What is are a good reason s for using a payroll bank account for payroll that is separated from your operating bank account quizlet?

Whether you work from home or own a multi-million dollar company, there are numerous reasons to separate personal and business finances. Yet, business owners still make the mistake of using a personal bank account for their business.

Although having two bank accounts appears inconvenient, you shouldn't use a personal account for your business finances primarily because it can affect your legal liability.

In fact, one of the first steps to owning a business should be opening a business bank account, in addition to a personal bank account. Most banks now offer free business checking accounts so cost shouldn't be an issue.

Legal Protection

When you set up an LLC or a corporation, one of the primary advantages of doing so is the legal liability protection it affords you.

The bottom line: the courts consider the corporation a separate entity from the individuals who own it. When you do business as a corporation, if the corporation gets sued, your personal assets should be protected from liability, but there are some exceptions.

But, if you mingle your finances, a court can potentially go after the individual running the company because it looks less like you're running a separate entity and more like you and the corporation are one and the same.

Tax Advantages

It doesn't matter if your business is run out of a home office, strictly Web-based, or is a "brick and mortar" location, a separate business account has its advantages. Regardless of whether you set up an LLC, Corporation or Partnership, maintaining a business bank account will help you avoid unnecessary hassles.

For example, using a separate business account makes it much easier come tax time, as you will need to file your business income and expenses separately from your personal transactions. Differentiating personal expenses from business expenses when they are in the same account can be time consuming and cumbersome.

Bryan Greenwood from Washington Mutual Small Business Banking notes, "Keeping separate accounts (business and personal) is always the smart thing to do. Many business owners are so busy starting, running and growing their businesses, it is always better to develop good business habits early, especially when it comes to finances and record keeping."

In addition, the IRS has stringent rules for those who work from home about what can be deducted as "business expenses." If you use your personal account, the IRS may frown upon those deductions, even if they are legitimate business expenses.

Consider Your Credibility

Besides IRS auditing issues, using a business account also adds a note of professionalism to your company. If a client receives a personal check for services rendered, they may not take you as seriously as you would like. However, a professional check from a business account will convey professionalism and, more importantly, confidence.

Added Convenience - the Business Credit Card

One of the best ways to make sure you distinguish between personal and business expenses is by using a separate business credit card. Expense reporting can be a daunting, yet crucial task for small businesses, and credit card statements can be a valuable asset when monitoring business spending.

In addition to the obvious reason of deducting business expenses with ease, using a business credit card gives businesses an additional line of credit that may not be an option from a traditional bank. Not only can businesses extend their cash flow to pay for business supplies, vendor services, and other ongoing payments; business credit cards can be used so that monies do not come out of the business's cash accounts. As soon as a customer pays his or her bill, the credit card bill can be paid.

Many business credit cards also come with business "perks," such as frequent travel discounts, higher credit limits, longer billing cycles, and lower interest rates. For example, the American Express¨ Business Gold Rewards Card is very popular among entrepreneurs. You can earn up to 40,000 bonus membership rewards points during the first year, enough for one round-trip free domestic ticket.

In addition, some business cards give business rewards, such as cash back options on the purchase of office supplies, while others offer flexibility to businesses that may not be offered with a standard, personal credit card. Finally, credit cards have zero liability for fraudulent charges, giving businesses added protection if their credit is used by an unauthorized party.

Processing Credit Cards

With the ability to shop on-line and run in and out of a store in the blink of a Visa swipe, business owners are realizing that customers hardly ever carry cash anymore. So what happens when a potential customer comes into your small business with only a MasterCard, but you only take cash? What if a customer searches for companies on-line with your specific product, but doesn't find you because you lack a Web site with on-line shopping? This is where a reputable Merchant Account Service is key.

A merchant account is a credit card business service set up by a financial institution, allowing businesses to accept credit cards as payment for goods or services. These companies process funds from respective credit card companies and then transfer the collected funds into the business's checking account.

There are two types of merchant accounts: traditional merchant accounts and on-line merchant accounts. Traditional merchant accounts authorize and transmit credit card payments using a credit card machine (swipe terminal), which is installed at the business. Online merchant accounts accept, authorize and process credit card transactions securely over the Internet.

Like any type of business partnership, merchant account providers should be researched thoroughly. The best way to find a suitable merchant account is to shop around and compare merchant accounting service companies, as many of them may try to take advantage of unknowing business owners with hidden fees, such as chargeback, pass through, minimum or termination fees.

Be sure to read any contractual agreement extensively before signing on the dotted line, as some contracts may carry a non-cancellation clause. Be sure to read any contractual agreement extensively before signing on the dotted line, as some contracts may carry a non-cancellation clause.

Setting Up Accounting

Determining whether you will need a business bank account, credit card and merchant account service is imperative, but setting up the accounting for the business is also an important step. You have probably already determined what type of business you will be running, whether it is a corporation, sole proprietorship, or partnership. If not, this must be established, as your business structure will determine which type of accounting will be best suitable for your business' needs.

