Can My Wife Be an Employee of My S-Corp? [Rules + IRS Pitfalls] (2024)

Yes, your wife can be an employee of your S corporation (S corp). S corporations allow for a variety of individuals to be employees, including family members. As long as your wife performs bona fide services for the S corp and receives reasonable compensation for her work, she can be considered an employee.

However, it’s important to ensure that the compensation you provide to your wife is reasonable and comparable to what you would pay an unrelated individual for the same role and responsibilities. The IRS scrutinizes payments made to family members to prevent the abuse of tax benefits. To avoid any issues, it’s recommended to consult with a tax professional or an attorney who specializes in business and corporate matters to ensure compliance with all relevant laws and regulations.

Furthermore, keep in mind that specific rules and regulations surrounding S corporations may vary depending on your jurisdiction. It’s always best to consult with a qualified professional who can provide personalized advice based on your specific circ*mstances and local laws.

Can my wife be an employee of my S-Corp?

Even though you can put your wife on the payroll for your S Corp., you need to enter the stand of the pros and cons of doing so. So let’s take a quick look.

First of all, if your wife technically works for your business, then the IRS would want your wife on payroll. This is just like any other employee. The IRS wants Social Security and Medicare checks to be withheld from any earnings. This will increase the overall tax burden on your family.

However, if you want to have retirement benefits through your company, like a 401(k) plan or a cash balance plan, then having your wife on the payroll can be a good thing. Even though she’s subject to payroll taxes, she can make a contribution to a retirement plan that will reduce your overall tax liability.

Lastly, depending on how much income your wife has earned over her lifetime, putting her on payroll can increase her Social Security credits. This can allow her to get a larger benefit at retirement.

So there are many reasons why this could make sense. But just make sure you go into it with your eyes wide open. In most situations, if a spouse has minimal business activities, they will not be included on the payroll. But it can make a lot of sense if there’s a retirement contribution, and it is definitely an attack strategy worth exploring.

What is a reasonable wage for an S-Corp?

Determining a reasonable wage for an S corporation employee depends on various factors, including the nature of the work performed, industry standards, geographic location, experience, qualifications, and responsibilities of the employee. Here are some considerations to help you determine a reasonable wage:

1. Job Duties and Responsibilities: Evaluate the specific roles and responsibilities your wife will have within the S corporation. Consider the time and effort required, the skills and qualifications needed, and the value her contributions bring to the company.
2. Comparable Salaries: Research industry standards and wage data for similar positions in your geographic area. Websites such as the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) or salary surveys specific to your industry can provide useful information.
3. Market Conditions: Consider the supply and demand for the type of work your wife will be performing. If there is high demand or a shortage of qualified individuals in the market, higher wages may be reasonable.
4. Financial Resources: Assess the financial health and resources of your S corporation. The company should be able to sustain the wage payments without jeopardizing its financial stability.
5. Documentation: Keep detailed records and documentation of your decision-making process, including the factors considered, research conducted, and any expert opinions sought. This will help demonstrate that the wage is reasonable if the IRS were to review it.

Remember that setting an unreasonably low wage or excessively high wage for your wife could lead to potential issues. Setting a wage that is too low may raise concerns about tax avoidance, while setting it too high could attract IRS scrutiny for excessive compensation.

It’s recommended to consult with a qualified tax professional, such as an accountant or an attorney, who can provide guidance specific to your situation and ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations.

Final thoughts

Having your wife on payroll for your S corporation (S corp) can offer several potential benefits. First, it allows you to compensate your spouse for the valuable work they contribute to the business. If your wife is actively involved in the company’s operations, having her as an employee enables you to recognize and reward her efforts appropriately. This can contribute to a sense of fairness and partnership within the business.

Secondly, employing your spouse can provide certain tax advantages. By paying your wife a reasonable salary, the S corp can deduct her wages as a legitimate business expense, reducing the overall taxable income of the company. This can potentially lead to a lower tax liability for the S corp. Additionally, if your wife is eligible for employee benefits such as health insurance or retirement plans, those benefits can be extended to her, enhancing the overall compensation package.

However, it’s important to ensure that all employment arrangements are conducted in accordance with applicable laws and regulations. Consulting with a qualified tax professional or attorney can help you navigate the complexities of employment and taxation to ensure compliance and maximize the benefits of having your wife on the payroll of your S corp.