Guide on How To File Taxes for LLC

Filing taxes is a crucial part of keeping your LLC in good standing, but it doesn't have to be overwhelming. For LLC owners, the process can look quite different compared to other business entities like sole proprietorships or partnerships. That’s why understanding how to navigate tax season is essential.

To help simplify the process, we’ve partnered with Bench, a trusted tax filing service that combines dedicated experts with intuitive financial technology. With Bench, you get year-round bookkeeping, regular check-ins, and unlimited tax advisory support to help ensure you’re always on top of your finances. When it’s time to file, their team prepares everything needed for your income tax return, so there are no surprises.

This guide will walk you through the key steps for filing taxes for your LLC. Whether you’re a new business owner or just looking for ways to optimize your tax strategy, understanding these steps can help you meet your obligations and potentially lower your tax bill.

Step 1: Determine Your LLC's Tax Classification

Choosing the right tax classification for your LLC is the first step in managing your business taxes. An LLC has the advantage of flexibility and can be taxed in different ways, which directly impacts how you file your taxes.

Essentially, you get to choose the most advantageous classification, which can reduce the taxes you pay. Here is an overview of your options:

1. Single-Member LLCs: By default, LLCs with one member are considered "disregarded entities" by the IRS. This means the LLC itself does not pay taxes or file its own tax return. Instead, profits or losses are reported on the owner's personal tax returns using Schedule C, which is attached to their personal 1040 form. This is known as pass-through taxation—taxes 'pass through' the business and go directly to the owner.
2. Multi-Member LLCs: These are typically taxed as partnerships. Like a disregarded entity, the LLC doesn't pay income taxes directly. Instead, it files an informational return on Form 1065.Each member then receives a Schedule K-1 showing their share of the profit or loss, which they report on their personal tax returns.
3. LLCs Electing Corporate Taxation: You can also choose to have your LLC taxed as either a C-Corporation or an S-Corporation.
   
   If you choose to be taxed as a C-Corp, your LLC is subject to corporate tax rates. This means you face double taxation, as profits are then taxed at the individual level.
   
   If you choose S-Corp status, your LLC can enjoy pass-through taxation while potentially saving on self-employment taxes. Only salaries paid to employees (including owner-employees) are subject to FICA, not all your business income.

Each classification has different implications and filing requirements. That's why it's essential for you to choose the option that aligns with your business strategy and financial goals. Consulting with a tax professional would be a huge help with your selection!

Step 2: Obtain an EIN

As of January 1, 2024, obtaining an Employer Identification Number(EIN) is needed for LLCs to file Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) and comply with the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA).

You will also use an EIN for tax filing, opening a business bank account, and hiring employees. The EIN, often referred to as a business's Social Security number, is a unique nine-digit number. It's assigned to you by the IRS after you apply for one.

The good news is that getting an EIN is straightforward. You can apply online through the IRS website. This is the fastest way to get your EIN, as you receive one immediately after you complete the application.

Alternatively, you can apply via fax or mail by filling out Form SS-4.

In both cases, you can expect to provide details about your LLC, such as:

• Business name and address.
• Member information.
• Type of business activity.

There is no fee to apply for an EIN, making it an accessible step for new business owners.

Step 3: Understand Federal Tax Obligations

Your tax obligations at the federal level will vary based on your LLC's tax classification.

Single-member and Multi-member LLCs are treated as disregarded entities and partnerships by default. Income is reported on the members' personal tax returns and is subject to income tax and self-employment tax, which covers FICA taxes (Social Security and Medicare).

If your LLC has employees, you must also collect and pay payroll taxes (which includes FICA). LLCs that elect to be taxed as corporations, either as a C-Corp or an S-Corp, have different federal tax requirements.

C-Corp LLCs pay corporate income tax on profits before any dividends are distributed to members, who then pay income tax on these dividends.

S-Corp LLCs can pay members a reasonable salary, which they pay income tax on when they file their personal tax return. This means that only the salary is subject to self-employment tax. The remaining profits can be distributed as dividends, which are not subject to self-employment tax.

Step 4: File Your Annual Tax Return

Filing your annual tax return is an essential but sometimes overwhelming process for LLCs. You can hire a tax professional to file your taxes for you, but you can also do it yourself if you use the right tax forms and follow the instructions.

The specific form you'll use depends on how your LLC is classified for tax purposes.

Here’s a simple guide (with links to the right IRS forms) to help you navigate the process for each type of LLC.

For Single-Member LLCs:

• Complete Schedule C (Form 1040).

For Multi-Member LLCs:

• Complete Form 1065.

For LLCs Taxed as Corporations:

• File Form 1120 (for S-Corps).

• File Form 1120-S (for S-Corps).

In all cases, each member will need to file a personal income tax return using Form 1040.

Additional Tips:

• Ensure that all information on your forms matches your financial records.
• Keep thorough records (and receipts) of all business transactions throughout the year. This will make the tax filing process smoother.
• Consider using accounting software, especially if your business transactions are complex. If you are not likely to keep up to date with your records, consider hiring a bookkeeper who can do this for you.

