Questions

How do I file taxes on my single member LLc when it’s unprofitable but I’ve transfer $ to my biz account to pay for biz expenses?

My single member LLC has been active since June 2023. During that time, I opened a business account and I transferred $1k to it from my personal account to pay for business related expenses. To this day, I’ve spent $400 from that $1k to get this business started. Unfortunately I haven’t made any money on the business. How does this translate to my taxes due in 2024?

2answers

Here's how you would handle filing taxes for your single-member LLC in this situation:

Even though your LLC has not made a profit, you still need to file a Schedule C with your personal 1040 tax return to report the business activity.

On Schedule C, report the $1,000 transfer from your personal account as "gross receipts.". This represents the money brought into the business.

Claim the $400 you spent on business expenses as deductions on Schedule C. Common deductible startup expenses include things like marketing, website development, supplies, etc. Keep records of all expenses.

The $1,000 transfer and $400 in expenses will net $600 in "net profit" on Schedule C, even though the business has not actually turned a profit yet.

You do not pay income tax on the $600 since the LLC is a "pass-through" entity. But you may owe self-employment taxes on the $600, which help fund Social Security and Medicare.

Any losses from the business can offset other income and potentially be carried forward to future years as a net operating loss.

Be sure to also file any required state tax returns for your LLC.

The key is reporting all business financial activity through your individual return by filing a Schedule C each year, even during unprofitable periods. This keeps everything above board with the IRS.


Answered a year ago

With my experience as a tax professional, I have consulted with individuals and partnerships on this matter. As a single member LLC, you can file a form Schedule C profit and loss with your individual form 1040 Federal Income Tax Return. A partnership return form 1065 would be needed if this were a multi member LLC. Please feel free to reach out with any further questions or clarifications.


Answered 10 months ago

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