What are C and S corporations?

C and S corporations are different legal structures of the corporate business entity. While both structures are initially formed exactly the same way and have many similarities, there are also some notable differences. The biggest difference between the C corp and the S corp is the way the entities are taxed. Other differences include limits on the types of business that can be done, as well as citizenship or residence limits.

C Corporations

A C corporation is the default corporate structure. This means that anytime a business owner decides to form a corporation it is a C corporation, unless measures are taken to turn it into an S corporation. A C corp is taxed separately from its individual owners. This means that the corporation’s profits are taxed through the corporation and the owners only pay taxes on the income they receive from the corporation. However, if the owners also make profits from the corporation in the form of dividends, these profits are also taxed as income, even though they have already been taxed through the corporation. This taxation system is often called double taxation.

C Corporation Benefits

While double taxation may seem like a drawback, there are benefits to sticking with the C corporation form. Because of this system of taxation, it is easier to build capital with a C corp. The taxes on the corporation are lower than individual income taxes and as long as the dividends stay within the corporation, this can quickly accumulate into capital for the corporation. Further, under the C corp, the owners can provide generous benefits to employees, which are tax-free to the employees and are write-offs for the corporation. A C corp is the more flexible of the corporate structures and it may be more beneficial to large businesses than an S corp. Additionally, foreign residents and nationals are allowed to form C corps in the United States and any type of business can become a C corp.

S Corporations

Once you have formed a corporation, you must take extra steps to turn the corporation from a C corp into an S corp. This is done by filing the appropriate forms with the IRS and if required, with your state. This can be anytime after the corporation is formed. It may be wise to take the time to decide if the S corp is the right structure for your business. Once all of the shareholders of the corporation have agreed, a 2553 form is filed with the IRS for pass-through taxation. Some states will automatically honor the S corp once it is formed with the federal government, but some will not, so you should look into your own state incorporation laws to see if you need to file a tax form with the state as well. Further, some states tax S corps differently than the federal government and some do not honor S corps for tax purposes at all.

S Corporation Benefits

The biggest difference between the S corp and the C corp lies with pass-through taxation. Unlike the C corp, where the corporate entity is taxed separately from its individual owners, the profits from the S corp pass through to its owners, and the owners are taxed directly for the profits of the corporation. This can be beneficial when the owners want to receive profits from the corporation in addition to their income, but do not want to face the double taxation of the C corp. Further, losses incurred from the S corp may be deducted from the individuals tax return, up to the amount of their personal investment.

S Corporation Disadvantages

While this form of taxation has many benefits, the S corp may not be the right corporation for all businesses. A downside to the S corp is, since individual income taxes are generally higher than corporate taxes, it may be harder to raise corporate capital in an S corp. Further, only U.S. citizens or residents may form an S corp. Some businesses such as banks, Domestic International Sales Corporations, and certain insurance corporations are prohibited from taking the S corporate structure. Moreover, unlike under the C corp, shareholders that own more than 2% of an S corp may not write off employee benefits from their taxes.

C and S Corporation Similarities

Whichever corporate structure you choose, both have many of the same benefits. Both types of corporations are separate entities, meaning that the individual owners enjoy protected liability under the “corporate veil.” S and C corporations are both treated as individuals by law, meaning that they can buy property and sue other businesses independently of their owners. Owners of both the S and C corporations can also raise additional capital by selling stock and transfer ownership by selling stock. Finally, both the S and C corporation have an unlimited lifespan and can outlast the lives of all of their original owners, if allowed.

Getting Legal Help

If you are interested in forming an S or a C corporation, but need more information or advice, you should contact an experienced business lawyer for assistance.