The High-touch Legal Services® Blog…for Startups!

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Why (not) form an S corporation?

Some companies are formed as S corporations to avoid “double taxation”: The corporation does not pay federal income tax. Instead, income flows through to the shareholders, who pay income taxes (as in a partnership).

This potential tax benefit is available, however, only if stringent requirements are met. Most notably:

  • There must not be more than 100 shareholders.
  • Permissible shareholders are limited to individuals (other than non-resident aliens), estates, tax-exempt organizations, and certain qualified trusts.
  • Only one class of stock is permitted.

Failure to meet a requirement, even if inadvertent, results in loss of S corporation status.

Entrepreneurs should think carefully about whether S corporation status is appropriate for the long term. Here’s why.

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