Once the business structure is established, the next step is to clarify the business' spending requirements. How many checks will you be depositing each week? How many checks are written? Does your company need the ability to deposit large amounts of cash? Is in-person banking a priority or will you be making deposits after hours via an automatic telling machine? These are just some of the questions that need to be answered in order to find out which type of bank accounting is right for you.

With each of the above, finding a reputable company is imperative, whether it is a bank, credit card company or a merchant account. Select a company that is convenient to both your business and your lifestyle. In addition, be sure to choose the most appropriate type of account for your particular business.

Whether you are just starting your business, or have been operating as a sole proprietorship or general partnership, you may be wondering about the advantages of incorporating your business as an S corporation. Many business owners assume it will be too costly or time-consuming — but neither is the case.

What is an S corporation (S corp)?

A corporation is taxed for federal income tax purposes in one of two ways – as a “C corporation” or an “S corporation”.

An S corporation is a corporation that is treated, for federal tax purposes, as a pass-through entity through an election made with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Electing “S corp” status could lead to important tax benefits.

A corporation is created by filing Articles of Incorporation with the Secretary of State or a similar government body. There is no requirement to notify your state of incorporation that your corporation will be an S corporation. This is a tax matter handled by the IRS.

The difference between a C corporation and an S corporation is in how they are taxed under income tax laws. The state corporation laws make no distinction. An S corporation issues stock and is governed as a corporation, with directors, officers, and shareholders who function in the same manner as their C corporation counterparts. The owners (the shareholders) have the same protection from liability as shareholders of a C corporation. An S corporation shareholder’s personal assets, such as personal bank accounts, cannot be seized to satisfy business liabilities.

However, like a sole proprietorship or a partnership, an S corporation passes through most of its income, losses, and deductions to the shareholders. Unlike a C corporation, there is no "double taxation", once at the corporate level and again on the individual shareholder level. Each shareholder is subject to his or her own individual tax rate on the income (or losses) passed through to him or her.

Why is it called an S corporation?

The S corporation derives its name from Subchapter S of the Internal Revenue Code which provides corporations a "tax election" option — a choice on how they want to be taxed. Under Subchapter S, a company elects to pass all its profits to its shareholders directly. (The C corporation gets its name from Subchapter C of the IRC – which is the part of the tax law that corporations will be taxed under unless they make the S corporation election.)

What are the requirements for an S corporation?

To qualify for S corporation status, your corporation must meet the following requirements:

• Be a domestic corporation
• Have only allowable shareholders
• Have no more than 100 shareholders
• Have only one class of stock
• Not be an ineligible corporation such as certain financial institutions, insurance companies, and domestic international sales corporations

To become an S corporation, your corporation must submit Form 2553 Election by a Small Business Corporation signed by all the shareholders.

S corporation advantages: tax benefits and more

The advantages of an S corporation often outweigh any perceived disadvantages. The S corporation structure can be especially beneficial when it comes time to transfer ownership or discontinue the business. These advantages are typically unavailable to sole proprietorships and general partnerships.

S corporation advantages include:

• Protected assets. An S corporation protects the personal assets of its shareholders. Absent an express personal guarantee, a shareholder is not personally responsible for the business debts and liabilities. Creditors cannot pursue the personal assets (house, bank accounts, etc.) of the shareholders to pay business debts. In a sole proprietorship or general partnership, owners and the business are legally considered the same — leaving personal assets vulnerable.
• Pass-through taxation. An S corporation does not pay federal taxes at the corporate level. (Most — but not all — states follow the federal rules. View the Ongoing Corporation Requirements page of our state guides to see if your state recognizes the federal S corporation election.) Any business income or loss is "passed through" to shareholders who report it on their personal income tax returns. This means that business losses can offset other income on the shareholders’ tax returns. This can be extremely helpful in the startup phase of a new business. (A corporation that does not elect S corporation status and accumulates passive income is at risk of being classified as a personal holding company.)
• Tax-favorable characterization of income. S corporation shareholders can be employees of the business and draw salaries as employees. They can also receive dividends from the corporation, as well as other distributions that are tax-free to the extent of their investment in the corporation. A reasonable characterization of distributions as salary or dividends can help the owner-operator reduce self-employment tax liability, while still generating business-expense and wages-paid deductions for the corporation.
• Straightforward transfer of ownership. Interests in an S corporation can be freely transferred without triggering adverse tax consequences. The S corporation does not need to make adjustments to property basis or comply with complicated accounting rules when an ownership interest is transferred.
• Cash method of accounting. C Corporations must use the accrual method of accounting unless they are considered to be “small corporations” and meet the IRS’ gross receipts test. S corporations, however, usually don't have to use the accrual method unless they have inventory.
• Heightened credibility. Operating as an S corporation rather than a sole proprietorship or partnership may help a new business establish credibility with potential customers, employees, vendors, and partners because they see the owners have made a formal commitment to their business. 

