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Maryland S Corporation |
- The independent life of the corporation makes possible its continuation, and the relatively undisturbed continued operation of the business regardless of incapacity or death of one or more stockholders.
- Fractional ownership shares are easily accommodated in the initial offering of stock.
- The purchase, sale, and gifting of stock make it possible to have changes in ownership without disturbing the corporation's ability to conduct business.
- The requirement that the corporation's finances and records be separate from the finances and records of stockholders reduces the risk of unrecognized equity liquidations.
- With only a few exceptions, under the Subchapter S election for taxation as a partnership the S corporation pays no income taxes and corporation income or loss is passed through direct to the stockholders.
- To the extent the corporate shield is maintained and other investments and savings of the stockholders are not at risk, the personal life of stockholders is simplified.
- The annual meetings of stockholders and consultations with legal counsel can provide stimulus for improved communication within the stockholder group (often a family group) and can provide more comprehensive guidance for management.
- Depending on the corporation's business record and the policies and practices of prospective lenders, access to credit and the ability to secure needed resources may be improved.
- Earnings representing "return on investment" (interest, rental payments, etc.) are not subject to self-employment tax as long as stockholder-employees receive adequate compensation for labor and management of the business.
Disadvantages of the S Corporation:
- Lenders may require personal guarantees from corporate officers as a condition of supplying credit, thus negating the limitation of liability.
- Conflicts or disagreements among the stockholders may immobilize decision making.
- Restrictions on the sale of stock and/or buy-back agreements included in the bylaws may prevent minority stockholders from being able to recover the value of their investment in the corporation.
- Through the processes of gifting and inheritance, stock ownership can become divided among many persons who are not active in the business and they may become a voting block that does not support needs and decisions believed desirable by managing stockholders.
- Over time, corporation paid benefits for stockholder-employees may become costly and exceed the ability of the business to pay.
- Employment benefits such as life insurance, health insurance, and housing costs are taxable income to stockholder employees with 2 percent or more stock ownership and to employees who are directly related to persons owning 2 percent or more of the corporation stock.
- If appreciated assets are owned by the corporation and the corporation is dissolved, significant income taxes on the appreciation amount will be generated.
Maryland’s Business Tax Climate Ranks 29th
Maryland's 2007 Business Tax Climate Ranks 29th Maryland ranks 29th in the Tax Foundation'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. Neighboring states ranked as follows: Delaware (9th), Pennsylvania (22nd), West Virginia (34th) and Virginia (13th).Maryland’s State/Local Tax Burden Slightly Below National Average
For most of the past 14 years, Maryland has consistently had a slightly below average state/local tax burden. Estimated in 2004 at 9.9% of income, Maryland’s state/local tax burden percentage stands at 24th nationally, just below the national average of 10.0%.
Maryland’s Individual Income Tax System
Maryland’s personal income tax system consists of four separate brackets with a top rate of 4.75% kicking in at an income level of $3,000. That top rate ranks 3rd lowest among states levying an individual income tax. Maryland’s 2002 individual income tax collections were $863 per person (ranked 12th highest nationally).
Maryland’s Corporate Income Tax System
Maryland's corporate tax structure consists of a flat rate of 7% on all corporate income. Among states levying corporate income taxes, Maryland's rate ranks 24th highest nationally. In 2004, Maryland's corporate tax collections reached $102 per capita, which ranked the state 15th highest nationally.
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