California · Business structure
S-Corp Election Assistance
An S-corp election can save a profitable owner real money in self-employment tax. In California it can also cost you more than it saves.
- IRS fee
- Free
- CA franchise tax
- 1.5% of net income
- Minimum
- $800
- Deadline
- Strict
The S-corp election is the most over-recommended move in small business. It can be excellent, and it is frequently sold to people it will not help.
How the saving actually works
An LLC's profit is generally subject to self-employment tax. Elect S-corp treatment and the owner takes a reasonable salary, with remaining profit distributed without that tax. The saving comes from that split — which means it only exists if profit is comfortably above a reasonable salary for the work.
What California does to the maths
- California taxes S-corp net income at 1.5%, with an $800 minimum
- You now run payroll, which means a payroll provider and filings
- Tax preparation costs more, because there's a separate return
- Set the salary too low and you invite an IRS challenge
Add those up and there is a profit level below which the election costs more than it saves. We work out where that line sits for you before filing anything.
Deadlines
Form 2553 has strict timing relative to your tax year. Miss it and relief is available in some circumstances, but it is easier to be on time. If you've already missed the window, tell us — late election relief is often still possible.
GERC fee
$299
one-time · no IRS fee
- A straight answer on whether the election saves you money at your income
- Form 2553 prepared and filed within the IRS deadline
- Late election relief prepared where you've missed the window
- Reasonable compensation requirements explained before you elect
- California franchise tax consequences laid out in numbers
- Coordination with your CPA, or a referral if you don't have one
The IRS charges nothing to file Form 2553. Our fee covers the analysis and the filing.
Build your quote Call (909) 454-707650% to start, balance on delivery.
Questions
What people ask about S-corp election.
Will an S-corp election save me money?
It depends on your profit, a reasonable salary for your role, and your payroll and accounting costs. We run the numbers before filing.
What does California charge?
1.5% of S-corp net income, with an $800 minimum franchise tax — on top of anything you'd already owe.
What is reasonable compensation?
A salary comparable to what someone would be paid to do your job. Setting it artificially low is the most common audit trigger.
I missed the deadline. Is it too late?
Often not. Late election relief exists in defined circumstances and we prepare the request.
Do I still need a CPA?
Yes, for tax filing and payroll. We prepare and file the election and coordinate with them — we don't give tax advice.
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