Can a Single-Member LLC Elect Partnership Taxation?

Steve Goldstein
Business Formation Expert  |   Fact Checked by Editorial Staff
Last updated: 

As soon as you form an LLC (Limited Liability Company) anywhere in the United States, you must choose the tax structure you want. For an LLC, it is flexible to choose a preferred tax structure. For example, you can choose to file taxes as an S-Corp or C-Corp, even if your company is registered as an LLC. Now, many people have this question: Can a single-member LLC elect partnership taxation?

This article covers the answer to your question and all the related questions that you may or may not have. Let’s dig in to know how single-member LLCs can pay taxes.

Key Takeaways
  • A single-member LLC is consiered as a disregarded entity.
  • Any single-member LLC can elect S-corp or C-Corp taxation.
  • To elect partnership taxation, an LLC needs more than at least one member.

Can a Single-member LLC Elect Partnership Taxation?

Now, here comes the big question. The answer is no. A single-member, technically, cannot elect partnership taxation. To elect partnership taxation, an LLC should have more than one member. If an LLC has at least two members, it will not be called a single-member LLC. It will be considered as a partnership or a multi-member LLC.

How is a Single-member LLC Taxed?

As you all may know, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) considers a single-member LLC as a disregarded entity. That means the individual who owns the LLC will be taxed according to the federal income tax rules. Except if the taxation is chosen otherwise at the time of registering the company.

Important
The IRS defines a partnership as, “A partnership is the relationship between two or more people to do trade or business. Each person contributes money, property, labor or skill, and shares in the profits and losses of the business”. So, an LLC that has only one member is not allowed to elect partnership taxation.

A single-member LLC can be taxed based on how the ownership is distributed. If this sounds a bit confusing, then here’s what it means. A single-member LLC can be owned by either an individual, a corporation, or a partnership. If it is owned by an individual, it is going to be considered as a ‘disregarded entity’ as mentioned above. In that case, the individual has to file Form 1040 (income tax filing for an individual).

On the other hand, if the single-member LLC is owned by a corporation or a partnership, the taxation will be according to the corporation tax or the partnership tax of the mother company. In this case, Form 1065 (for a partnership) should be filed. For a single-member LLC to elect corporation taxation, it must file the Form 8832 (entity classification form). Any single-member LLC can elect S-corp taxation. It has to file the Form 2553 with the IRS to elect S-corp taxation.

How is an LLC with Spouses Taxed?

Owning an LLC with a spouse is very common across the globe. In the United States, nine states consider LLCs owned by a husband and his wife to be community property. Under this section, the LLC they own should have only 2 owners (husband and wife). Except for these nine states, other states consider an LLC owned by both husband and wife as non-community property.

Definition
A community property state law states that at the time of marriage if husband or wife get a property, like land, home, or a car, both will have equal rights on it. If a couple starts their LLC under the community property state law, they both will have equal rights on the company, no matter whose name is on the manager’s nameplate.

A qualified LLC that falls under the community property can be taxed in two ways:

  • Disregarded Entity: In this case, both husband and wife will be taxed individually according to the federal income tax rules. Their LLC’s profit and loss will be reflected on their federal income tax return.
  • Partnership Taxation: If the owners want, they can elect a partnership taxation for their LLC. Since their LLC has two owners (not more than that), they can be considered a partnership company.

Conditions for Qualified Entity:

  • The LLC should solely be owned by the Husband and his Wife under the community property state rules.
  • There should not be any other owner other than the husband and wife.

In Conclusion

It is a fact that a single-member LLC can not elect partnership taxation due to its structure. The IRS define a partnership company as a structure that has at least 2 owners, unlike a single-member LLC. However, based on the ownership (individual or under a partnership/corporation), a single-member LLC can be taxed as a partnership.

On the other side, an LLC owned by husband and wife under the community property state rule can be either taxed as a disregarded entity (like a single-member LLC) or as a partnership (as it has two owners). So, it depends on what structure or ownership distribution you have. Based on that, your LLC will be taxed.

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