Step 5: State and Local Tax Filing Requirements

State and local tax requirements can vary significantly depending on where your business operates.

Every state and locality has its own set of rules about income tax, sales tax, franchise tax, and property taxes that could impact your business.

To manage your state and local tax obligations properly:

1. Identify Specific Requirements. Visit the official state and local government websites where your LLC is registered. They can provide detailed information about the requirements relevant to your business.
2. Consult Local Resources. Check with local chambers of commerce and business bureaus, as they may be able to direct you to necessary tax information.
3. Use Tax Professionals. Consider hiring a local accountant or tax advisor who is familiar with your area’s tax laws. If you operate in multiple states or localities, they can help ensure you're compliant.

Step 6: Keeping Accurate Financial Records

There are many reasons to maintain accurate financial records of your LLC’s income and expenses.

1. Detailed records provide a clear picture of your business’s financial health and are critical during the tax preparation process.
2. Well-organized financial records streamline the tax filing process. When every transaction is properly documented, preparing your tax return becomes more straightforward, reducing the likelihood of errors.
3. If you get audited by the IRS, financial records can justify the deductions and income reported on your tax returns. This keeps your business compliant with tax laws, and can potentially save you from penalties and fines.

Step 7: Utilize Tax Software or Professional Help

For LLC owners, accurately filing taxes can be complex and time-consuming.

That's why we recommend using tax software or hiring a professional accountant to ease some of the burden. After all, you started your business to do the work you love, not get bogged down in accounting quicksand.

The Case For Tax Software: A good program will guide you through the filing process with prompts and checks for common errors. It will help automate calculations, manage deductions, and file electronically. This will ensure your tax returns are complete and accurate, streamlining the entire tax process.

The Case For Hiring A Tax Professional: If you're unfamiliar with tax laws or have a more complex financial situation, consider this route. A professional can offer personalized advice, strategic tax planning, and ensure your LLC complies with federal and state tax regulations. They can handle complicated filings, deal with multiple state taxes, and represent you in case of an audit. True, professional tax preparation is an investment, but it can save you considerable time and protect you from costly mistakes.

Common LLC Tax Deductions

As an LLC owner, you can take advantage of various tax deductions to reduce your taxable income, leading to significant savings.

One of the most common deductions is for business expenses. These are costs directly related to running the business, including office supplies, travel expenses, and marketing costs. To qualify, expenses must be both ordinary (common in your business) and necessary.

Another valuable deduction is the home office deduction (if you use a part of your home exclusively for business). This deduction is based on the size of the space used for business as a percentage of the total home area. You can also deduct related expenses like utilities and internet.

Health insurance premiums offer another deduction for LLC members. If you're self-employed and pay for your health insurance, you can deduct all your premiums, potentially covering your dependents, which can significantly lower your taxable income.

There are so many possible deductions that it would take a novel to list them all here! This is yet another reason why we recommend using software or hiring a professional: maximizing your deductions and getting your taxable income as low as possible.

Quarterly Estimated Taxes

LLCs often need to pay quarterly estimated taxes to the IRS.

This requirement especially applies if your LLCs is treated as a disregarded entity or partnership.

Since these LLCs are a pass-through entity, their income is reported on the owners' personal tax returns, the IRS requires advance payments of expected tax liability.

To calculate your quarterly estimated taxes, you must estimate your annual expected income, factor in deductions and credits. Then you apply the current tax rates to estimate your tax for the year. Divide this total by four to get your quarterly payment amount.

The IRS provides Form 1040-ES to help you calculate these payments. This form includes worksheets that help determine the amount of estimated tax you should pay.

Quarterly Payment Due Dates:

• April 15, June 15, September 15, and January 15 of the following year.

To Make Payments, You Can:

• Mail a check along with the payment voucher from Form 1040-ES.
• Use electronic payment options such as the Electronic Federal Tax Payment System (EFTPS).
• Directly pay from your checking or savings account, or use credit and debit cards.

Consequences of Late or Incorrect Filing

If you don't pay your taxes on time, several consequences can occur:

• Penalties and Interest.
• Increased Fees.
• Liens and Levies.
• Damage to Credit Score.
• Referral to Collections.
• Imprisonment (highly unlikely, but possible).

It's important to address tax issues promptly and contact the IRS to discuss payment plans or other arrangements if you're unable to pay the full amount on time. The IRS often works with taxpayers to set up payment plans to avoid more severe consequences.

Get Through Tax Season (Without The Headache!)

Successfully navigating your tax obligations as an LLC owner requires a good understanding of the basics outlined in this guide.

By staying organized, informed, and proactive about your tax responsibilities, you can avoid common pitfalls and ensure your small business remains in good standing.

Don't wait until the last minute to start your tax preparations. Use this guide to assess your needs, and if necessary, reach out to a professional who can provide assistance tailored to your needs.

For more resources, visit the IRS website or consult a tax professional to help you file your income tax return with confidence.