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An LLC’s losses can offset income and reduce taxable income. Single-member LLCs are seen as sole proprietors by the IRS. Multi-member LLCs act like partnerships. Members report shares of profits and losses.
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How does a loss on my LLC affect my personal taxes?
- The short answer is yes, losses get passed through to members. Limits/percentages do apply, primarily based on your share in the business.
Claiming and Deducting Business Losses
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LLC losses are tax deductible. How depends on the structure. Partnerships and sole proprietors pass through profits and losses to owners’ returns. S corps also pass losses to shareholders.
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If your business is a partnership, LLC, or S corporation shareholder, your share of the business’s losses will pass through the entity to your personal tax return. Your business loss is added to all your other deductions and then subtracted from all your income for the year.
Net Operating Loss
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You can deduct a business loss from personal income the same way a sole proprietor does.
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The IRS only allows claiming losses for three of five years. After that, the IRS may prohibit further loss claims if profits haven’t occurred.
Tax Refunds and Business Losses
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A business loss can mean tax refunds. You can carry back or forward net operating losses to other tax years.
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If the LLC operates at a loss for the year, the owner can deduct the business’s losses from their personal income.
Consulting and Advice
- It is recommended that LLCs consult with a tax professional and financial advisor.