Перейти к основному содержимому

Сравнение

S-Corp vs C-Corp

Краткий ответ

An S-Corp is a pass-through entity that avoids corporate-level federal tax but has strict eligibility rules (max 100 shareholders, US citizens/residents only, one class of stock). A C-Corp pays corporate tax at the entity level but has no ownership restrictions, can issue multiple share classes, and is the only structure that can raise venture capital. For most early-stage companies seeking institutional funding, C-Corp is the default; for profitable small businesses with no VC ambitions, S-Corp can reduce self-employment taxes.

James Chae

Автор Джеймс Чэ — Сооснователь, Expert Sapiens

Korean Licensed Administrative Attorney (행정사)Reg. No. 220-06-06463 · 대한행정사회

Экспертиза платформы: Бизнес-стратегия и консалтинг · Проверено июнь 2026

Ключевые отличия

Tax treatmentS-CorpPass-through — profits taxed on shareholders' personal returnsC-CorpEntity-level corporate tax + shareholder dividend tax (double taxation)
Ownership restrictionsS-CorpMax 100 shareholders, US citizens/residents only, one share classC-CorpNo restrictions — unlimited shareholders, foreign investors, multiple share classes
Venture capitalS-CorpCannot accept VC — investors require preferred stockC-CorpStandard structure for VC-backed companies
Self-employment taxS-CorpOwner-employees pay SE tax only on salary, not distributionsC-CorpOwner-employees pay payroll taxes on salary; dividends not subject to SE tax
Fringe benefitsS-CorpOwner-employees (>2% shareholders) pay tax on most fringe benefitsC-CorpOwner-employees can receive tax-free fringe benefits
Formation stateS-CorpAny state; often Delaware for credibilityC-CorpDelaware overwhelmingly preferred for VC, M&A, and litigation predictability
ComplexityS-CorpAnnual S-Corp election (Form 2553), strict compliance requiredC-CorpBoard meetings, resolutions, cap table management required

Когда выбрать S-Corp

  • You are a profitable small business owner who wants to reduce self-employment taxes on distributions above your salary
  • You have no plans to raise institutional venture capital
  • Your ownership group is under 100 US-person shareholders with no plans to bring in foreign investors
  • You want pass-through taxation without the restrictions of a partnership structure
  • You are converting from a sole proprietorship or LLC and want a corporate structure with tax efficiency

Когда выбрать C-Corp

  • You plan to raise venture capital or angel investment now or in the future
  • You want to issue preferred stock, convertible notes, or SAFEs — all of which require C-Corp
  • You have foreign founders, employees with options, or plan to bring in non-US investors
  • You are building toward an IPO or large acquisition where C-Corp is standard
  • You want to retain earnings in the company to fund growth without triggering personal income tax

Что выбрать?

If there is any realistic chance you will raise institutional capital, use a Delaware C-Corp from day one — converting later is expensive and creates tax complexity. If you are building a profitable lifestyle business or professional practice with no VC ambitions, an S-Corp election can meaningfully reduce your tax burden. Consult a CPA and business attorney before choosing — the decision has multi-year tax and legal consequences.

Типичная стоимость

Почасовая ставка

$150–$500/hr

Существенно варьируется в зависимости от опыта и специализации

За сессию

$200–$800

За структурированную стратегическую или консультационную сессию продолжительностью 60–90 минут

Ежемесячный ретейнер

$3,000–$15,000/month

Для постоянного стратегического консультирования или дробных руководящих ролей