"S" Corporations VS. "C" Corporations

    

THE BASICS

THE BENEFITS

THE DRAWBACKS

PLANNING IDEAS

"S" Corp. VS. "C" Corp.

"S" Corporation "C" Corporation
Profits Taxed on shareholder's personal tax returns. Subject to corporate tax rates.
Dividend Distributions Those were already taxed as profit (see above) so they are not taxed again. Subject to personal income tax.
Operating Losses Can be used as a tax deduction on the shareholder's individual tax returns assuming shareholder is a material participant. Can be "carried back" two years, or carried forward 20 years, but can only be applied against corporate profits.
Capital Gains Subject to only tax at the individual level.  Maximum rate for long term gains is 20%. Subject to corporate tax rate, up to 35%.
Capital Losses Flows through to the individual tax return of the shareholders and is netted with other capital gain and loss transactions, deductible up to $3,000 per year with the balance carried forward indefinitely. Only allowed to the extent of capital gains: No current loss allowed.  Permitted to be carried back three years and forward only for five years.
Health Insurance Premiums Not permitted as a corporate deduction for a 2% or more shareholder.  IT IS permitted as an "adjustment" to income "above the line" on the shareholder's individual income tax return. Deductible if corporate health insurance plan is non-discriminatory.
*Use of Fiscal Year other than December. Restricted Available
Subject to:
Double Tax No Yes
Different Classes of Stock No Yes
Accumulated Earnings Tax No Yes
Alternative Minimum Tax No Yes
Passive Loss Rules Yes No
Stock can be owned by a "C" Corporation No Yes
Can hold stock in a "C" Corporation Yes Yes