To be taxed as an S corporation, you must convert your LLC into a traditional corporation (C corporation) with the state, and file IRS Form 2553 "Election as a Small Business Corporation" with the IRS. For your business to qualify as an S corporation, make sure it meets the IRS's specific guidelines.
To file an S Corporation in Texas, you'll first form a corporation with the Texas Secretary of State. After forming your corporation, you'll then elect to be taxed as an S Corporation. To become an S Corporation, you won't work with the state of Texas.
There's no need to convert your LLC to a corporation at the state level. If you'd like to convert your LLC to an S corporation, then you must elect S corporation tax status. To convert to an S corporation, file an IRS Form 2553 at the federal level.
Because of the one-class-of-stock restriction, an S corporation cannot allocate losses or income to specific shareholders. Allocation of income and loss is governed by stock ownership, unlike partnerships or LLCs taxed as partnerships where the allocation can be set in the partnership agreement or operating agreement.
In order to become an S corporation, the corporation must submit Form 2553, Election by a Small Business Corporation signed by all the shareholders. See the Instructions for Form 2553 PDF for all required information and to determine where to file the form.
LLCs can have an unlimited number of members; S corps can have no more than 100 shareholders (owners). Non-U.S. citizens/residents can be members of LLCs; S corps may not have non-U.S. citizens/residents as shareholders. S corporations cannot be owned by corporations, LLCs, partnerships or many trusts.
As an employee of your S Corp, you can reduce self-employment tax liability by taking a salary from the business and other distributions. Setting up your Business-of-One as an LLC taxed as an S Corp – especially if it's a newbie – will appear more credible to potential customers and vendors.
The owners of an LLC are called “members.” A member can be an individual, partnership, corporation, trust, and any other legal or commercial entity. Generally, the liability of the members is limited to their investment and they may enjoy the pass-through tax treatment afforded to partners in a partnership.
There are seven steps you'll complete to start an S corp in Texas. Step 1: Check Name Availability. Step 2: Choose a Business Name. Step 3: Registered Agent. Step 4: Complete Form 201. Step 5: Bylaws and Regulations. Step 6: Obtain EIN. Step 7: File Form 2553.