S Corp Advantages Disadvantages





S Corp Advantages and Disadvantages

S Corp Advantages Disadvantages - The main advantage associated with the S Corporation is that the income passes through to the shareholders, therefore avoiding a perceived double taxation of a C-Corp. Additional advantages listed below.

S Corp Advantages and Disadvantages

S Corp Advantages

  • The independent life of the corporation makes possible its continuation, and the relatively undisturbed continued operation of the business regardless of incapacity or death of one or more stockholders.


  • Fractional ownership shares are easily accommodated in the initial offering of stock.


  • The purchase, sale, and gifting of stock make it possible to have changes in ownership without disturbing the corporation's ability to conduct business.


  • The requirement that the corporation's finances and records be separate from the finances and records of stockholders reduces the risk of unrecognized equity liquidations.


  • With only a few exceptions, under the Subchapter S election for taxation as a partnership the S corporation pays no income taxes and corporation income or loss is passed through direct to the stockholders.


  • To the extent the corporate shield is maintained and other investments and savings of the stockholders are not at risk, the personal life of stockholders is simplified.


  • The annual meetings of stockholders and consultations with legal counsel can provide stimulus for improved communication within the stockholder group (often a family group) and can provide more comprehensive guidance for management.


  • Depending on the corporation's business record and the policies and practices of prospective lenders, access to credit and the ability to secure needed resources may be improved.


  • Earnings representing "return on investment" (interest, rental payments, etc.) are not subject to self-employment tax as long as stockholder-employees receive adequate compensation for labor and management of the business.


S Corp Advantages and Disadvantages

S Corporation Disadvantages

  • Lenders may require personal guarantees from corporate officers as a condition of supplying credit, thus negating the limitation of liability.


  • Conflicts or disagreements among the stockholders may immobilize decision making.


  • Restrictions on the sale of stock and/or buy-back agreements included in the bylaws may prevent minority stockholders from being able to recover the value of their investment in the corporation.


  • Through the processes of gifting and inheritance, stock ownership can become divided among many persons who are not active in the business and they may become a voting block that does not support needs and decisions believed desirable by managing stockholders.


  • Over time, corporation paid benefits for stockholder-employees may become costly and exceed the ability of the business to pay.


  • Employment benefits such as life insurance, health insurance, and housing costs are taxable income to stockholder employees with 2 percent or more stock ownership and to employees who are directly related to persons owning 2 percent or more of the corporation stock.


  • If appreciated assets are owned by the corporation and the corporation is dissolved, significant income taxes on the appreciation amount will be generated.



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