Last Updated: August 27, 2024
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Considering launching an S corporation in New Mexico? This tax status might be the key to unlocking potential tax savings for your business. Especially for those operating a limited liability company (LLC) in the Land of Enchantment, choosing an S corp could mean a more favorable tax scenario. Typically, profits from an LLC are hit with self-employment taxes, but by opting for S corp status, business owners have the opportunity to change how they pay these taxes. In an S corp, owners can receive a salary from the business’s profits, and only this salary portion is subject to self-employment taxes. The remaining profits, which may be distributed as dividends, are not taxed in the same way, potentially allowing owners to keep more of their earnings.
This guide aims to navigate you through the process of setting up an S corp in New Mexico, showing how this choice can help ensure your business takes advantage of tax efficiencies while meeting all legal requirements.
Creating an S Corporation isn’t as simple as merely filing for the election. Your business must also meet the IRS’s following requirements:
All shareholders must unanimously consent to the S Corporation election. If you’re still not sure whether a New Mexico S Corporation is right for you, it’s a good idea to speak to legal and financial professionals about your best business options.
The timeframe to file Form 2553 is either:
You can’t file for S Corp status before forming your corporation.
As discussed above, you need to create a business entity before filing for an S Corporation election. When you form a corporation, the entity is a C Corporation by default and is taxed as such. To benefit from the tax treatment of an S Corporation, you have to go through the New Mexico S Corporation filing requirements.
The main difference between S Corporations and C Corporations is their tax treatment. C Corporations are taxable entities that pay double income taxes, and S Corporations don’t. The way it works is when a C Corporation generates income, it pays corporate income tax, and then when the shareholders receive distributions, they also pay income tax on their dividends. S Corporations avoid the corporate tax altogether and pass their income directly to the shareholders, who report the income on their individual returns.
To form an S corporation, you must create an entity that satisfies the IRS’s requirements listed above, and then timely file Form 2553 with the IRS.
If you’re ready to learn about filing as an S corporation in New Mexico, we’ll walk you through the process. First, we’ll show you how to form an LLC in New Mexico and how to form a New Mexico corporation. Then we’ll explain how to file for S corp status as either an LLC or corporation.
For detailed formation steps, see our New Mexico LLC formation guide.
For detailed formation steps, see our New Mexico Corporation formation guide.
Submit the form to apply for S corporation status. Once your LLC or C corporation formation is approved by the state, you need to file Form 2553, Election by a Small Business Corporation, to apply for S corp status.
The IRS requires that you complete and file your Form 2553:
OR
One note for LLCs filing as an S corp: If your LLC is past the 75-day election deadline, you’ll also need to file Form 8832, Entity Classification Election, to elect to be taxed as a corporation. Then you would file both Form 8832 and Form 2553 together via USPS-certified mail.
For more information on filing Form 2553, visit the IRS’s website.
S Corporations don’t work for every business, so it’s important to look at both the pros and cons. A legal or tax professional can also help you decide if a New Mexico S Corp is beneficial for your business.
There are many benefits of an S Corp, including:
What makes S Corporations so attractive is the tax savings they provide. S Corporations pass income, losses, credits, and deductions through to the shareholders, so income tax is paid on the individual level, which is typically lower than the corporate rate. The other tax benefit is the flexibility for S Corporations to qualify distributions as either dividends or salaries. Dividends are not subject to self-employment tax, like salaries. The result of this is a lower tax bill at the end of the year.
S Corporations have their disadvantages too. Consider the following:
Our list of pros and cons is not exhaustive. We recommend that you talk to a professional about whether an S Corporation will align with your business needs and goals.
If you think your business can benefit from electing S Corporation status, then let’s get started! With our S Corporation Service, we can help you get the job done quickly. If you’re in the beginning stages where you still need to form a corporation, our experts are happy to assist.
As you continue on your journey as a business owner, know that we’re here with the tools, products, services, and resources you need. Our goal is to help entrepreneurs create, run, and grow their dream business.
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S Corporations are small business entities that elect to pass their corporate income, losses, credits, and deductions to their shareholders, avoiding corporate double taxation.
Absolutely! LLCs can file for an S Corporation election to take advantage of all the tax benefits.
Visit our page on Tax Information for Limited Liability Companies to learn more!
S Corporations offer significant tax benefits and allow business owners to take advantage of:rn
A New Mexico S Corp also protects the shareholder’s personal assets from being used to satisfy business liabilities.
An S Corporation’s name should reflect the products or services of the business, but more importantly, meet the state’s requirements.
Choosing an S Corporation election for your LLC depends entirely on your business’s situation. Keep in mind, not all LLCs can qualify as an S Corporation. It may be best to speak with a legal and/or tax professional to help you make this decision for your business.
S Corporations pass all income, losses, deductions, and credits through to the shareholders to report on their individual income tax returns. Although New Mexico S Corporations avoid federal corporate income tax, they’re still subject to the state’s corporate franchise tax.
Read our article on how to Calculate Your S Corporation Taxes and consider hiring a tax professional to help you calculate correctly.
Disclaimer: The content on this page is for information purposes only and does not constitute legal, tax, or accounting advice. If you have specific questions about any of these topics, seek the counsel of a licensed professional.
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