Provided to you by Marvin Mowatt, CPA                             

 

                                                      

                                                                                     

Tax Advantages of Operating a Corporation

Corporations are afforded a series of tax benefits and advantages by the tax code that are not available to sole proprietorships and other forms of small business. The following tax benefits may or may not apply to your company. In particular, some of the benefits described apply only to C-Corporations, whereas others apply only to S-Corporations. Please seek proper advice as to which entity is appropriate for your particular needs.

Income Shifting
The ability to divide income between the corporation and its shareholders in a manner that lowers overall taxes is referred to as Income Shifting. This practice is by far one of the greatest benefits of operating a C-corporation. Profitable small businesses with shareholders in higher tax brackets stand to benefit the most from the practice of income shifting.

A C corporation tax treatment allows a corporation to retain earnings to fund research and development and to  expand its product line. Profits retained within a corporation are taxed at the initial tax rate of only 15%. The ability to retain earnings within the business, without imputing tax liability to shareholders, provides valuable tax savings to growing corporations that are not available to other business types.

Fringe Benefits
While startup businesses in an unpredictable economy may be less eager to offer fringe benefits to employees, corporations are afforded favorable treatment over non-corporate entities in the area of fringe deductions. For example, corporate retirement and corporate medical plans can offer greater contribution limits and more flexibility than unincorporated entities. Thus, favorable tax treatment for fringe benefits can be a compelling reason to incorporate your business. Did you know that corporations have the flexibility to adopt a medical reimbursement plan and allow deductions for medical expenses not covered by insurance policies?

Reduced Tax on Dividends
 The capital gains treatment of dividends is increasing the selection of the C corporation  as an entity type. Under prior law, dividends were taxed as ordinary income. The maximum tax rate was 38.6%. The new law provides that dividends from domestic corporations are taxed at the long-term capital gain rates (that is, 5% or 15%). These rates apply to tax years 2003-2007. In 2008, the 5% rate drops to zero. (The 15% rate is unchanged in 2008.) After 2008, dividends will again be taxed at ordinary income tax rates. To qualify for the special treatment, the shareholder must hold the qualifying stock for more than 60 days during the 120-day period beginning 60 days before the ex-dividend date

 

                                                              

                                                             

                                                                       

                                                                                              Marvin Mowatt, CPA                                                        
                                                                                            10499 Oak Meadow Lane 
                                                                           Greenacres, Florida 33467

                                                                           Tel 561 282-6298

                                                                           Fax 561 282-6299

                                                                            Email  Marvin@mowattcpa.com

 

                                                                         

                                                                                                       Copyright © 2004 Marvin Mowatt, CPA
                                                                                                                                          All rights reserved.