LLC vs S-Corp Tax Comparison Calculator
Compare tax liability as an LLC vs S-Corp. See how much you can save on self-employment tax with an S-Corp election.
LLC Total Tax
$25,745.30
S-Corp Total Tax
$21,340.20
Annual S-Corp Savings
$4,405.10
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Gross Business Income | $100,000.00 |
| LLC | S-Corp | |
| SE Tax / FICA | $14,129.55 | $9,180.00 |
| Federal Income Tax | $11,615.75 | $12,160.20 |
| State Income Tax | $0.00 | $0.00 |
| Total Tax | $25,745.30 | $21,340.20 |
| Net Take-Home | $74,254.70 | $78,659.80 |
S-Corp Breakdown
| Reasonable Salary | $60,000.00 |
| Distributions | $40,000.00 |
| FICA on Salary (employer + employee) | $9,180.00 |
Electing S-Corp status could save you approximately $4,405.10/year in self-employment taxes. This assumes IRS accepts your reasonable salary of $60,000.00. Consult a CPA for your specific situation.
Use the LLC vs S-Corp Tax Comparison Calculator above to calculate your results. Enter your values and see instant results — all calculations run in your browser.
Disclaimer: This calculator is for informational purposes only and does not constitute tax, financial, or legal advice. Results are estimates based on the information you provide and current rates. Always consult a qualified tax professional or financial advisor for advice specific to your situation.
How It Works
This calculator compares the total tax burden between LLC and S-Corporation structures for business owners, helping determine which entity type provides better tax savings. For 2026, the comparison becomes especially critical as business owners face self-employment tax rates of 15.3% on LLC profits versus potential payroll tax savings through S-Corp reasonable salary requirements.
The calculator computes total taxes by adding income tax and self-employment tax for LLCs, then compares this to S-Corp income tax plus payroll taxes on reasonable salary plus income tax on remaining distributions. It factors in the 2026 tax brackets, standard deductions, and applies the 20% Section 199A deduction where applicable for both entity types.
Remember that S-Corps require reasonable salary payments to owner-employees, typically 40-60% of profits depending on industry and involvement level. The calculator assumes optimal tax planning strategies, but actual results depend on state taxes, fringe benefits, and administrative costs that vary by entity type.
Consulting Business with $120,000 Annual Profit
- 1 A single consultant generates $120,000 in business profit and needs to compare LLC versus S-Corp taxation, assuming a reasonable S-Corp salary of $60,000 (50% of profits).
- 2 LLC total tax: $120,000 profit minus $24,000 Section 199A deduction equals $96,000 taxable income, resulting in $15,389 income tax plus $16,956 self-employment tax for $32,345 total.
- 3 S-Corp calculation: $60,000 salary generates $4,590 payroll taxes plus $9,169 income tax, while the $60,000 distribution (after Section 199A deduction) adds $7,200 income tax.
- 4 S-Corp total tax of $20,959 versus LLC total of $32,345 shows potential annual savings of $11,386, though this must be weighed against S-Corp compliance costs and payroll processing requirements.
Source: IRS — Small Business & Self-Employed · Last updated: April 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
When does it make sense to elect S-Corp status?
How much can I save on self-employment tax with an S-Corp?
What are the downsides of S-Corp election?
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