This article titled ‘Type of legal entity that can be set up to minimize tax.’ is written by Mayank Shekhar and discusses the key to lowering the tax burden. I. Introduction: Type of legal entity that can be set up to minimize tax The key to lowering your tax burden is to lower the percentage of your gross income… Read More »

This article titled ‘Type of legal entity that can be set up to minimize tax.’ is written by Mayank Shekhar and discusses the key to lowering the tax burden.

I. Introduction: Type of legal entity that can be set up to minimize tax

The key to lowering your tax burden is to lower the percentage of your gross income that is taxed. The amount of income tax you pay each year is determined by your gross income, and for many of us, the simplest method to lower that number is to contribute to an employer-sponsored retirement plan or a standard individual retirement account.

Due to the adoption of the Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement (SECURE) Act of 2019, the age limit for contributing to a conventional IRA has been eliminated for 2020 and beyond. Seniors may now make limitless contributions to their IRA accounts.

In addition, the new legislation increased the age at which seniors must begin taking RMDs from their 401(k) and conventional IRA accounts. RMDs were formerly required to be taken at the age of 7012, but with the passing of SECURE, that age has been raised to 72 years. Depending on a person’s tax bracket when they begin withdrawing assets, the transition to accepting distributions may have an effect on taxes.

Your company is a legal entity in the eyes of the law. As a result, each form of organisation and corporate structure has its own set of legal issues. Personal responsibility protections, tax-exempt designations, and higher federal income tax rates are among the legal ramifications.

In the case of company litigation or debt, for example, an LLC protects your personal assets. An LLC, on the other hand, does not provide the same tax benefits as, for example, an S company. As a beginning, your business is most likely a single proprietorship or general partnership.

However, when your firm expands and your structural and financial demands change, you’ll most likely need to modify your business entity classification. So, what kinds of businesses and organisations are there?

A corporation is a legal body that is separate from its stockholders and has its own rights, activities, and responsibilities. Corporations in India are categorised into two categories:

  1. Domestic Corporations: A domestic corporation is one whose administration and control is fully based in India and is established under the Indian Companies Acts of 1956 or 2013. If a foreign company’s Indian branch is entirely controlled and managed from inside the nation, it may be considered a domestic firm.
  2. Foreign Corporations: A foreign corporation is one that is located outside of India or has a part of its activities controlled and managed outside of the country’s boundaries.

II. Types of Legal Corporation to minimize taxes

1. S-Corporations

An S corporation is a company that distributes practically all of its profits to its owners. Income and losses, as well as tax deductions and credits, are all part of these finances. S companies are able to be taxed like a partnership while gaining corporate privileges by passing all of these funds on to shareholders.

Let’s imagine you have a C corporation with numerous stockholders who have all put in the same amount of money. Your corporation must first pay corporate taxes on the money earned before those shareholders may receive their profit. The already-taxed money is then distributed as profit to the shareholders, who report it on their personal tax returns and pay tax on it again.

Profits from an S corporation are distributed directly to its owners, who are responsible for paying taxes. The gains are taxed at a personal level when the shareholders declare them on their income tax returns, allowing the S company to escape corporate tax.

S corporations may be general partnerships, limited liability companies, or corporations, giving them a lot of flexibility. While there are certain tax advantages, it’s worth remembering that the IRS pays special attention to S businesses. This is because the structure allows shareholders to attempt to avoid paying taxes by exploiting loopholes. An S corporation, for example, may argue that employee salary is a distribution and therefore avoid paying taxes.

2. C-Corporations

A C corporation, like an S corporation, may be a partnership, corporation, or limited liability company. A C corporation also has a number of tax advantages, the most notable of which is that the company’s earnings are taxed separately from the owners’ profits.

A C corporation, unlike an S corporation, may have any number of stockholders from any industry. As a result, C corp stockholders may also be workers of the company. A C corporation, on the other hand, must have a board of directors. The company’s decision-makers are the board of directors, whereas the shareholders are more like financial backers.

A C company may be a wonderful method to keep your personal assets distinct from your professional corporation if you want to expand your firm and ultimately sell it.

C corps have a lot of development potential since they may have a lot of shareholders, even if they’re from different companies. Just keep in mind that you will almost certainly suffer financial fees in the form of hiring experts, particularly around tax time.

3. Non- Profit Corporation

In structure, a non-profit company is comparable to a typical corporation: A board of directors, as well as benefactors or financial supporters, are usually present. However, as the name indicates, a non-profit makes no money. A non-profit must also be founded in support of a particular cause, usually one that is open to the public and intended for non-profit members or groups of individuals.

Non-profit companies are tax-exempt, meaning they don’t have to pay any corporate or federal taxes. They may also get money from a number of places, including grants, governmental donors, private contributors, and companies. Donations to non-profits are often tax-deductible for contributors, further distinguishing them from for-profit businesses.

A non-profit is an ideal approach to carry your purpose through if you’re enthusiastic about helping people and want to maximise the good you do rather than the money you generate.

4. Corporations with limited liability (LLCs)

A limited liability company (LLC), sometimes known as a limited liability corporation, is a corporate organisation that places a premium on separating employees from their personal liabilities. An LLC, like the other forms of corporations on this list, prevents members from being held financially liable for damages. An LLC, in particular, safeguards the owners’ personal assets in the case of a lawsuit or other financial loss.

Articles of incorporation, which lay out the business’s structure, are required to form an LLC. An LLC, unlike a C corporation, does not need a board of directors. In reality, an LLC may take on nearly any form, including that of an equal partnership, a board of directors, or anything in the middle.

An LLC may be a wonderful method to enhance your professional look while also gaining certain legal and tax advantages if you plan on keeping your firm close to the vest and not going public.

5. General collaborations

A general partnership, like an LLC, allows its members to form the company how they see proper. A general partnership, on the other hand, shares all earnings, legal duties, assets, and losses. In the case of forfeiture, all members of a general partnership are liable for any financial and legal losses, putting their personal assets at risk.

The main advantage of a general partnership is that it is simple to establish. There’s a lot less paperwork needed than forming a company or LLC, and it’s a terrific way to boost your professional image. Keep in mind, however, that all members of a partnership are equally liable for any losses incurred. As a result, it’s a smart idea to only collaborate with people you can trust.

In order to reduce company tax, a balance must be struck between the numerous available techniques, such as deductions and refunds, as well as smart spending management. Understanding the scenarios in which these tactics are most effective can also help you maximise your company’s profits.


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Updated On 26 Oct 2021 4:43 AM GMT
Mayank Shekhar

Mayank Shekhar

Mayank is an alumnus of the prestigious Faculty of Law, Delhi University. Under his leadership, Legal Bites has been researching and developing resources through blogging, educational resources, competitions, and seminars.

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