Just started an LLC, can I change tax election? (Disregard to S)

[Michael Gayer Jr]

Aloha Investors,

I have a Tax Question ...

I just started an LLC on November 16. Can I change tax election? Change from Disregarded to S-Corp. I haven't done any transactions yet.

Thank you in advance,
Mike

[Patti Robertson]

I'm not a CPA, but my CPA has filed several elections for me, including the one you mentioned above. My situation is unique because of the diversity of businesses I'm in. The benefit for me was cashflow. The S-Corp election allowed us to pay our taxes through payroll, eliminating the requirement to pay estimated taxes when the income was earned. As long as the taxes get filed by the end of the year, I avoid the penalty of not paying on time that I would have if I filed as an LLC. For most people this would be a terrible idea, because most people don't have the discipline to hold the tax money. For us, at the time, we had a seasonal business that collected all the annual income in a 3 month time frame, so it was beneficial. It gave us the use of the tax money throughout the year - basically an interest free loan to ourselves.

As with all tax questions - consult with a qualified CPA or enrolled agent.