Question 1

What is the difference between a sole proprietorship and an LLC?

Accepted Answer

A sole proprietorship offers no liability protection and all business income passes directly to your personal tax return. An LLC provides limited liability protection (separating personal assets from business debts) while typically maintaining the same pass-through tax treatment. LLCs can also elect to be taxed as S-Corps or C-Corps.

Question 2

How does an S Corporation reduce self-employment taxes?

Accepted Answer

S-Corp shareholders who work in the business must pay themselves a 'reasonable salary' subject to FICA taxes (15.3%). However, remaining profits taken as distributions are not subject to self-employment tax. This can save significant money when business profits exceed the reasonable salary amount.

Question 3

What is the 'reasonable salary' requirement for S-Corps?

Accepted Answer

The IRS requires S-Corp owner-employees to pay themselves a reasonable salary based on what similar positions pay in comparable businesses. Generally, this should be at least 30-50% of profits for service businesses. Setting salary too low to avoid taxes can trigger IRS audits and penalties.

Question 4

What is the Qualified Business Income (QBI) deduction?

Accepted Answer

The QBI deduction allows eligible pass-through businesses (sole props, LLCs, S-Corps, partnerships) to deduct up to 20% of qualified business income. For 2025, the deduction begins phasing out at $197,300 (single) or $394,600 (married) for specified service businesses.

Question 5

When should I consider a C Corporation?

Accepted Answer

C-Corps may be beneficial when: (1) you want to retain significant earnings in the business at the 21% corporate rate, (2) you're seeking outside investors or plan to go public, (3) you want to offer equity compensation to employees, or (4) you have specific fringe benefit needs only available to C-Corps.

Question 6

What is double taxation for C Corporations?

Accepted Answer

C-Corp profits are taxed first at the corporate level (21% federal rate), then taxed again when distributed to shareholders as dividends (0-20% plus potential 3.8% NIIT). This 'double taxation' can result in a combined rate of approximately 39.8% on distributed profits.

Question 7

How does partnership taxation work?

Accepted Answer

Partnerships are pass-through entities where profits and losses flow directly to partners' personal tax returns. Each partner receives a K-1 showing their share of income, deductions, and credits. General partners typically pay self-employment tax on their distributive share.

Question 8

Can I change my business entity type later?

Accepted Answer

Yes, but some changes are easier than others. Converting from sole proprietorship to LLC is straightforward. An LLC can elect S-Corp or C-Corp taxation. Converting from C-Corp to S-Corp or partnership has more complex tax implications. Consult a tax professional before making changes.

Question 9

What state should I incorporate in?

Accepted Answer

Most small businesses should incorporate in their home state where they operate. While Delaware and Nevada are popular for larger companies, the benefits rarely outweigh the costs of maintaining a registered agent and filing in multiple states for small businesses.

Question 10

How do state taxes affect entity choice?

Accepted Answer

State tax treatment varies significantly. Some states have no income tax (TX, FL, WA, NV), while others have high rates (CA, NY). Some states also impose additional taxes on certain entities like S-Corps or LLCs. The calculator factors in your state's specific tax rules.

Question 11

What is the self-employment tax rate for 2025?

Accepted Answer

The self-employment tax rate is 15.3% total: 12.4% for Social Security (on earnings up to $176,100 in 2025) and 2.9% for Medicare (on all earnings). An additional 0.9% Medicare tax applies to earnings over $200,000 (single) or $250,000 (married).

Question 12

Should I form an LLC or S-Corp for my freelance business?

Accepted Answer

If your net income is under $50,000, an LLC (taxed as sole prop) is usually simpler and sufficient. Above $50,000-$70,000, the S-Corp election may save enough in self-employment taxes to justify the additional payroll and compliance costs.

Question 13

What are the ongoing compliance requirements for each entity?

Accepted Answer

Sole Props: minimal (Schedule C). LLCs: annual reports, operating agreement. S-Corps: payroll, quarterly filings, separate tax return, reasonable compensation. C-Corps: same as S-Corp plus potential double taxation planning, shareholder meetings, corporate minutes.

Question 14

How does the calculator determine the best entity?

Accepted Answer

The calculator compares total tax burden across all entity types, considering federal income tax, self-employment/FICA taxes, corporate taxes, state taxes, and the QBI deduction where applicable. The 'best' entity has the lowest combined tax burden based on your specific inputs.

Question 15

What other factors besides taxes should I consider?

Accepted Answer

Consider: (1) liability protection needs, (2) future financing or investor plans, (3) administrative complexity you can handle, (4) exit strategy (sale, IPO, etc.), (5) number of owners, (6) employee benefit needs, and (7) state-specific requirements and fees.

Question 16

Can I have multiple businesses with different entity types?

Accepted Answer

Yes, many entrepreneurs operate multiple entities. This can provide liability separation, allow different tax treatments for different income streams, and enable income splitting strategies. Each entity maintains its own tax filing and compliance requirements.

Question 17

What is the Net Investment Income Tax (NIIT)?

Accepted Answer

The NIIT is a 3.8% tax on investment income (including dividends and capital gains) for taxpayers with modified AGI over $200,000 (single) or $250,000 (married). This affects C-Corp shareholders receiving dividends and adds to the effective tax rate on distributions.

Question 18

How accurate is this calculator?

Accepted Answer

This calculator provides estimates based on 2025 federal and common state tax rates. Actual taxes may vary based on specific deductions, credits, local taxes, and individual circumstances. Use these results as a planning tool and consult a tax professional for personalized advice.

Question 19

When should I consult a tax professional?

Accepted Answer

Consult a professional when: (1) making entity selection decisions, (2) your income exceeds $100,000, (3) you're considering S-Corp election, (4) you have multiple owners or complex ownership, (5) you're planning to raise capital, or (6) you have multi-state operations.

Question 20

What is a disregarded entity?

Accepted Answer

A single-member LLC is typically treated as a 'disregarded entity' for tax purposes, meaning the IRS ignores the LLC structure and taxes the business as a sole proprietorship. This provides liability protection while maintaining simple tax filing. The LLC can elect different tax treatment if desired.