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4 Replies Last post: Aug 3, 2008 2:58 PM by cool1o

Payroll and single owner LLC

Aug 3, 2008 10:53 AM

Click to view cool1o's profile Professional cool1o 3 posts since
Aug 3, 2008
Hello, I om the sole owner of a WA-based LLC. I have a Q for which people have offered different answers.

As the sole owner/operator, do I need to run payroll on myself? As in, do I need to pay payroll taxes, FICA, unemployment tax, etc?

Or can I pay myself simply via the occasional equity distribution.

Thanks!
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Click to view JVCruz's profile Mogul JVCruz 47 posts since
Jul 27, 2008
1. Re: Payroll and single owner LLC Aug 3, 2008 11:10 AM
Hi cool. Do you have an accountant or a lawyer? They would be better suited to answer your questions to your specific needs.

Here's my understanding of it:

There is complexities in how you are operating; as many factors to consider. The IRS doesn't recognize an LLC and will tax you as a sole-proprietor. Did you file with the IRS and elect to be taxed as an S-Corp? Is there any employees? How are you showing money going out of the business? Depending on your situation, electing to the IRS to be taxed as an S-Corp may be advantageous. For more information visit http://www.irs.gov/businesses/small/artic
le/0,,id=98263,00.html

You may also want to check out this link for more info on your situation http://www.irs.gov/faqs/faq12-1.html

I hope I haven't confused you more. Best to seek a professional or check out SCORE. It's free.

Best of Luck.
Click to view cool1o's profile Professional cool1o 3 posts since
Aug 3, 2008
2. Re: Payroll and single owner LLC Aug 3, 2008 12:14 PM
in response to: JVCruz
Hey there, thanks for the reply.

I do have an accountant
I incorporated in WA as LLC
I file taxes on my personal tax schedule E. The IRS does recognize LLCs but allows you to file as a sole prop if the LLC has no members other than oneself and spouse.
I have no employees

Do you know the answer to my Q, given that?

Thanks!
Click to view Lighthouse24's profile Mogul Lighthouse24 2,396 posts since
Oct 10, 2007
3. Re: Payroll and single owner LLC Aug 3, 2008 2:39 PM
in response to: cool1o

If you are engaged in business as a sole proprietor, then you are self-employed. You calculate and pay self-employment tax as part of your estimated quarterly tax payments, and complete/file Form SE with your personal tax return. Hope that helps. Best wishes.
Click to view cool1o's profile Professional cool1o 3 posts since
Aug 3, 2008
4. Re: Payroll and single owner LLC Aug 3, 2008 2:58 PM
in response to: Lighthouse24
That sounds great, thanks!