CRNAs and Anesthesiologists: How Forming an S Corp Can Save You Money on Taxes

CRNAs (Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists) and Anesthesiologists often have high incomes, and forming an S Corp can provide tax benefits. S Corps are pass-through entities, meaning that profits and losses are passed through to shareholders and reported on their individual tax returns. This can result in potentially lower overall tax liability compared to other business structures, such as sole proprietorships or partnerships.

As with any taxpayer, you would also want to cut down taxes, especially as a high-earning medical professional. That’s why consulting with a financial planner and a tax advisor is crucial for CRNAs and Anesthesiologists considering forming an S Corporation (S Corp). Let’s get into the details of how an S Corp will be beneficial for your profession.

Understanding the Financial Implications

An S Corporation, or S Corp, is a business entity that does not pay federal income taxes at the corporate level. Instead, the corporation’s profits, losses, deductions, and credits are passed through to individual shareholders to include on their own personal tax returns. This type of corporation is elected by shareholders for federal tax purposes.

For CRNAs and Anesthesiologists, forming an S Corp helps maximize tax efficiency, protect personal assets, optimize retirement savings, and achieve long-term financial security. What happens is that CRNAs and Anesthesiologists will essentially be declaring their professional services as a self-employed small business. They can declare a reasonable salary and take profits as “distributions” as an S Corp shareholder. The IRS allows this arrangement for high-net-worth individuals and professionals looking to save money on taxes.

A financial planner will help evaluate an individual’s financial situation and determine whether forming an S Corporation (S Corp) is the right choice. One of the primary considerations in determining whether an S Corp is the right choice is the tax implications. A financial planner, often in collaboration with a tax advisor, evaluates the individual’s current tax situation and forecasts the potential tax implications of forming an S Corp. This assessment includes analyzing the individual’s income level, sources of income, allowable deductions, and other relevant tax factors.

Tax Benefits of Forming an S Corp

Tax savings via an S corp help adjust or reduce individual high-income tax returns, especially for CRNAs and anesthesiologists with a reported income of $200,000 or more. The S corporation benefits for CRNAs provide similar benefits when it comes to forming an S corp for anesthesiologists. Here are the various ways an S corp can help achieve this:

Pass-Through Taxation

S Corps are considered pass-through entities for tax purposes. This means that the business itself does not pay federal income taxes. Instead, profits and losses are passed through to the shareholders and reported on their individual tax returns. This can potentially lead to lower overall tax liability, as income is taxed at the individual tax rates, which can be lower than corporate tax rates.

Avoidance of Double Taxation

Unlike C Corporations, where the corporation pays taxes on its profits, and then shareholders pay taxes on dividends they receive, S Corps avoids double taxation. The profits “pass through” to shareholders, who report them on their individual tax returns, thus avoiding double taxation in healthcare professionals.

Deductible Business Expenses

Deducting business expenses for CRNAs is possible in an S Corporation. S Corp shareholders can deduct legitimate business expenses from their taxable income, reducing their overall tax liability. Self-employed CRNAs and Anesthesiologists may have various deductible expenses related to their practice, such as medical equipment, supplies, professional fees, continuing education, office rent, and salaries for staff. By deducting these expenses, they can lower their taxable income and potentially pay less in taxes.

Self-Employment Tax Savings

S Corp shareholders are only required to pay self-employment taxes on their reasonable compensation (i.e., salary) from the S Corp. The remaining profits can be declared as distributions, which are not subject to self-employment taxes. This can result in potential tax savings by reducing the overall self-employment tax liability for CRNAs and Anesthesiologists.

Retirement Planning Opportunities

S Corps can establish retirement plans, such as Simplified Employee Pension (SEP) or 401(k) plans, which allow for tax-deferred contributions. Self-employed CRNAs and Anesthesiologists can contribute to these retirement plans as both employer and employee, potentially maximizing retirement savings and reducing current taxable income.

Liability Protection

One of the primary advantages of forming an S Corp is that it offers limited liability protection for healthcare professionals. This means that the personal assets of the shareholders, such as their homes, cars, and savings, are generally shielded from the liabilities of the business. If the S Corp is sued or goes bankrupt, creditors typically cannot go after the personal assets of the shareholders to satisfy the debts of the corporation.

