Sole Proprietorship vs. S Corp: Which Is Best for Your Business?

If you’re reading this, you’re probably at a crossroads regarding what structure type to choose for your small business. When you’re starting out, there’s a lot to figure out. You might be wondering what’s the best choice for financial or tax reasons. We’ve broken down the pros and cons of both an S Corp and sole proprietorship to help you decide what’s the best route to take.

What are an S Corp and a Sole Proprietorship?

An S Corp and a sole proprietorship are two different business structures that small businesses can choose from. An S Corp is a type of corporation taxed as a pass-through entity, meaning the profits and losses of the company are passed through to the owners, who then report them on their tax returns. A sole proprietorship is an unincorporated business owned by one person who reports all profits and losses on their tax return.

Both types of business structures have advantages and disadvantages depending on the size and scope of your business. Understanding both options is essential before deciding which one is right for you. This guide will discuss the differences between an S Corp and a sole proprietorship, as well as when each might be most beneficial for your small business.

Pros & Cons of an S Corp vs. a Sole Proprietorship

S Corp and sole proprietorship are two common business structures that have their own set of advantages and disadvantages. Here are some of the pros and cons of each:

Pros for S Corporation

Limited Liability: Similar to a corporation, an S Corp offers little liability protection to its owners, which means that the owner's assets are not at risk if the business is sued or goes bankrupt.

Pass-through taxation: S Corps are "pass-through" entities, meaning the business's income is not taxed at the corporate level. Instead, profits and losses are passed to the owners' tax returns.

Credibility: An S Corp is seen as a more legitimate and credible business entity than a sole proprietorship, which can help attract investors, customers, and employees.

Cons for S Corporation

More paperwork and formalities: An S Corp requires more paperwork than a sole proprietorship, including annual meetings, minutes, and filings with the state.

More expensive to set up: S Corps are more costly than sole proprietorships and may require legal and accounting assistance.

Restrictions on ownership: S Corps have restrictions on ownership, with no more than 100 shareholders and no foreign ownership allowed.

Pros of Sole Proprietorship

Simple and inexpensive to set up: A sole proprietorship is easy and affordable, with no legal or accounting assistance required.

Complete control: As the sole owner, you have full control over the business's operations and decision-making.

Tax benefits: A sole proprietorship enjoys tax benefits, including deducting business expenses from personal income.

Cons for Sole Proprietorship

Unlimited personal liability: Unlike an S Corp, a sole proprietorship does not offer limited liability protection, which means that the owner's assets are at risk if the business is sued or goes bankrupt.

Difficult to obtain funding: As a sole proprietorship, it can be challenging to obtain funding as lenders may be hesitant to invest in a business with unlimited liability.

Limited growth potential: A sole proprietorship may have limited growth potential compared to other business structures, as it can be difficult to expand beyond the skills and resources of the owner.

Tax Implications of an S Corp vs. a Sole Proprietorship

Here are some key differences between an S Corp and a sole proprietorship when it comes to taxes.

Taxation: A sole proprietorship is not a separate entity from its owner, so all business income and expenses are reported on the owner's tax return. This means the owner is responsible for paying self-employment taxes on all business income. In contrast, an S corporation is a separate legal entity, and the company is not taxed. Instead, the company's revenue, deductions, and credits are passed to the shareholders, who report them on their tax returns.

Payroll Taxes: A sole proprietor must pay self-employment taxes on all business income, including any salary or wages they pay themselves. However, an S corporation can pay its shareholders compensation, which is subject to payroll taxes (Social Security and Medicare), and distribute profits as dividends, which are not subject to payroll taxes.

Deductions: Both sole proprietors and S corporations can deduct ordinary and necessary business expenses from their taxable income, but S corporations have more flexibility in some cases. For example, an S corporation can deduct employee benefits, such as health insurance premiums, as a business expense. In contrast,  a sole proprietor must deduct these expenses as a personal itemized deduction.

Filing Requirements: A sole proprietorship is not required to file a separate tax return for the business, and all income and expenses are reported on the owner's personal tax return. An S corporation, on the other hand, must file a separate tax return, Form 1120S, and also provide each shareholder with a Schedule K-1, which shows the shareholder's share of the company's income, deductions, and credits.

Overall, the tax implications of an S corporation versus a sole proprietorship depend on the specific circumstances of the business and its owners. It's essential to consult with a tax professional to determine which structure is most advantageous for your particular situation.

How to Choose the Right Structure for Your Business?

Choosing the proper business structure for your small business is an important decision. It can significantly impact how you manage your business, how much you pay in taxes, and even how much liability protection you have. When deciding which structure is best for your business needs, it's essential to consider the differences between an S Corporation and a sole proprietorship.

An S Corporation offers limited liability protection and allows for pass-through taxation, meaning that profits are taxed at the individual level instead of at the corporate level. This can benefit businesses with multiple owners or shareholders as it allows them to avoid double taxation. On the other hand, a sole proprietorship offers no limited liability protection, and all profits are taxed at the individual level. This may benefit businesses with only one owner who wants to keep their tax burden low.

When deciding which business structure is suitable for your small business needs, it's essential to consider both of these options carefully and

In general, if you are a small business owner with a low liability risk and do not need the formalities of an S Corporation, a sole proprietorship may be a good choice. 

However, if you have multiple shareholders, need limited liability protection, or want to reduce your self-employment tax liability, an S Corporation may be a better fit. It's essential to consult with a qualified tax and legal professional to determine which structure is best for your specific circumstances.

Choosing the proper business structure for your small business is an important decision that can significantly impact your success. There are several different types of business structures, including sole proprietorships, partnerships, limited liability companies (LLCs), and S corporations. 

Each type of structure has its own set of advantages and disadvantages, so it is essential to understand the differences between them to make an informed decision.

Start Your Business With Fundid 

Get connected to the resources you need to start and grow your business through our Business Finance Platform. Find grants, small business lenders, our business charge card, and more growth resources conveniently in one place through our easy-to-use platform.