How to Start an S-Corp in Utah


Steve Bennett
Steve Bennett
Business Formation Expert
Steve runs LLCBuddy, helping entrepreneurs set up their LLCs easily. He offers clear guides, articles, and FAQs to simplify the process. His team keeps everything accurate and current, focusing on state rules, registered agents, and compliance. Steve’s passion for helping businesses grow makes LLCBuddy a go-to resource for starting and managing an LLC.

All Posts by Steve →
Business Formation Expert  |   Fact Checked by Editorial Staff
Last updated: 
LLCBuddy™ offers informative content for educational purposes only, not as a substitute for professional legal or tax advice. We may earn commissions if you use the services we recommend on this site.
At LLCBuddy, we don't just offer information; we provide a curated experience backed by extensive research and expertise. Led by Steve, a seasoned expert in the LLC formation sector, our platform is built on years of hands-on experience and a deep understanding of the nuances involved in establishing and running an LLC. We've navigated the intricacies of the industry, sifted through the complexities, and packaged our knowledge into a comprehensive, user-friendly guide. Our commitment is to empower you with reliable, up-to-date, and actionable insights, ensuring you make informed decisions. With LLCBuddy, you're not just getting a tutorial; you're gaining a trustworthy partner for your entrepreneurial journey.
Start an S-corporation in Utah

Utah, popularly known as The Beehive State, offers a bunch of benefits for business owners, especially the state capital Salt Lake City has a lot to offer to the rising entrepreneurs in the state. If you want to start a business in Utah, you must choose an appropriate corporate structure. You can have a corporation or a sole proprietorship or set up an LLC in Utah. There are a few guidelines that you should be aware of when it comes to starting an S-Corporation. In Utah, 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 Utah. You will also learn whether an s-corporate business structure suits your business. Please read all the points carefully before starting your business in Utah.

What is an S-Corp in Utah?

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 Utah. 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 Utah

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 Utah.

How to Start an S-Corporation in Utah?

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

Step 1: Register a Business Name in Utah

After you have decided on the idea to start an S-Corp in Utah, 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 Utah 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 Utah.
  • Limit of restricted words that need a license in Utah, 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 Utah Registered Agent

The next step in starting an S-corp in Utah is hiring a Utah 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 Utah. Forming an LLC and an S-corp will be easier if you have Registered Agent in Utah.

Step 3: File Your Utah Certificate of Organization

The Certificate of Organization is an important document to start your limited liability company (LLC). Utah Certificate of Organization 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 Organization” to be filed, you need to pay a filing fee to the state. In Utah, the filing fee is $70.

In California, along with the Certificate of Organization, 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 Utah

After you have filed your Certificate of Organization in Utah, the next step is to create an LLC operating agreement in Utah. The Utah 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 Utah

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 Utah 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 Utah

Once you have obtained your EIN and Certificate of Organization 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 Utah, you can send your form 2553 to the Department of the Treasury Internal Revenue Service Center – Ogden, UT 84201 Fax: 855-214-7520 .

Advantages of Starting an S-Corporation in Utah

Filing an S-Corp in Utah 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 Utah 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

