An LLC requires less formality than a corporation. Corporations must hold regular meetings of the board of directors and shareholders, keep written corporate minutes and file annual reports with the state. On the other hand, the members and managers of an LLC need not hold regular meetings, which reduce complications and paperwork. In a corporation, improper procedures may allow a creditor to pierce the corporate veil and hold shareholders liable.
2. Advantages of an LLC
Fewer corporate formalities
An LLC requires less formality than a corporation. Corporations must hold regular
meetings of the board of directors and shareholders, keep written corporate minutes
and file annual reports with the state. On the other hand, the members and managers
of an LLC need not hold regular meetings, which reduce complications and paperwork.
In a corporation, improper procedures may allow a creditor to pierce the corporate veil
and hold shareholders liable.
Tax flexibility
By default, an LLC is treated as a "pass-through" entity for tax purposes, much like a
sole proprietorship or partnership. This means that LLCs avoid double taxation.
However, an LLC can also elect to be treated like a corporation for tax purposes,
whether as a C corporation or an S corporation.
3. Special profit allocations.
An LLC can make special allocations of profits and losses
members, whereas S corporations cannot. S corporations must
have one class of ownership in which profits and losses are
allocated according to the percentage of ownership.
Property contributions
Contributing property to set up an LLC is not taxable, even for
minority interest owners; whereas for a corporation, the
Revenue Code (IRC) only allows it to be tax free for the
contributors who have control of the business.
4. No ownership restrictions
An LLC may have an unlimited number of members, whereas
S corporation is limited to one hundred. The owners of an LLC
can be foreign persons, other corporations, or any kind of trust,
but the owners of corporations cannot be.
Ability to use the cash method of accounting.
Most limited liability companies can use the cash method of
accounting. This means income is not earned until it is
On the other hand, C corporations often must use the accrual
method of accounting.
5. Ability to deduct losses.
Members who are active participants in the LLC's business can
deduct its operating losses against the member's regular
to the extent permitted by law. Shareholders of an S
are also able to deduct operating losses, but shareholders of a
corporation are not.
Ability to place membership interests in a living trust
Members of an LLC are free to place their membership
in a living trust. In the case of an S corporation, placing shares
a trust can raise issues with the S corporation status.
6. Disadvantages of an LLC
Profits are subject to Social Security and Medicare taxes
For an LLC that is disregarded for tax purposes, there can be the disadvantage
that all earned income is subject to the self-employment tax, unlike in an S
corporation in which some money can be taken out as salary and some as
dividends. However, the LLC can opt to be taxed as a corporation and then
opt to be taxed as an S corporation.
For a large business in which the owners take out salaries of $117,000 or more
plus profits (as of 2014), there would not be much difference since the Social
Security tax does not apply above that level. But for a smaller business, in
which an owner would take out say, $30,000 salary and $20,000 profit, the
extra taxes on the $20,000 would be over $3,000. If this is an issue, then you
can still have an LLC, but you can opt to be taxed as a corporation, and then
file IRS Form 2553 to be treated as an S corporation.
7. Owners must immediately recognize profits
Unless an LLC elects to be taxed as a corporation, profits are
automatically included in a member's income. On the other
hand, a C corporation does not have to immediately distribute
profits to its shareholders as a dividend. This means that
shareholders in a C corporation are not always taxed on the
corporation's profits.
Personal liability for payroll taxes
The owners of an LLC that is taxed as a disregarded entity (like
partnership or proprietorship) can be personally liable for
taxes that are not paid by the company. Shareholders of a
corporation would not be liable for these taxes unless they
officers or directors.
8. Unfavorable state tax rules and fees.
In some states, an LLC must pay higher taxes and fees than
would a corporation that generated the same revenues.
Fewer fringe benefits.
Employees of an LLC who receive fringe benefits, such as
insurance, medical reimbursement plans, medical insurance
parking, must treat these benefits as taxable income. However,
corporation employees who receive fringe benefits do not have
to report these benefits as taxable income.
9. LLC company formation in Dubai
Virtuoso Business Development
Consultancy
M-15,Al Wasl Building,
Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai,U.A.E
+971 43515 637