility: S corps offer more flexibility in terms of ownership structure and transferability of shares. This can benefit businesses with multiple owners or those planning for future growth or ownership changes.

At What Income Level is an S Corp Worth it?

As a CPA, it feels like I’ve been asked this question 1,000 times. It’s a common question for business owners when considering setting up their initial tax structure.

The answer to this question is like the answer to many tax questions: it depends. That’s because there are so many different variables at play. Let’s take a look at a few.

I’ve had clients who do anything they can to save taxes. So, when they understand the self-employment tax savings, the S-Corp becomes a no-brainer for them, even at a low-income tax level of $30,000 or $40,000.

But for most clients, having an S Corp when a business owner has a profit of less than $50,000 doesn’t make much sense. The reason is because of the added administrative costs and headaches.

Remember that an S Corp files a separate tax return. As a result, your expected tax fees will triple compared to what you typically pay for a sole proprietor who files on Schedule C.

Payroll Considerations

In addition, you’re required to put yourself on payroll and pay yourself a reasonable wage for your work. This income on the W-2 is subject to payroll taxes, but the overall business profit flows through to the shareholder outside of employment taxes.

Well, this all sounds great. Remember that you do have to put yourself on the payroll. This may cost you around $500 a year, which is another thing for you to do. As a business owner, you want to keep your administrative tasks as low as possible. Remember, you’ve got a business to run.

But if you can have an outside payroll company do this, that could make a lot of sense. But timing the payroll and getting the process done might sound easier than it is. Payroll is typically relatively simple. However, if you do it wrong, it can create a lot of IRS headaches. So, make sure you do payroll correctly.

Also, if you’re currently being taxed as a sole proprietor, realize that you’re used to being able to dip into your business bank account as much as you want. You are assessed tax on the overall net business profit, so the remaining cash you can distribute at your own well.

But when you have payroll, you must realize that taxes are paid quarterly or biweekly, and you make sure you have withholding amounts in place. So you want to ensure that the added cash flow issues don’t impact your ability to put food on the table.

For the reasons noted above, a minimum business profit you would want to have would be $50,000. However, sometimes I would find people with marginal income in the first few years that I think it’s S Corp. still makes a lot of sense.

This is usually a situation where the business owner expects to be in business for a long time and expects a decent amount of income. As a result, it’s easier to set up the S Corp. structure at the beginning or when the entity is established.

Evaluating the Income Level Threshold

While there is no specific income threshold that universally determines when an S corp becomes worth it, certain factors can guide the evaluation process:

1. Anticipated Net Income: Consider the projected net income of your business. S corps are particularly beneficial for businesses with substantial profits. Suppose your business is expected to generate significant income. The potential tax savings associated with pass-through taxation and self-employment tax reduction can make an S corp attractive.
2. Reasonable Compensation: When assessing the income level threshold, it is essential to consider the concept of reasonable compensation. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) requires S corp shareholders who are also employees to receive reasonable compensation for their services. Failing to pay a reasonable salary could raise red flags during an audit. Therefore, if your anticipated net income is below what would be considered a reasonable salary, the tax advantages of an S corp may be diminished.
3. Administrative Costs: Operating as an S corp involves certain administrative and compliance obligations. These may include filing annual reports, maintaining proper corporate records, and adhering to shareholder meeting requirements. The additional administrative burden and associated costs of maintaining an S corp structure might outweigh the potential tax benefits if your income is relatively low.
4. Business Growth and Longevity: Consider your business’s growth potential and long-term plans. If you anticipate substantial growth, an S corp structure can provide greater flexibility for attracting investors, issuing shares, and planning for future ownership changes. This can be especially relevant if you expect your income to increase significantly in the coming years.

Final thoughts

In conclusion, determining reasonable compensation for S corporation shareholders is a critical consideration when evaluating the viability of an S corp structure. While there is no set formula or income threshold that universally defines reasonable compensation, it is crucial to adhere to IRS guidelines and industry standards. Ensuring that shareholders receive a salary commensurate with the services they provide helps maintain compliance, minimize audit risks, and maximize the tax advantages associated with an S corp.

Ultimately, seeking professional advice from a qualified accountant or tax advisor is highly recommended when determining reasonable compensation. They can assess your specific business circ*mstances, industry benchmarks, and IRS guidelines to help you establish an appropriate salary for S corp shareholders. By striking the right balance between salary and distributions, you can optimize tax savings, maintain compliance, and position your S corp for long-term success and financial stability.