How to Change LLC to S-Corporation

Editor's note: This post was originally published September 20, 2021 and has been updated for accuracy, comprehensiveness and freshness on June 12, 2026.

By default, single member limited liability companies (LLCs) are taxed as disregarded entities, which means the business doesn’t get taxed: you do as the owner. This can offer flexibility while you’re a sole proprietor, but reporting everything on your personal return can be burdensome as your business grows.

What is one of the primary benefits of designating an LLC as an S-Corp? Taxes. S-Corp members can treat some of the business’s income in a way that isn’t subject to FICA self-employment tax. It’s also a helpful tax designation when you have employees.

Switching an LLC from a disregarded entity to S-Corp tax status is straightforward, but there are many steps, and you should have a lawyer review your existing documents first as there are steps required with the IRS and to your legal documents.

LLC as a disregarded entity vs. LLC as an S-Corp

Both disregarded entities and corporations are types of entity structures that shield owners from business liabilities. However, there are notable differences in how each company is owned and managed.

When forming an LLC as a disregarded entity, a business can have as many members as it chooses. S-Corp members must be individuals and must not be nonresident aliens.  

Although both disregarded entities and S-corps are pass-through tax entities, there are additional benefits for going with an S-Corp. This is because S-Corp owners are only taxed on wages paid by the company, not on dividends they earn. 

How to elect to have an LLC taxed as an S-Corp

If you are converting your tax classification to an S Corp from something else, you'll need to file IRS Form 2553 before March 15th for the change to go into effect that same year. Newly formed LLCs must elect S-Corp classification within 2 months and 15 days from your formation date.  This is a good time to seek the advice of a LegalShield® provider lawyer or CPA.

After IRS approval, your business remains an LLC under state law but is taxed as an S-Corp at the federal level. If you are the owner of an LLC designated as an S-Corp, you will need to take a reasonable salary and will be subject to payroll taxes.

When you should make the switch to an S-Corp

Switching to S-Corp tax treatment might make sense for your business when it reaches a level of profitability where employment taxes cut sharply into your earnings. Beyond the tax treatment, you might also want to consider a change for these reasons:

• You want to legally reduce self-employment tax exposure
• You are comfortable running payroll and filing corporate tax returns
• Your ownership structure meets IRS S-Corp eligibility requirements
• You plan to reinvest profits or distribute earnings in a tax-efficient way

Choose a LegalShield Membership for business management legal advice 

You should get legal help when setting up a business as early as possible, and if you’re still considering whether to be taxed as a disregarded entity or an S-Corp, it's time to explore a LegalShield Plan. Reach out to get affordable advice through a LegalShield Business Plan.