Unless the members of an LLC elect otherwise, the IRS treats an LLC as a pass-through entity for tax purposes. This means that income for LLCs is reported on the personal tax return of the owner or owners, called members. Multiple member LLCs are taxed as partnerships, with each member's individual tax returns reflecting a share of gains or losses of the partnership. An LLC, however, can also elect to be taxed as a corporation.
File profit or loss from business on Schedule C. As a member of an LLC, you must report business income on Schedule C to Form 1040. This form contains lines that help you calculate your profit or loss and deduct appropriate expenses. The final result can be carried over to Form 1040 to help calculate your personal federal income tax liability. If your business is a multi-member LLC, you should receive a Schedule K-1 reporting your share of the profit.
Read More: How to File Taxes for an LLC Company
Report passive income on Schedule E. Supplemental income earned by a single- or multi-member LLC through ownership of real estate or intellectual property can be reported on Schedule E to Form 1040. From rents and royalties received, you can deduct certain expenses listed on the form and calculate either a profit or loss that can be used to complete Form 1040. If your business is a multi-member LLC, you should receive a Schedule K-1 reporting your share of the income.
File Form SE for self-employment tax. Members of an LLC are considered self-employed and must file Form SE to calculate the amount of self-employment tax owed unless their income from the business is less than $400.
File multi-member LLC income on Form 1065. If your business is a multi-member LLC taxed as a partnership, the business itself must report its income on Form 1065. The business's taxes will still be paid by each individual member as reflected on their Schedule K-1 and reported in their individual returns, but this form helps the IRS ensure the business's income is being reported appropriately.
Tips
If your LLC has elected to be taxed as a corporation, the business is its own taxable entity and you do not have to pay self-employment tax as an owner of the company. Other taxes, such as payroll tax, apply. If you are a member of an LLC taxed as a corporation, you report dividends and income from the corporation as capital gains and compensation awarded for services rendered as wages or salary.
References
Writer Bio
Joseph Nicholson is an independent analyst whose publishing achievements include a cover feature for "Futures Magazine" and a recurring column in the monthly newsletter of a private mint. He received a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of Florida and is currently attending law school in San Francisco.