When Should You File as an S Corp?

When should you file as an S corp?
For a New Business. A corporation or LLC must file an S-Corp election within two months and 15 days (~75 days total) of the date of formation for the election to take effect in the first tax year. Example: Your articles of formation was filed on August 21st.

It’s a major move to decide to incorporate your firm. Choosing the form of organization that is best for your business is one of the most crucial decisions you can make. Because it offers the limited liability protection of a corporation and the tax benefits of a partnership, a S corporation is a popular option for small business owners. However, not all companies are qualified to register as S corporations.

A company must fulfill specific criteria in order to be eligible for S corporation status. The company must be a domestic corporation first. Second, there can be no more than 100 stockholders in the company. Third, each shareholder must be an individual, an estate, or a specific type of trust, as well as a citizen or resident of the United States. And finally, there can be only one class of shares in the company. Your company may be an excellent candidate for filing as a S corp if it satisfies these criteria.

When choosing whether to register as a S corp in Texas, firms must also take their gross receipts into account. Gross receipts are the sum of all revenues received by a company from sales, services, and other sources. Businesses are required to disclose their gross receipts and pay a tax based on a percentage of those receipts in order to be subject to the Texas franchise tax. The tax rate fluctuates every year, however for the majority of firms in 2021 it is 0.375%.

However, a company might not be subject to the franchise tax if it has no Texas gross receipts. For small enterprises that are just starting out or have little revenue, this can be a considerable advantage. A company must submit a No Tax Due Information Report to the Texas Comptroller’s office annually in order to be eligible for the exemption.

Protecting their brand identity is another crucial factor for Texas firms. Businesses in Texas have the option of registering their names with the Secretary of State’s office to prevent other companies from using them. This is crucial because it can aid in avoiding future legal concerns as well as customer confusion. It is relatively easy to register a business name online through the Secretary of State’s website.

In conclusion, determining whether to register as a S corp is a significant choice that should only be taken after carefully analyzing the requirements and objectives of your company. Filing as a S corporation may be a wise move if your company satisfies the requirements for that status and you think the tax benefits exceed any potential disadvantages. Texas companies should also be aware of their franchise tax, gross receipts, and the possibility of exemption if they have no Texas gross receipts. In addition, registering your business name might assist prevent confusion between your brand and that of other companies operating in the state.

FAQ
How do I get an EIN number in Texas?

You can submit an application for an EIN number in Texas online through the IRS website, by mail, fax, or phone. It costs nothing and often only takes a few minutes. It’s vital to keep in mind that you will require an EIN number for your business entity if you intend to file as a S Corp.

Can an S corp have one owner?

Yes, a S corporation—also referred to as a “single member S corp”—can have just one owner. It’s crucial to remember, nevertheless, that the IRS does not regard single-member LLCs as S companies for taxation. Therefore, you must establish a corporation and choose S corp status with the IRS if you want to file as a S corp and you are the only owner.