10 Difference Between S Corp and C Corp (With Table)

What is the main difference between S Corp and C Corp? S Corp is a corporation where the owners individually pay taxes on their allocated share of the profits while C Corp is a corporation responsible for paying corporate taxes.

S Corp and C Corp are two distinct business structures in the United States. Each has its own set of characteristics and advantages. But many people tend to find it challenging to telling their differences due to their close similarities.

We wrote this post to share the differences and similarities between S Corp and C Corp. Take the time to read through each corporation characteristics and clear the confusion around their differences or similarities.

Difference Between S Corp and C Corp with Table

Basic Terms	S Corp	C Corp
Taxation	Are pass-through entities	Are subject to double taxation
Ownership Restrictions	Strict ownership	No restrictions
Types of Stocks	Can only issue one class of stock	Can issue multiple classes of stock
Tax Reporting	File an informational federal return but do not pay federal income tax at the corporate level.	File corporate tax returns and are subject to federal income tax on their profits.
Fringe Benefits	Shareholders who work for the company must pay themselves a reasonable salary and can receive dividends, potentially reducing payroll tax liability.	Shareholders can receive salaries and dividends, but they may face higher payroll tax liability.
Size and Complexity	Often favored by small to medium-sized businesses due to their simplicity and pass-through taxation.	Chosen by larger businesses with more complex ownership structures and the need to raise capital from a diverse range of investors.
Earnings Retention	May be limited in retaining earnings within the company because profits are generally distributed to shareholders.	Can retain earnings and reinvest them in the business without immediate tax consequences.
Conversion	Converting from an S Corp to a C Corp is relatively straightforward.	Converting from a C Corp to an S Corp can be more complex and subject to certain IRS rules and limitations.

What Is S Corp?

An S Corporation, often abbreviated as “S Corp,” is a type of business entity structure in the United States that combines features of a corporation with the pass-through taxation of a partnership or sole proprietorship.

S Corporations are named after Subchapter S of the Internal Revenue Code, which outlines the specific tax rules and requirements for this business structure.

Key characteristics of an S Corporation include:

S Corporations do not pay federal income tax at the corporate level. Instead, the company’s income, deductions, and credits “pass through” to the individual shareholders, who report these items on their personal income tax returns.
Shareholders of an S Corp enjoy limited liability protection, which means their personal assets are generally shielded from the company’s debts and liabilities.
S Corporations have restrictions on ownership, including a maximum of 100 shareholders and restrictions on who can be a shareholder, such as non-resident aliens and certain types of entities.
S Corporations are typically limited to one class of stock, which means all shareholders have the same rights and preferences.
To qualify for S Corporation status, a business must be a domestic corporation (incorporated in the U.S.) and meet specific eligibility criteria.
Certain types of businesses, such as financial institutions, insurance companies, and some professional service firms, are generally ineligible for S Corporation status.

S Corporations are popular among small to medium-sized businesses because they offer the benefits of limited liability and pass-through taxation. But they have specific requirements and limitations that must be met to maintain their status.

Choosing the right business structure, whether it’s an S Corp or another entity type, depends on a company’s specific goals, circumstances, and tax considerations.

What Is C Corp?

A C Corporation, often referred to simply as a “C Corp,” is a common type of business structure in the United States.

It is a legal entity that is separate from its owners (shareholders), providing limited liability to its shareholders and allowing the corporation to conduct business, own assets, and incur liabilities in its own name.

Key features and characteristics of a C Corporation include:

Shareholders are generally not personally responsible for the corporation’s debts or legal obligations. Their liability is typically limited to the amount of their investment in the company.
A C Corporation has perpetual existence, which means it can continue to operate even if its shareholders change or pass away.
C Corporations can have an unlimited number of shareholders, and ownership can be easily transferred through the buying and selling of stock.
C Corporations pay income tax at the corporate level, and the shareholders are also subject to taxes on any dividends or capital gains they receive. This results in potential double taxation, which can be a drawback.
C Corporations are subject to more extensive regulatory and reporting requirements compared to other business structures, such as Sole Proprietorships, Partnerships, or S Corporations.
C Corporations have an advantage when it comes to raising capital, as they can issue multiple classes of stock, making it easier to attract investors.
C Corporations have a formal structure with a board of directors, officers, and shareholders, which can be beneficial for larger organizations but may involve more administrative work.

