How to Start an S-Corp in New Jersey

New Jersey, popularly known as The Garden State, offers a bunch of benefits for business owners, especially the state capital Trenton has a lot to offer to the rising entrepreneurs in the state. If you want to start a business in New Jersey, you must choose an appropriate corporate structure. You can have a corporation or a sole proprietorship or set up an LLC in New Jersey. There are a few guidelines that you should be aware of when it comes to starting an S-Corporation. In New Jersey, S-Corporation is businesses’ most common corporate structure, especially start-ups. It was developed in order to give companies limited liability protection while preserving the advantages of being a distinct legal organization.

In this article, you will learn about how to start an s-corporation in New Jersey. You will also learn whether an s-corporate business structure suits your business. Please read all the points carefully before starting your business in New Jersey.

What is an S-Corp in New Jersey?

An S corporation (S-corp) is not a type of corporate entity, unlike a limited liability company (LLC) or other business structures. It’s a tax classification that might result in significant financial savings for both corporations and LLCs but in different ways. S-corp is similar to LLC, except that the IRS treats it as a corporation for tax purposes.

If you want an S corp status for your business, you can always form an LLC to protect your personal assets from business debts. It takes some basic steps to have a successful s-corporation in New Jersey. S-Corps do pay corporate income taxes, but they are still treated as disregarded companies for federal tax purposes.

S-corps pay corporate taxes that LLCs do not have to pay. If you want to have an S-corp status, then we would recommend you have an LLC instead. This will protect your personal assets from your business liabilities and you don’t have to pay any corporate taxes.

–LLCBuddy Editorial Team

Limitation and Requirements of S-Corp in New Jersey

As you have decided to have an S-Corp structure for your business, you must know the limitations and requirements to qualify for S-Corp status. We have listed some important points to consider following for your reference-

• Be a domestic corporation.
• Not be an ineligible corporation, such as specific financial institutions, insurance providers, or domestic corporations engaged in overseas sales.
• Have just one type of stock.
• Have a maximum of 100 shareholders or members.
• Have only permitted individuals, certain trusts, and estates as stockholders or members.

If you are qualified for the limitations and requirements, you can apply for an S-Corp in New Jersey.

How to Start an S-Corporation in New Jersey?

To create S-Corp in New Jersey, you must follow the below guidelines that include forming a business name, hiring a Registered Agent, filing your Certificate of Formation, creating an operating agreement in New Jersey, requesting an EIN, filing a form 2553.

Step 1: Register a Business Name in New Jersey

After you have decided on the idea to start an S-Corp in New Jersey, deciding the name for your corporation is significant. Legal procedures should be taken into account when choosing your partnership name. Choose a business name that will enable you to develop a strong brand identity.

If you want to set up an LLC, there is a complete guide on New Jersey LLC name guidelines for a proper LLC name. Here are some guidelines you must follow while naming your S-corp.

• Avoid profanities
• The name should be available, and no other entity should have the same name in New Jersey.
• Limit of restricted words that need a license in New Jersey, for example, doctors, attorneys, etc.
• Do not use a business name that sounds like a government agency or entity (like “police,” “county,” and “state”)

Step 2: Hiring the New Jersey Registered Agent

The next step in starting an S-corp in New Jersey is hiring a New Jersey Registered Agent, a person that accepts legal paperwork on behalf of your business. This person or business will receive important tax forms, legal documents (such as subpoenas), all notices of lawsuits, and other official government correspondence in New Jersey. Forming an LLC and an S-corp will be easier if you have Registered Agent in New Jersey.

Step 3: File Your New Jersey Certificate of Formation

The Certificate of Formation is an important document to start your limited liability company (LLC). New Jersey Certificate of Formation is a simple document that contains the business name and address as well as the name and address of the person who received lawsuits on behalf of the organization. In order for the “Certificate of Formation” to be filed, you need to pay a filing fee to the state. In New Jersey, the filing fee is $125 (by mail and online).

In California, along with the Certificate of Formation, you must send the Statement of Information to file your company. The statement of information is a mandatory document in California, but other states do not have this document.

Step 4: Creating an Operating Agreement in New Jersey

After you have filed your Certificate of Formation in New Jersey, the next step is to create an LLC operating agreement in New Jersey. The New Jersey LLC operating agreement is essential and necessary since it will cover your corporation’s important documentation and rules. The operating agreements usually include the following-

• Article I: Organization
• Article II: Management and Voting
• Article III: Capital Contributions
• Article IV: Distributions
• Article V: Membership Changes
• Article VI: Dissolution

After creating the LLC operating agreement, you can benefit in several ways since it will discuss how decisions for the business will be made, including management and member voting structure. For more details about how an operating agreement works, please check Operating Agreement.

