If you want to enjoy benefits of a corporation without double taxation, which legal structure should you choose?

Choosing an S-Corporation allows you to enjoy the benefits of a corporation while avoiding double taxation, which is a significant advantage for many business owners. Unlike C-Corporations, which are taxed at both the corporate level and again when dividends are distributed to shareholders, S-Corporations pass income directly to shareholders. This means the business's income is reported on the shareholders' personal tax returns, and taxes are collected only at the individual level.

This structure provides limited liability protection to its shareholders, meaning personal assets are typically protected from business debts and legal actions. Additionally, S-Corporations can allow for easier transfer of ownership compared to partnerships and generally have a more formalized structure, which can be beneficial for raising capital.

While partnerships and Limited Liability Companies (LLCs) also avoid double taxation, each has different implications regarding liability, management structure, and tax treatment. Partnerships do not offer liability protection to the same extent as a corporation, making them riskier in some cases. LLCs provide liability protections similar to corporations, but they often come with different tax implications that might not suit all business owners' objectives. Hence, for the combination of corporate benefits without the drawback of double taxation, an S-Corporation is the ideal choice.