TL;DR:Paying yourself as a business owner depends on your entity type (LLC, S-Corp, Sole Proprietor). Options includesalary, owner’s draw, or dividends. Each has tax and compliance implications. This guide explains methods, IRS rules, and state-specific examples so you stay compliant and maximize take-home pay.
AtSam’s List,the marketplace founder resource, we know clean compensation structures help founders avoid IRS issues, raise capital confidently, and keep growth on track.
Salary vs Draw: The Basics
Definition:Business owners can pay themselves through salary (W-2 wages), draws (taking profits), or a combination.
Salary:Predictable, tax withheld, required for S-Corp owners performing services (IRS guidance).
Draw:Flexible, only taxed when withdrawn, common for LLCs and sole proprietors.
👉Key Takeaway:Salary ensures compliance; draws offer flexibility but less IRS protection.
Comparison Table:
| Method | Best For | Taxes | Flexibility |
|---|---|---|---|
| Salary | S-Corp, C-Corp | Payroll taxes withheld | Low |
| Draw | LLC, Sole Proprietor | Taxed when withdrawn | High |
| Dividends | C-Corp | Double taxation possible | Medium |
Paying Yourself in an LLC
Definition:LLC owners can pay themselves through draws or, if elected S-Corp status, via salary + distributions.
Single-Member LLC:Owner’s draw reported on Schedule C.
Multi-Member LLC:Members take distributions, reported on K-1.
LLC taxed as S-Corp:Must take “reasonable salary” + optional profit distributions.
👉Key Takeaway:Default LLCs = draw; S-Corp election = salary + distributions.
Sole Proprietor Payments
Definition:Sole proprietors don’t take salaries; they take owner’s draws.
All profits pass through to personal tax return.
Subject to self-employment tax.
No W-2 needed.
👉Key Takeaway:As a sole proprietor, your business profits = your income.
S-Corp and C-Corp Payments
Definition:Corporations pay owners as employees (salary) and/or shareholders (dividends).
S-Corp
Must take “reasonable salary” if actively working.
Can distribute profits beyond salary (not subject to payroll tax).
C-Corp
Salary taxed normally.
Dividends face double taxation (corp level + personal level).
👉Key Takeaway:S-Corps optimize payroll + tax savings; C-Corps fit larger scaling businesses.
State-Specific Considerations
Definition:Different states have thresholds and compliance rules for business owner pay.
California:S-Corp owners must meet “reasonable compensation” rules perFTB guidance.
Texas:No state income tax, but franchise tax applies.
New York:LLCs pay annual filing fees based on income bracket.
Florida:No state income tax, but unemployment insurance applies for S-Corps.
👉Key Takeaway:Always check your state tax board — rules vary widely.
How to Pay Yourself: Step-by-Step
Definition:Follow a structured process to set up owner pay properly.
Choose entity structure (LLC, S-Corp, Sole Prop, C-Corp).
Open a dedicated business bank account.
Use payroll software (Gusto, Rippling) if salary required.
Document owner draws or distributions.
File quarterly estimated taxes.
👉Key Takeaway:Document everything — payroll records protect you in audits (SBA guide).
FAQs
Q: How do you pay yourself as a business owner?
A: Depends on structure: salary (S-Corp, C-Corp) or draw (LLC, sole proprietor).
Q: Can LLC owners take a salary?
A: Yes, if electing S-Corp status. Otherwise, default is draws.
Q: Do I need payroll software to pay myself?
A: Yes, if paying via salary/W-2. Draws can be managed via transfers.
Q: How do I pay myself as a business owner in Texas?
A: Most LLCs take draws; S-Corps pay salary. No state income tax, but franchise tax applies.
Q: How do I pay myself as a business owner in Florida?
A: Similar to Texas. No state income tax, but S-Corps must pay unemployment insurance.
Final Thoughts
Getting paid isn’t just about money — it’s about compliance, taxes, and growth strategy. AtSam’s List, we guide founders through compensation decisions so they can scale with confidence.
👉 Want more tactical guides?Join Sam’s Listfor weekly insights trusted by founders.
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Author: Kimi, Co-founder of Sam’s List
Kimi writes about what she's learning while building Sam’s List and shares honest takeaways from her conversations with accountants and financial advisors across the country. None of this is financial advice—just the stuff most people wish someone told them sooner.
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