Could an S-corp election save you tax?
An LLC taxed as an S-corp pays payroll tax only on your salary, not on distributions. Enter your annual profit and a reasonable salary to estimate the self-employment tax you might save.
This assumes $60,000 is taken as an S-corp distribution, which is not subject to the 15.3% FICA/self-employment tax.
This is a rough estimate, not tax advice. It models only the 15.3% self-employment/FICA tax (12.4% Social Security up to the $176,100 2025 wage base, plus 2.9% Medicare). It does not account for income tax, the QBI deduction, the deductible half of SE tax, state taxes, the Additional Medicare Tax, or the added cost of running payroll and filing an 1120-S. The IRS requires S-corp owners to pay themselves a reasonable salary for their work — setting it artificially low is an audit risk. An S-corp election generally only makes sense once profits comfortably exceed a reasonable salary. Always consult a qualified CPA or tax professional before electing.
A calculator is a starting point. Westmark forms your LLC correctly and keeps it compliant — filing, EIN, operating agreement, registered agent, and a compliance calendar, handled end to end.