An S corporation may have some potential disadvantages, including:

• Formation and ongoing expenses. To operate as an S corporation, you must first incorporate your business by filing Articles of Incorporation with your desired state of incorporation, obtaining a registered agent for your company, and paying the appropriate fees. Many states also impose ongoing fees, such as annual report and/or franchise tax fees. Although these fees usually are not expensive and can be deducted as a cost of doing business, they are expenses that a sole proprietor or general partnership will not incur.
• Tax qualification obligations. Mistakes regarding the various election, consent, notification, stock ownership, and filing requirements can accidentally result in the termination of S corporation status and result in the corporation being a taxpaying entity under Subchapter C. Although this is relatively rare, and usually can be remedied easily, it is still an issue that is not a factor with other pass-through tax classifications.
• Calendar year. An S corporation must adopt a calendar year as its tax year unless it can establish a business purpose for having a fiscal year.
• Stock ownership restrictions. An S corporation can have only one class of stock, although it can have both voting and non-voting shares. Therefore, there can’t be different classes of investors who are entitled to different dividends or distribution rights. Also, there cannot be more than 100 shareholders. Foreign ownership is prohibited, as is ownership by certain types of trusts and other entities.
• Closer IRS scrutiny. Because amounts distributed to a shareholder can be dividends or salary, the IRS scrutinizes payments to make sure the characterization conforms to reality. As a result, wages may be recharacterized as dividends, costing the corporation a deduction for compensation paid. Conversely, dividends may be recharacterized as wages, which subjects the corporation to employment tax liability.
• Less flexibility in allocating income and loss. Because of the one-class-of-stock restriction, an S corporation cannot allocate losses or income to specific shareholders. Allocation of income and loss is governed by stock ownership, unlike partnerships or LLCs taxed as partnerships where the allocation can be set in the partnership agreement or operating agreement. (Note: C corporation shareholders ordinarily can't deduct any losses at all, unless their stock becomes worthless or is sold at a loss.)
• Taxable fringe benefits. Most fringe benefits provided by the corporation are taxable as compensation to employee-shareholders who own more than 2 percent of the corporation.

What is the difference between an S corp and a C corp?

The difference between an S corporation and a C corporation is in how they are taxed under the Internal Revenue Code. A C corporation is the standard (or default) corporation under IRS rules. It is a separate taxable entity. A C corporation files its own income tax return and pays taxes on its income at the federal corporate income tax rate. All corporations are taxed as C corporations unless the corporation makes an election to be taxed as an S corporation.

An S corporation is a corporation that has elected a special tax status with the IRS. An S corporation is not a separate taxable entity. It files an information return but not an income tax return. The corporation’s income, losses, and other tax items pass through to its shareholders, who pay their share of the corporation’s profits on their personal income tax return at the personal income tax rate.

To learn more about the two ways a corporation’s income can be taxed read Compare S corporation vs. C corporation.

Do you know about LLCs and S corp elections?

To take advantage of the structural benefits of an LLC combined with the taxation benefits of an S Corp, you can establish your business entity as an LLC and then make the election to have it be treated as an S corporation by the IRS for income tax purposes. However, regardless of how an LLC is taxed (and it can be taxed in the same manner as an S corporation, C corporation, sole proprietorship, or general partnership), it is still an LLC. Its tax classification has no effect on its entity status – it’s still an LLC. Read more about LLCs electing S corp tax status.

How to form an S corporation

To form an S corp, you must first form a corporation by preparing and filing Articles of Incorporation or a Certificate of Incorporation with the proper state authorities. You must also pay filing fees and any applicable initial franchise taxes or other fees. The type and amount of information required in the incorporation documents varies by state.

After your Articles of Incorporation are filed, you need to file Form 2553 with the IRS to elect S corporation status for your company. With BizFilings’ Basic and Standard Incorporation Services, we will provide Form 2553 to you for you to finalize and submit to the IRS. Our Complete Incorporation Service includes an S Corporation Obtainment Service, where we interact with the IRS on your behalf to obtain S corporation status for your company.

Additionally, your S corporation must hold an organizational meeting (initial meeting of directors) where you adopt bylaws and undertake other initial corporate actions (such as appointing officers and approving a resolution to open a business bank account). You should distribute stock certificates to shareholders and record these transactions in the company’s stock transfer ledger. The actions of the organizational meeting should be documented and kept along with the Articles of Incorporation and bylaws in a corporate record book.

For specific questions on which business structure and tax classification are best for your particular situation, it is best to consult an attorney or accountant.

Start your S corp today

BizFilings can help you quickly form an S corporation in three easy steps. Get your S corp started today and explore our flexible packages and tools for forming your business with the state, keeping your business compliant, and fulfilling additional state and federal requirements.

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