Monday, June 21, 2010

What is an "S" Corporation?

An S Corporation is a form of business classified for federal income tax purposes as a corporation that has elected to be taxed as a pass-through entity, in a manner similar to a partnership or sole proprietor.  Unlike a regular corporation, or a C corporation, an S corporation (both names derive from sections of the Internal Revenue Code) generally is not subject to federal income tax.  Instead its income is reported on the tax returns of its shareholders, and they have the responsibility for paying the tax.  If there are losses suffered by the corporation, they also pass through and are reported on the shareholders’ income tax returns.
               Because only the shareholders, not the corporation, are taxed, S corporations avoid the problem of double taxation associated with C corporations.  This is the biggest draw for creating an S corporation, particularly for closely held corporations.
               Shareholders in an S corporation, like shareholders in a C corporation, generally have limited liability arising from corporate matters, even though they pay taxes as if they were partners or sole proprietors.  In addition, when the corporation is eventually sold, there can be reduced taxable gains, as compared with the sale of a business operating as a C corporation.
               On the downside, the limitation on classes of stock in an S corporation provides less control over the company and the value of its stock.  Potential outside investors likely will not be attracted by the pass-through tax characteristics of an S corporation, nor by the limit on the number of shareholders.  Although corporate taxes are avoided, there is still a requirement for filing an informational tax return every year for a corporation with more than one owner.  Finally, if avoiding formalities is an important consideration, it should be noted that, like any other corporation, an S corporation must follow the requirements for having regular meetings and keeping company minutes. 
               The balancing of the advantages and drawbacks of S corporation status in any given case is sufficiently complex that it is advisable to seek professional advice before making this important choice.  

Note: This article provided by Craig Welscher a Houston, TX based attorney. You can contact Craig through www.welscherlaw.com

Sunday, June 20, 2010

Document My Systems?.....Which Systems?

Recently I wrote a post about how businesses should document their systems to improve their profits and value.

I received some feedback that went something like this..

"Which systems, there are a million systems in my business!"

Well, you're correct. Even a small business has many different systems. How you answer the phone, how to install the widget, how to log into your QuickBooks, it goes on and on.

So where should you start?

My advice is to make your first written/documented system the one that is most critical to the success of your business. That means you can rule out how to log on to your computer, how to check voice mail, how to refill the paper in the copier.

Here are some examples of critical systems for various businesses:
  • If you have a staffing firm you need a great system for interviewing potential hires.
  • If you  have an auto repair shop you need a great system for diagnosing car problems.
  • If you own an ice cream store you need a system to make sure the ice cream temperature is always perfect.
What's the most critical system for your business? You'll need to decide, then write it down, diagram it, draw it... do whatever you need to do to make sure that someone can do it if you're on a sail boat in the middle of the ocean.

If it's in your head it's only useful to you, if it's documented it's valuable.