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ToggleThere are many forms of business entities that exist in the law for various purposes. A layman might think why does the form of the business matter? Turns out that is one of the biggest factors. One such frequent structure is Scorp and LLC. Let us see who wins the fight between Scorp vs LLC.
First, it is important to understand when you need Scorp or LLC. Contrary to the perception, Scorp is the mode in which an entity opts to tax itself. A business does not need to form Scorp, while they need to form LLC separately in the eyes of the law.
As your company grows, your tax rate grows too. Growing companies face a variety of complexities during tax season, and that’s why when your company grows, you may want to consider forming an S Corporation, otherwise known as an S Corp. The S Corp is a business entity that offers significant tax advantages while still preserving your ownership flexibility.
Also known as the sub-chapter or small business corporation, is a tax code that was enacted into law by Congress in 1958. The S Corp was created to encourage and support the creation of small and family businesses while eliminating the double taxation that conventional corporations were subjected to.
A Ccorp
A Ccorp is a business term that is used to distinguish this entity from others, as its profits are taxed separately from its owners under subchapter C of the Internal Revenue Code. In an S corporation, the profits are passed on to the shareholders and are taxed based on personal returns. Companies do this under subchapter S of the Internal Revenue Code.
Shareholders own the C-corp, who elect a board of directors that make business decisions and oversee policies. In most cases, a C corporation is required to report its financial operations to the state attorney general. Because a corporation is an independent entity, a C corporation does not cease to exist when its owners or shareholders change or die.
A Limited Liability Company, also known as an LLC, is a type of business structure that combines traits of both a sole proprietorship and a corporation. An LLC is eligible for the pass-through taxation feature of a partnership or sole proprietorship, while at the same time limiting the liability of the owners, similar to a corporation.
As we do not consider LLC as a separate entity, the company does not pay taxes or take on losses. Instead, owners do this as they have to report the business profits, or losses, on their personal income tax returns. However, just like corporations, members of an LLC are protected from personal liabilities, thus the name Limited Liability.
Basis | Scorp | LLC |
Formation Requirements, Costs | Must file with the state, state-specific filing fee required | Must file with the state, state-specific filing fee required |
Personal Liability | Shareholders are not typically held liable | Members are not typically held liable |
Administrative Requirements | Election of the board ofdirectors/officers, annual meetings, and annual report filing requirements | Relatively few requirements |
Management | Shareholders elect directors who manage business activities | Members can set up a structure as they choose |
Term | Perpetual: can extend past death or withdrawal of shareholders | Perpetual, unless the state requires a fixed amount of time |
Taxation | No tax at the entity level. Income passed through to the shareholders. | No tax at the entity level. Income passed through members |
Double Taxation | No | No |
Transferability of Interest | Yes, but must observe IRS regulations on who can own stock | Possibly, depending on restrictions outlined in the operating agreement |
Capital Raising | Shares of stock are soldto raise capital. Limitations prevent Scorp stock ownership by corporations | May sell interests but subject to the operating agreement |
Ease of Operation | Must have annual meetings, Board of Directors meetings, corporate minutes, and stockholder meetings | Easy, some states may require more than others |