Ohio S-Corporation Taxes 2023 - 2024

If you are thinking of setting up an Ohio S corporation, it is important to understand what business taxes your company will be paying in the state. Unlike many other states, Ohio does not have a specific S corp tax but does impose a commercial activity tax (CAT) on gross receipts. CAT applies to most businesses, including those that are organized as C corporations or S corporations. You can elect to become an S corporation at any time, even after the corporation is initially chartered as a C corporation.

The advantage of an S corporation is that it does not pay income tax at the federal level. Instead, corporate income passes through to shareholders based on their percentage of ownership. This is similar to the process that is used by LLCs, partnerships and sole proprietorships. Shareholders can then report their shares of income and loss on their individual tax returns and pay tax at the personal rate.

While deciding on the best structure for your Ohio S corporation, discussing business taxation with your accountant or other professional is also a good idea. It is important to know exactly how and when your company will be taxed, as various factors can influence your decision. In addition, you should be aware that, with few exceptions, all Ohio-chartered businesses are required to pay sales and use tax as well as federal income tax.

What is an S Corp?

It’s important to note that an S corporation isn’t a type of business structure. An S corporation is a tax designation that can be chosen by LLCs and C corporations. It allows for pass-through taxation, whereby the company’s income or loss is reported on shareholders’ individual tax returns.

To qualify for an S corp election, your business must have more than 100 shareholders and meet other requirements. There are also several filing fees associated with forming an S corp, including the fee for submitting your Articles of Organization and the IRS Form 2553. These fees vary by state, so check your state’s fee schedule before committing to an S corp.

Ohio C Corporations Tax

Whether your Ohio S corporation is an established business or a new startup, you need to stay aware of state-specific tax policies. Maintaining compliance can help safeguard your company’s reputation and reap its long-term benefits. The best way to do this is to ensure that you file all required federal and state taxes on time. In addition, you should be prepared to adapt to changing policies. You can also keep your Ohio S corporation compliant by maintaining accurate company records, holding annual shareholder meetings, and submitting all necessary documents and payments.

All Ohio C corporations must pay a commercial activity tax on gross receipts. This tax is a percentage of your taxable income and can vary widely. It is important to consult with a professional tax preparer to ensure that you’re paying the correct amount of CAT. If your Ohio S corporation has a net loss, you can use the full or partial loss carryforward to reduce your CAT. You can also use the Ohio income tax credit to reduce your CAT. You can find this credit on page 4 of Ohio form IT 1040. If you’re a shareholder who earns a salary or wages from your Ohio S corporation, you must pay self-employment tax on that amount. This is a separate tax from your regular corporation income tax. This tax is used to fund Social Security and Medicare for individuals.