Do C Corps Have to Pay Dividends?

Comparison of C Corps and S Corps

  • C corps:

    • Pay corporate tax
    • Offer flexible profit-sharing like dividends not subject to taxes
    • Appeal to investors seeking tax efficiency
  • S corps:

    • Pass through profits and losses to owners
    • Avoid double taxation
    • Better for small companies

Ownership and Taxation Differences

  • Ownership and Taxation in S Corps and C Corps:
    • S corps limit 100 investors
    • S corp owners pay tax at individual rates
    • S corps usually can’t use C corp net operating losses

Tax Obligations for Corporations

  • Tax Obligations:
    • C corps pay estimated taxes if owing over $500
    • Supporting schedules attached to C corp tax returns
    • All C corps and LLCs taxed as corps file tax return and pay $800 annual franchise tax minimum
    • C corps pay state tax first, then shareholders pay tax on dividends

Additional Insights

  • LLCs becoming S corps by filling out Form 2553
  • S corps assign reasonable salary
  • No REITS or funds recommended
  • Qualified dividend blue chip corps below value better than weird stuff
  • LLCs growing faster than S corps

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