Forming an S Corporation (S Corp) can provide liability protection for CRNAs and Anesthesiologists similar to how it protects other business owners. Like C Corporations, S Corps provides limited liability protection to their shareholders. This means that the personal assets of CRNAs and Anesthesiologists are generally protected from the liabilities of the business, reducing their financial risk.

For professionals like CRNAs and Anesthesiologists, who may face risks of malpractice lawsuits or other legal claims, operating as an S Corp can provide an additional layer of protection. While personal malpractice liability typically cannot be shielded by the corporate structure, an S Corp can still protect the personal assets of its shareholders from other business-related liabilities.

Taking Action

Knowing the tax filing deadline for independent contractors is essential to maximize tax savings and avoid penalties and interest. It ensures accurate reporting and addresses complex tax situations. By prioritizing tax planning and compliance, CRNAs and Anesthesiologists can effectively manage their tax obligations and optimize their financial outcomes.

Avoid missing the deadline and comply with tax laws by consulting with tax professionals. Tax advisors can evaluate your current tax situation, forecast the potential tax implications of forming an S Corp, and recommend tax optimization strategies to minimize your tax liability and maximize after-tax income. Financial planners and tax advisors can conduct a comprehensive assessment of your financial situation, including your income, expenses, assets, liabilities, tax obligations, and long-term financial goals. They can help you understand the potential benefits and drawbacks of forming an S Corp and whether it aligns with your overall financial plan.

Planning to Form an S Corp?

Seeking professional guidance for S corp formation helps ensure legal compliance, manage tax considerations, structure ownership effectively, address liability protection issues, maintain ongoing compliance, and receive customized advice tailored to the needs of the business owners. By working with experienced advisors, healthcare professionals can better understand S corp for anesthesiologists and the S corporation benefits for CRNAs. Aside from tax benefits, it also provides liability protection for healthcare professionals

Working with a financial planner and a tax advisor is essential for anyone considering forming an S Corp. Their expertise, insights, and personalized guidance can help you make informed decisions, optimize your financial outcomes, and achieve your long-term financial goals. Take advantage of their knowledge and experience to ensure that forming an S Corp is the right choice for you. Accolade Accounting is one of the reliable financial planners and tax advisors that can help you decide if an S Corp is suitable for you, as well as help you through the process of S Corp formation.

Frequently Asked Questions:

What is the deadline for forming an S corp and how long does it take to form one?

The deadline for forming an S corp and electing S corp status is typically March 15th of the current tax year. However, it’s important to consult with a tax advisor to determine the specific deadline for your situation. The process of forming an S corp can vary in length, but it generally takes a few weeks to a month to complete the necessary paperwork and obtain approval from the IRS.

What is the main benefit of forming an S corp for an anesthesiologist or CRNA?

The main benefit is the potential to save on self-employment taxes by paying oneself a reasonable salary and taking the remainder of the S corp profits as distributions, which are not subject to self-employment tax. Contact a financial advisor or an accountant to determine if forming an S corp is right for you.

Can an anesthesiologist or CRNA still deduct business expenses if they form an S corp?

Yes, anesthesiologists and CRNAs can still deduct business expenses, such as continuing education, licensing fees, and malpractice insurance premiums if they form an S corp. It’s important to consult with a financial advisor or an accountant to determine which expenses are eligible for deduction.

Can an anesthesiologist or CRNA use an S corp to reduce their taxable income?

Yes, anesthesiologists and CRNAs can use an S corp to reduce their taxable income by taking profits as distributions, which are not subject to self-employment tax. Consult with a financial advisor or an accountant to determine the optimal way to structure your S corp to reduce your taxable income.

What are the tax forms that the S corps need to file?

S corps need to file Form 1120-S, U.S. Income Tax Return for an S Corporation, and provide shareholders with Schedule K-1, which shows their share of the S corporation’s income, losses, and deductions. Be sure to work with a financial advisor or an accountant to ensure that you are filing all the necessary tax forms correctly.

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About the author

Meet Gordon-Whyte, a seasoned tax professional with extensive expertise. As a Certified Public Accountant with a Master of Accounting, she's dedicated to simplifying taxation and financial matters.