📅 Day 4: Sole Prop vs. LLC vs. S-Corp – Which Saves More?

 

📅 Day 4: Sole Prop vs. LLC vs. S-Corp – Which Saves More?

Choosing the right business structure isn’t just a legal decision — it’s a tax-saving strategy. While all three let you run a solo business, they come with different tax treatments, paperwork, and profit potential.

Here’s what you need to know:

🧾 1. Sole Proprietor

Default status for most freelancers and small business owners.
✔ Easy to set up, no formal registration
✘ You pay self-employment tax (15.3%) on all profits
✘ No legal separation between you and the business

✅ Best for: Just getting started or low-income side hustles

🧾 2. LLC (Limited Liability Company)

Gives you legal protection and some flexibility in taxation.
✔ Still simple to run, protects your personal assets
✔ Can choose to be taxed as a Sole Prop or an S-Corp
✘ Still pays self-employment tax unless you elect S-Corp status

✅ Best for: Growing businesses that want liability protection

🧾 3. S-Corporation (via LLC or Inc)

Not a separate entity type, but a tax status you can elect.
✔ You pay yourself a “reasonable salary” (W-2)
✔ Remaining profit is taxed as a distribution → no self-employment tax
✘ Requires payroll setup, separate tax filings, compliance upkeep

✅ Best for: Consistent profits over $50K/year and long-term growth

💡 Quick Example (2025):

Say your business nets $80,000:

• As a Sole Prop → all $80K is subject to self-employment tax
• As an S-Corp → only your $50K salary is taxed that way; $30K is free from it
  → That’s potentially $4,500+ in tax savings

👩‍💼 Final Thought from a CPA

The right structure depends on your income, risk tolerance, and growth plans. You don’t need to start with the “perfect” setup — but once your business gets serious, so should your structure.

See you tomorrow for Day 5: How to Track Mileage Without the Stress 🚗