Should I star an LLC or S-Corp for a House-Flipping Business?

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Should I star an LLC or S-Corp for a House-Flipping Business?

Dennis Soto
Investor · Middlesex, NJ · Member since 2020 · 45 posts · 21 votes

Hello all,

I recently lost my day-job due to COVID-19, and I'm considering going full-time investor in. My strategy is to start a house-flipping business in New Jersey to gain capital and once the house market settles (or I build enough capital) buy-and-flip hold properties that will cashflow substantially. I know that for buy-and-hold properties, the best entity to protect your assets is an LLC. However, I've heard that for short-term RE (such as flips) its best to have an S-Corp entity (for tax purposes).

Is this true? 

Can you please explain why or why not?

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David M.
Morris County, NJ · Member since 2020 · 5k+ posts · 2k+ votes
5y

@Dennis Soto

Of course, consult a professional...

First, a S Corp is a tax status that can be elected by a LLC or a C Corp. A S Corp itself is not a legal entity...

The main advantage of the S Corp is that you can save on self employment taxes. You are required to pay yourself a “reasonable salary. Beyond that, you can take the remainder of your profits as distributions, like a stock dividend, and save yourself on the fica and self employment taxes. However, there is some accounting overhead/charges required with a S Corp so unless you are really making a profit, its not necessarilyworth it.

The issue with flips is the irs considers it earned income subject to self employment taxes and taxed at your ordinary marginal rate. Flipping is NOT investing for tax purposes.

So, probably start with a LLC. If you are really turning good profits and will do so for the foreseeable future, make the S Corp election. You can't just elect and "unelect" the S Corp status Willy-billy...

Make some sense? Good luck.

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  • Edward B.
    Investor · Midlothian, VA · Member since 2015 · 980 posts · 823 votes
    5y

    @Dennis Soto, you really need an accountant that specializes in real estate and understands your tax situation to make a specific recommendations for you. However, in general house flipping is considered earned income, not passive income, so you have to pay FICA and Medicare taxes on it. You can shield yourself from some of those by using an S-Corp. 

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  • Derek Carroll
    Syndicator and Fund Manager · Victor, NY · Member since 2012 · 760 posts · 345 votes
    5y

    my accountant wanted my flips to be in an S corp for active income and all my rentals in LLCs.  reach out to @James Swiech

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  • David M.
    Morris County, NJ · Member since 2020 · 5k+ posts · 2k+ votes
    5y

    @Dennis Soto

    Of course, consult a professional...

    First, a S Corp is a tax status that can be elected by a LLC or a C Corp. A S Corp itself is not a legal entity...

    The main advantage of the S Corp is that you can save on self employment taxes. You are required to pay yourself a “reasonable salary. Beyond that, you can take the remainder of your profits as distributions, like a stock dividend, and save yourself on the fica and self employment taxes. However, there is some accounting overhead/charges required with a S Corp so unless you are really making a profit, its not necessarilyworth it.

    The issue with flips is the irs considers it earned income subject to self employment taxes and taxed at your ordinary marginal rate. Flipping is NOT investing for tax purposes.

    So, probably start with a LLC. If you are really turning good profits and will do so for the foreseeable future, make the S Corp election. You can't just elect and "unelect" the S Corp status Willy-billy...

    Make some sense? Good luck.

    2Reply
  • Basit SiddiqiBusiness Member
    Accountant · New York, NY · Member since 2015 · 8k+ posts · 3k+ votes
    5y

    @Dennis Soto

    Flipping in New Jersey(most parts) may require a lot of capital. Something that may be considered risky if you lost your job recently.

    There are potential tax savings with an S-corp. However, you need to be mindful that there are additional administrative costs for having an S-Corp(Separate tax filing, payroll filing).

    It only makes sense to have an S-corp if the tax savings will be in excess of the admin costs.

    [email protected]917-280-8544
    Basit Siddiqi CPA4.880 Reviews
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