What is an S-Corp?
An S-Corp is a type of corporation that is created under state law in the United States. It provides limited liability protection for the owners, yet allows profits and losses to pass through to the owners’ personal tax returns.
How do I start an S-Corp in Utah?
To start an S-Corp in Utah, you’ll need to file the Articles of Incorporation with the Utah Division of Corporations. You’ll also need to obtain a federal employer identification number (EIN) from the IRS and register your S-Corp with the Utah State Tax Commission.
What paperwork is required to form an S-Corp in Utah?
To form an S-Corp in Utah, you’ll need to file the Articles of Incorporation with the Utah Division of Corporations. You’ll also need to obtain a federal employer identification number (EIN) from the IRS and register your S-Corp with the Utah State Tax Commission.
What are the benefits of forming an S-Corp in Utah?
Forming an S-Corp in Utah provides several benefits, including limited liability protection for owners and pass-through taxation. Additionally, Utah offers a business-friendly environment with competitive tax rates, making it an attractive option for entrepreneurs.
What is the filing fee for an S-Corp in Utah?
The filing fee for an S-Corp in Utah is $70.
What are the ongoing requirements for an S-Corp in Utah?
Once your S-Corp is formed in Utah, you’ll need to maintain the required records and file an annual report with the Utah Division of Corporations. Additionally, you’ll need to obtain a federal employer identification number and register your S-Corp with the Utah State Tax Commission.
What tax rate does an S-Corp in Utah pay?
An S-Corp in Utah pays a flat state income tax rate of 5%.
What is the deadline to file taxes for an S-Corp in Utah?
The filing deadline for an S-Corp in Utah is April 15.
What are the requirements for shareholders of an S-Corp in Utah?
Shareholders of an S-Corp in Utah must be U.S. citizens or resident aliens and must not be convicted felons. Additionally, shareholders must be at least 18 years old, and there can be no more than 100 shareholders in the company.
Does an S-Corp in Utah need to have a board of directors?
Yes, an S-Corp in Utah must have a board of directors. The board must consist of at least three members who are appointed by the shareholders and are responsible for managing the company.
Does an S-Corp in Utah need to have an operating agreement?
Yes, an S-Corp in Utah must have an operating agreement. The operating agreement outlines the rights and responsibilities of the shareholders, directors, and officers of the company.
Does an S-Corp in Utah need to file a tax return?
Yes, an S-Corp in Utah must file a tax return each year.
Does an S-Corp in Utah need to have annual meetings?
Yes, an S-Corp in Utah must have annual meetings. These meetings are typically held to review the company’s financial statements, discuss any major changes, and vote on any new business.
Does an S-Corp in Utah need to keep records?
Yes, an S-Corp in Utah must keep records. These records may include meeting minutes, financial statements, and other documents related to the business.
Does an S-Corp in Utah need to have bylaws?
Yes, an S-Corp in Utah must have bylaws. The bylaws outline the rules and regulations that govern the company’s operations.
Does an S-Corp in Utah need to have a registered agent?
Yes, an S-Corp in Utah must have a registered agent. The registered agent is a person or entity appointed by the company who is responsible for receiving legal documents on behalf of the company.
Does an S-Corp in Utah need to pay unemployment insurance?
Yes, an S-Corp in Utah must pay unemployment insurance. The unemployment insurance rate is set by the Utah Department of Workforce Services and is based on the number of employees.
What are the requirements for employees of an S-Corp in Utah?
Employees of an S-Corp in Utah must be U.S. citizens or resident aliens and must not be convicted felons. Additionally, employees must be at least 18 years old, and they must meet any other state or federal requirements for the job.
Does an S-Corp in Utah need to provide workers’ compensation insurance?
Yes, an S-Corp in Utah must provide workers’ compensation insurance. The insurance must cover all employees in case of injury or illness related to their work.
Does an S-Corp in Utah need to pay state taxes?
Yes, an S-Corp in Utah must pay state taxes. The state tax rate is 5%.
Does an S-Corp in Utah need to pay federal taxes?
Yes, an S-Corp in Utah must pay federal taxes. The federal income tax rate is determined by the IRS and is based on the company’s total income.
Does an S-Corp in Utah need to pay payroll taxes?
Yes, an S-Corp in Utah must pay payroll taxes. Payroll taxes are taxes imposed on employers to fund social security, Medicare, and other programs.
Does an S-Corp in Utah need to file quarterly taxes?
Yes, an S-Corp in Utah must file quarterly taxes. Quarterly taxes are used to pay estimated taxes and must be filed by the 15th of the month following the end of the quarter.
Does an S-Corp in Utah need to have an employee handbook?
Yes, an S-Corp in Utah must have an employee handbook. The employee handbook outlines the company’s policies, procedures, and expectations for employees.
Does an S-Corp in Utah need to have liability insurance?
Yes, an S-Corp in Utah must have liability insurance. Liability insurance protects the company from any claims that may arise from its operations.
What is an S-Corp in Utah?
An S-Corp in Utah is a type of business entity recognized by Utah state law that is separate from its owners and provides limited liability protection.
What are the requirements for forming an S-Corp in Utah?
To form an S-Corp in Utah, you must file a Certificate of Formation with the Utah Division of Corporations and apply for an EIN with the IRS. The business must also be properly capitalized, and the owners must follow all applicable state and federal regulations.
Where can I find more information on starting an S-Corp in Utah?
The Utah Division of Corporations website provides detailed information on the process of forming an S-Corp in Utah. Additionally, there are many online resources available to help you understand the requirements and regulations for forming an S-Corp in Utah.
What documents do I need to start an S-Corp in Utah?
To start an S-Corp in Utah, you will need to file a Certificate of Formation with the Utah Division of Corporations and apply for an EIN with the IRS. You will also need to create the required internal documents, such as the Articles of Incorporation, Bylaws, and Operating Agreement.
What are the ongoing compliance requirements for an S-Corp in Utah?
All S-Corps in Utah must comply with state and federal regulations. This includes keeping accurate financial records, filing the required annual reports, and meeting other applicable requirements.
What are the tax implications of forming an S-Corp in Utah?
An S-Corp in Utah is taxed as a pass-through entity, meaning that the business’s income is reported on the owners’ individual tax returns, and the owners are responsible for paying taxes on the business’s income. Additionally, the business must pay any applicable state and federal taxes.

