Florida Corporation Advantages and Disadvantages - In Florida's case, the Legislature earlier this year passed a full sales tax exemption on new manufacturing equipment, it had been only a partial exemption before and approved a sales tax exemption on research and development equipment.
In doing so, Florida joined 36 other states that already have the manufacturing equipment exemption and the other 24 states that have the research and development exemption.
Still, business leaders regard the passage of those measures extremely important to the state's economic growth and its ability to be competitive.
Florida Corporations and other artificial entities, including those located in other states, that are partners in a partnership or members of a joint venture doing business in Florida must file Florida Form F-1120 (Corporate Income/Franchise and Emergency Excise Tax Return). A partnership is required to file a Florida Partnership Information Return (Form F-1065) if it is doing business in Florida and a corporation is one of the partners.
Should I Incoprorate in Florida ?
A corporation, chartered by the state in which it is headquartered, is considered by law to be a unique entity, separate and apart from those who own it. A corporation
can be taxed; it can be sued; it can enter into contractual agreements. The owners of a corporation are its shareholders.
The shareholders elect a board of directors to oversee the major policies and decisions. The corporation has a life of its own and does not dissolve when ownership changes.
Advantages and Disadvantages: Florida Corporation
Advantages of a Corporation
Shareholders have limited liability for the corporation's debts or judgments against the corporations.
Generally, shareholders can only be held accountable for their investment in stock of the company. (Note however, that officers can be held personally liable for their actions, such as the failure to withhold and pay employment taxes.)
Corporations can raise additional funds through the sale of stock.
A corporation may deduct the cost of benefits it provides to officers and employees.
Can elect S Corporation status if certain requirements are met. This election enables company to be taxed similar to a partnership.
A corporation pays 15% federal income tax on taxable income up to $50,000; 25% tax on income from $50,001 - $75,000; 34% tax on income from $75,001 - $100,000; 39% tax on income from $100,001 - $335,000; and 34% tax on income over $335,000.
A sole proprietor who filed a federal income tax return under the status of married, filing jointly, would pay 15% federal income tax on taxable income up to $35,800; 28% tax on income from $35,801 to 86,500; and 31% tax on income over $86,501.
Disadvantages of a Corporation
The process of incorporation requires more time and money than other forms of organization.
Corporations are monitored by federal, state and some local agencies, and as a result may have more paperwork to comply with regulations.
Incorporating may result in higher overall taxes. Dividends paid to shareholders are not deductible form business income, thus this income can be taxed twice.
Federal Tax Forms for Regular or "C" Corporations
Form 1120 or 1120-A: Corporation Income Tax Return
Form 1120-W Estimated Tax for Corporation
Form 8109-B Deposit Coupon
Form 4625 Depreciation
Florida’s Business Tax Climate Ranks 2nd
Florida ranks 2nd in the State Business Tax Climate Index, which measures the impact on business of five major elements of the tax system: the percentage of income taken by all taxes, the individual income tax rates, the corporate income taxes, the sales tax rate, and the complexity of the tax system. Neighboring states ranked as follows: Georgia (20th) and Alabama (16th).
Florida’s State/Local Tax Burden among the Nation’s Lowest
Over the past 14 years, Florida’s tax burden has had one of the nation’s lowest tax burdens. Since 1994, the burden has fallen significantly as individual incomes have risen faster than state/local tax collections. Estimated now at 8.8% of income, Florida’s state/local tax burden percentage is ranked 45th nationally, well below the national average of 10.0%.
