What is LLC Pass-Through Taxation? How Does it Work?

In recent years, Limited Liability Corporations (LLCs) have gained considerable popularity as an advantageous and flexible business structure for both entrepreneurs and small business owners. One of the key benefits associated with an LLC is the option for pass-through taxation, which allows the enterprise’s income to “pass-through” to its owners or members, allowing these individuals to report both profits and losses on personal tax returns.

In this article, we will examine the different types of LLCs, the concept of pass-through taxation, and describe how it works, whether you operate an LLC in Texas, California, or any other state.

Understanding The Different Types of LLCs

Before performing a deep dive into pass-through taxation, let’s first discuss the varied classifications of LLCs related to tax purposes.

By default, an LLC with a single member or owner is considered a “disregarded entity” for tax purposes by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), which means that the person in charge reports the business’s income and expenses on Schedule C of their individual tax return.

Conversely, an LLC with multiple members or owners is generally classified as a partnership for tax purposes, requiring the LLC to file an informational tax return on Form 1065. However, the LLC doesn’t actually pay any taxes as an entity. Instead, the LLC will issue a Schedule K-1 to each owner, showing their share of the business’s profits and losses.

What is Pass-Through Taxation, Exactly?

Firstly, while pass-through taxation can apply to LLCs, it is not exclusive to the business structure. Indeed, other types of business entities, such as partnerships and S corps, can take advantage of this approach as well. It is a method different from the taxing of traditional C corporations, where the business itself is subject to corporate income tax, and the owners and shareholders are taxed on any dividends they receive.

For the sake of this article, and in the case of an LLC, pass-through taxation enables the company to avoid being taxed twice. The LLC does not pay federal income tax at the entity level. Instead, income, deductions, and credits of the LLC pass through to the owners. This allows the owners to only be taxed once at their individual tax rates.

The Pass-Through Taxation Process: How it Works

Here is the journey of both income and deductions as it relates to an LLC and pass-through taxation:

• Income: When income is earned through selling products or services, the revenue is received by the LLC. You can calculate the EBITDA as well.
• Profit and loss allocation: The business’s operating agreement determines how profits and losses are shared by members. Typically, this is based on ownership percentage or some other specification in the agreement.
• Schedule K-1: At the end of each tax year, the business (or its tax preparer) creates and files an informational tax return on Form 1065, which includes a Schedule K-1 for each owner. This document outlines the individual’s share of profits, losses, deductions, and credits.
• Individual tax return reporting: Each owner receives their Schedule K-1 and then uses this form to prepare their individual tax return, using a Schedule E (Supplemental Income and Loss).
• Tax liability: Finally, it is the individual tax return of the owner that determines their tax liability, which is based on their total income and tax rate.

Benefits of Pass-Through Taxation

There are multiple benefits of pass-through taxation to owners of LLCs, including:

• Double taxation is avoided. Unlike a traditional corporation, where profits are taxed on the corporate and individual levels, an LLC and its ownership do not experience this.
• Tax planning opportunities abound. The owners of an LLC have the ability to take advantage of certain types of deductions as well as tax credits on the individual level. In turn, this might reduce overall tax liability and money owed.
• Flexibility. Since profits and losses are allocated among LLC owners, a fair distribution of tax obligations is allowed based on the percentage of the individual’s business.

Are There Any Downsides?

The following points aren’t outright negatives; they are simply something an LLC owner must be aware of. Realize that as the owner of an LLC, you may be subject to the following:

• Self-employment taxes. Any LLC owner who actively participates in the business could be subject to paying self-employment taxes on their share of the company’s profits. Ultimately, these taxes fund Social Security and Medicare. As such, an LLC owner must engage in careful tax planning and consult a trusted tax advisor to ensure they do not face a large bill at tax time.
• State taxation. Pass-through taxation only exists consistently at the federal level. Depending on the state an LLC operates in as well as where an owner lives, different tax laws may apply. Therefore, once again, consulting with a tax professional is essential to ensure specific requirements and state-specific obligations are met.

Learn More About Pass-Through Taxation

As you set up your business entity or make the decision to become an owner of an LLC, it is wise to learn about pass-through taxation and how it could impact your individual tax situation. Consult with a trusted financial or tax advisor to learn how it affects your personal and professional endeavors.

Amanda E. Clark is a contributing writer to LLC University. She is a graduate of Eastern Michigan University and holds degrees in Journalism, Political Science, and English. She became a professional writer in 2008 and has led marketing and advertising initiatives for several Fortune 500 companies. She has appeared as a subject matter expert on panels about content and social media marketing. She regularly leads seminars and training sessions on trends and tactics in professional writing.