Why S Corporations Aren’t Always a Smart Move (Despite What TikTok Says)

S Corporations are often marketed as a magic tax-saving tool. From viral TikTok videos to well-meaning accountants, it’s easy to get the impression that electing S Corp status is a no-brainer for every small business. But here’s the truth:

The disadvantages of an S Corporation can easily outweigh the benefits — especially if you’re a solo business owner, freelancer, or already have W-2 income.

At AI Tax Consulting PLLC, we help business owners understand both the advantages and S Corporation disadvantages so they can make the right decision — not just the trendy one.

If you’ve spent time on social media or spoken to certain accountants lately, you’ve probably heard this advice:

“Form an S Corp — you’ll save thousands on taxes!”

While this can be true in some cases, what many influencers and even some professionals don’t mention is this:

S Corporations aren’t a good fit for everyone — and in many cases, they can cause more hassle than benefit.

As a licensed CPA serving individuals and small business owners across Stafford, Fredericksburg, and Northern Virginia, I see this mistake often — usually after the paperwork is already filed and the headaches begin. Here’s what you need to know before rushing into an S Corp election.

💼 Quick Recap: What Is an S Corporation?

An S Corporation is a tax status that allows business owners to treat some of their income as a salary (subject to payroll tax) and the rest as distributions (not subject to self-employment tax). You must pay yourself a reasonable salary, file payroll tax returns, and submit a separate business tax return (Form 1120-S).

On paper, this sounds like a tax hack — but in real life, it’s often overhyped or misapplied.

🚩 6 Reasons an S Corp Might Not Be the Best Fit

1. You’re Not Earning Enough Profit

If your net business income is under $50,000–$60,000 per year, any potential self-employment tax savings are usually wiped out by:

• • Payroll setup costs

• • Tax return preparation fees

• • Ongoing bookkeeping

• • Software subscriptions and compliance needs

2. You Already Have W-2 Income

If you’re a business owner with a full-time job elsewhere, forming an S Corp is often not worth it:

• • You’re already paying into Social Security and Medicare through your employer.

• • You may not be generating enough additional income from your side business to justify the cost and complexity of running a corporation.

• • It adds stress and risk with little to no tax savings.

Many W-2 earners are sold on the idea of “extra tax breaks,” but end up with more reporting burdens, IRS scrutiny, and administrative headaches — all for minimal benefit.

3. You’re a Solo Owner Who Doesn’t Operate Like a Corporation

An S Corp comes with legal and operational responsibilities:

• • Running payroll for yourself

• • Keeping business finances and records separate

• • Holding annual meetings (even if you’re the only owner)

• • Following IRS compensation rules

But many solo owners just want to do business — not act like a formal corporation. If you’re not prepared to treat your business that way, an S Corp can backfire.

4. You’ll Face Higher Accounting and Compliance Costs

To stay compliant as an S Corp, you’ll need to:

• • File a separate business tax return (Form 1120-S)

• • Run payroll regularly

• • Keep detailed, audit-ready books

• • Possibly issue yourself a W-2

This often means hiring a bookkeeper, a payroll service, and a CPA. Some accounting firms push S Corps because it increases what they can charge — not necessarily because it benefits you.

5. There Are Penalties If You Don’t Do It Right

Forget to run payroll? Pay yourself too little? Mix funds or miss a tax deadline?

The IRS doesn’t treat S Corps casually. Penalties are real — and reinstating or correcting S Corp mistakes often costs far more than you think.

6. You’re Following Social Media, Not Real Strategy

There’s no shortage of TikTok “tax hacks,” but real tax planning is more than a soundbite. Many of these influencers aren’t licensed, don’t know your full situation, and aren’t the ones cleaning up when something goes wrong.

✅ When S Corps Do Make Sense

An S Corp can be a great tool for the right business:

• • Consistent net income above $75K–$100K/year

• • Owner ready to run payroll and maintain clean books

• • Plans to grow or bring on additional team members

• • Working with a CPA or experienced tax advisor

But even in these cases, it should be part of a personalized strategy — not a one-size-fits-all decision.

⚖️ Final Thoughts

Choosing an S Corp should never be about trends or upsells. At AI Tax Consulting PLLC, we evaluate your income, lifestyle, and business structure to give you clear guidance — no pressure, no sales pitch.

If you’re wondering whether an S Corp makes sense for your situation — or want a second opinion — we’re here to help.

📍Serving Stafford, Fredericksburg, and clients across Virginia and beyond.
📞 Call (703) 501-7090 or Visit our secure client portal portal.aitaxconsulting.com to create your account and schedule your consultation.