Also Read

Why Utah S Corporation is So Important

So, why is the Utah S Corporation so important? There are several reasons that make this business structure particularly appealing to small business owners in Utah.

First and foremost, the S Corporation offers liability protection for its owners. This means that the shareholders of the corporation are not personally liable for the debts and liabilities of the business. This is a significant advantage for small business owners who want to protect their personal assets from potential business risks.

Another important benefit of the S Corporation is its tax advantages. Unlike a traditional C Corporation, the S Corporation is not subject to double taxation. This means that the profits of the S Corporation are only taxed at the shareholder level, rather than both at the corporate and shareholder levels. This can result in significant tax savings for Utah small business owners.

Additionally, the S Corporation allows for pass-through taxation. This means that the profits and losses of the business are passed through to the individual shareholders, who then report this income on their personal tax returns. This can result in a lower tax burden for shareholders, particularly when compared to other business structures like a partnership or sole proprietorship.

The flexibility of the S Corporation is another key factor that makes it so important for Utah small business owners. Unlike a traditional C Corporation, which has strict ownership and governance requirements, the S Corporation allows for more flexibility in terms of ownership structure and decision-making processes. This can be particularly beneficial for small businesses that want to maintain a more streamlined and efficient operation.

Moreover, the S Corporation can also offer credibility and access to capital. Many lenders and investors view S Corporations more favorably than other business structures, as they are seen as more stable and reliable. This can make it easier for Utah small business owners to secure financing and attract investors to help grow their businesses.

Overall, the Utah S Corporation is a valuable business structure that offers small business owners a range of benefits, including liability protection, tax advantages, flexibility, credibility, and access to capital. For entrepreneurs in Utah looking to start or expand their businesses, choosing to structure their business as an S Corporation can be a smart and strategic decision.

In conclusion, the Utah S Corporation is an important and valuable business structure that can provide small business owners with the protection, flexibility, and financial advantages they need to succeed. By taking advantage of the benefits offered by the S Corporation, entrepreneurs in Utah can position their businesses for long-term growth and success.

Conclusion

In conclusion, starting an S-corp in Utah 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 Articles 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 Utah.

Leave a Comment