C Corporations are suitable for businesses with growth aspirations, those seeking to raise capital from investors, and entities planning to go public through an initial public offering (IPO).

They also have tax implications that should be carefully considered in consultation with tax professionals and legal advisors when choosing the most appropriate business structure.

Main Difference between S Corp and C Corp

An S Corporation, commonly referred to as an S Corp, is a type of corporation whose shares are held by a limited group of shareholders and has elected to be taxed under Subchapter S of the Internal Revenue Code. In contrast, a C Corporation, or C Corp, is a corporation that is subject to taxation separately from its shareholders under Subchapter C of the Internal Revenue Code.
One significant distinction lies in the taxation process. C Corporations face double taxation. Firstly, they are taxed at the corporate level, with the corporation submitting a separate tax return and paying taxes on its profits. Secondly, when the corporation distributes profits to its shareholders as dividends, those individuals are subject to personal income tax on the dividends they receive. Conversely, S Corporations do not pay income tax at the corporate level. Instead, they file an informational federal return, and profits or losses are passed through to the individual shareholders who report them on their personal tax returns.
Another difference is that C Corporations are responsible for paying corporate taxes, whereas in S Corporations, the owners individually pay taxes on their allocated share of the profits.
S Corporations are limited to issuing only one class of stock, while C Corporations have the flexibility to issue multiple classes of stock.
S Corporations have a restriction on the number of shareholders, with a maximum limit of 100 individuals. In contrast, C Corporations do not have any such restrictions, allowing an unlimited number of shareholders.
S Corporations are typically more suitable for small-sized businesses, while C Corporations are better suited for larger enterprises.
Ownership requirements also differ, as only U.S. citizens and residents are eligible to become owners in an S Corporation, whereas C Corporations permit any individual or entity to become an owner.
An S Corporation, the allocation of profits and losses is typically based on the shareholders’ equity ownership interest. Conversely, in a C Corporation, the distribution of profits and losses is determined by the members or directors in accordance with the corporation’s bylaws or agreements.

Similarities Between S Corp and C Corp

Both S Corps and C Corps provide limited liability protection to their shareholders, meaning that the personal assets of shareholders are generally protected from the business’s debts and liabilities.
Both types of corporations are considered separate legal entities distinct from their owners or shareholders. This separation allows them to own assets, enter into contracts, and conduct business in their own name.
Both S Corps and C Corps are required to adhere to certain corporate formalities, such as holding regular meetings of shareholders and directors, keeping corporate records, and following specific state filing and registration requirements.
Both S Corps and C Corps can have multiple shareholders who own shares of stock in the company, allowing for the attraction of investors and the potential for raising capital.
Both types of corporations have perpetual existence, meaning that the business can continue to operate even if shareholders change or pass away.
Both S Corps and C Corps are assigned a unique Employer Identification Number (EIN) or Tax Identification Number (TIN) by the IRS for tax and reporting purposes.
In both S Corps and C Corps, ownership interests (shares of stock) can generally be bought, sold, or transferred, making it relatively easy for shareholders to enter or exit the company.
Both types of corporations can enter into contracts, agreements, and partnerships with other entities or individuals, allowing for various business collaborations.
Shareholders in both S Corps and C Corps have legal recourse if their rights are violated or if the corporation’s actions harm their interests, providing a degree of legal protection.
Both S Corps and C Corps must register with the state where they are incorporated, adhere to state regulations, and pay applicable state fees and taxes.

Conclusion

The differences between S Corporations (S Corps) and C Corporations (C Corps) are essential considerations for businesses when selecting their preferred corporate structure.

While both offer limited liability protection, perpetual existence, and the ability to attract investors, the primary distinctions lie in taxation, ownership flexibility, and operational requirements.

S Corps offer pass-through taxation, allowing profits and losses to flow through to individual shareholders’ tax returns. They are generally suited for smaller businesses seeking to avoid double taxation and maintain a simple ownership structure.

C Corps face double taxation, with the corporation itself paying taxes at the corporate level and shareholders paying taxes on dividends received. C Corps are often chosen by larger businesses aiming to attract a broader range of investors and have more extensive operational and ownership flexibility.

The decision between an S Corp and a C Corp depends on a company’s specific goals, size, ownership structure, and tax considerations. Understanding these differences is crucial for businesses to select the most suitable corporate structure to align with their unique needs and aspirations.

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