Step 5: Request for EIN in New Jersey

After documenting the operating agreement, you should get or request an Employer Identification Number (EIN). An EIN will serve as the tax ID for your general partnership. EIN can be obtained from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). It is a 9-digit number similar to Social Security Number. EIN, however, is distinct from SSN. It is only used for business-related activities, particularly for submitting general taxes. The form must be completed and uploaded to the IRS website.

The application of an EIN in New Jersey can be through the following:

• Apply Online- You can apply for EIN online, the most desirable and fastest method for users.
• Apply by Fax- Another method of obtaining EIN is to fax Form SS-4 (PDF) after entering all the correct information to (855) 641-6935.
• Apply by Mail- The EIN application Form SS-4 can be filed via mail. The processing time frame to receive the mail is 4 weeks.
• Apply by Telephone-International Applicants – International applicants may call 267-941-1099 (not a toll-free number) from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. (Eastern Time) Monday through Friday to obtain their EIN.

If you would like to be assisted in getting an EIN in the Internal Revenue Service, we can get your EIN for you. Our EIN service is quick and hassle-free. For more details about EIN for your business, check why you need EIN.

Step 6: File Form 2553 for Your S-Corp Business in New Jersey

Once you have obtained your EIN and Certificate of Formation to form an S-Corp, you must file Form 2553, Election by a Small Business Corporation, to apply for S-corp status. Filing a form 2553 should be done 75 days after the formation of your S-Corp, or not more than 75 days after the beginning of the tax year in which the election is to take effect.

If your LLS-Corp has passed the deadline of 75 days, you must also file Form 8832, Entity Classification Election, in order to opt to be taxed as a corporation. Then you would send Form 2553 and Form 8832 jointly by certified mail from the USPS. In New Jersey, you can send your form 2553 to the Department of the Treasury Internal Revenue Service Center – Kansas City, MO 64999 Fax: 855-887-7734.

Advantages of Starting an S-Corporation in New Jersey

Filing an S-Corp in New Jersey has numerous benefits and advantages.

• Writing Off Losses: With S-corp, owners can deduct business losses from their individual income statements. If the company loses money in the first few years, it may balance its other sources of revenue. Even so, understand the shareholder loss limitations set by the IRS.

• Pass-Through Taxation: Starting an S-Corp is the widely known advantage in forming this kind of business structure since an s-corp uses a pass-through taxation structure. The company does not pay twice the tax in this kind of taxation. Because of this structure, most start-ups and entrepreneurs in New Jersey apply for an S-Corp LLC.

• Qualified Business Income Deduction: A qualified business income, or QBI, is the total of all qualified items of income, gain, deduction, and loss from any qualified trade or business, including S-Corp. With this, S corp owners may deduct up to 20% of their eligible earnings under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.

FAQs

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Why New Jersey S Corporation is So Important

One of the key advantages of an S corporation in New Jersey is its tax treatment. Unlike a traditional C corporation, an S corporation is not subject to corporate income tax. Instead, profits and losses pass through to the shareholders, who report them on their individual tax returns. This can result in significant tax savings, especially for businesses with a small number of shareholders.

Another benefit of choosing an S corporation in New Jersey is its flexibility in terms of ownership structure. While C corporations are limited to 100 shareholders, S corporations can have an unlimited number of shareholders. This can make it easier for businesses to raise capital and attract investors, as they are not constrained by this limit.

Additionally, S corporations in New Jersey offer limited liability protection for their shareholders. This means that the personal assets of the shareholders are generally protected from the debts and liabilities of the business. While this protection is not absolute and there are certain circumstances in which a shareholder’s personal assets may be at risk, it can offer a significant level of security for business owners.

Furthermore, forming an S corporation in New Jersey can help businesses improve their credibility and legitimacy. Many consumers and investors view S corporations more favorably than sole proprietorships or partnerships because they provide a greater level of transparency and accountability. By choosing this business structure, businesses can enhance their reputation and build trust with their stakeholders.

Finally, S corporations in New Jersey also offer the potential for long-term tax advantages. By electing S corporation status, businesses can avoid double taxation on their profits – once at the corporate level and again at the individual level. This can result in substantial tax savings over time, allowing businesses to reinvest more of their profits into growth and expansion.

In conclusion, the decision to form an S corporation in New Jersey can have numerous benefits for businesses of all sizes. From its tax advantages to its flexibility and limited liability protection, this business structure offers a compelling combination of advantages that can help businesses thrive and grow. Whether you are a small startup or a well-established company, choosing an S corporation in New Jersey could be a smart move for your business.

Conclusion

In conclusion, starting an S-corp in New Jersey is a strategic choice for entrepreneurs seeking the benefits of limited liability and favorable tax treatment. One can successfully establish an S-corp by following the outlined steps, including selecting a unique name, filing the Certificate of Incorporation, obtaining necessary licenses, and adhering to state-specific regulations. Ultimately, this corporate structure offers a strong foundation for business growth and protection, making it a worthwhile consideration for those looking to launch a venture in New Jersey.