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Maine Corporation
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- 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 electS 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
Maine’s Business Tax Climate Ranks 42nd
Maine ranks 42nd 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: New Hampshire (5th) and Massachusetts (33rd).
Maine’s State/Local Tax Burden Second Highest in the Nation
For the past 14 years, Maine has consistently had one of the nation’s highest tax burdens. Estimated in 2004 at 12.3% of income, Maine’s state/local tax burden percentage remains the second highest nationwide, well above the national average of 10.0%.
Maine’s Individual Income Tax System
Maine’s personal income tax system consists of four brackets with top rate of 8.5% kicking in at an income level of $16,699. This top rate ranks the state 5th highest among states levying personal income taxes. Maine’s 2002 individual income tax collections were $828 per person (ranked 13th highest nationally).
Maine’s Corporate Income Tax System
Maine’s corporate tax structure consists of four brackets with a top rate of 8.93% kicking in at an income level of $250,000. Among states levying corporate income taxes, Maine’s top rate ranked 11th highest. Despite this, in 2001, corporate tax collections reached $75 per capita, ranked 31st nationally.
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