Indiana Corporation
Advantages and Disadvantages

Indiana Corporation - Articles of Incorporation must be drafted and submitted to the Indiana Secretary of State, Corporations Division. Once articles of incorporation have been successfully filed, your Indiana Corporation has been formed and this begins its existence as a Indiana corporate entity.

Should I form a Indiana Corporation?

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 - Indiana 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

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Indiana's 2008 Business Tax Climate Ranks 12th

Indiana ranks 12th in the nation's State Business Tax Climate Index. The Index compares the states in five areas of taxation that impact business: corporate taxes; individual income taxes; sales taxes; unemployment insurance taxes; and taxes on property, including residential and commercial property. The ranks of neighboring states were as follows: Michigan (29th), Illinois (28th), Kentucky (36th), and Ohio (46th).

Indiana's Individual Income Tax System

Indiana's personal income tax system consists of a flat 3.4% rate on federal adjusted gross income (AGI). That rate ranks 3rd lowest among states levying an individual income tax. Indiana's 2005 individual income tax collections were $768 per person, which ranked 25th highest nationally.

Indiana's Corporate Income Tax System

Indiana's corporate tax structure consists of a flat rate of 8.5% on all corporate income. Among states levying corporate income taxes, Indiana's top rate ranks 13th highest nationally. In 2006, state-level corporate tax collections (excluding local taxes) were $165.34 per capita, ranking the state 17th highest among states that tax corporate income.

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