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How Your LLC Will Be Taxed
In this guide, you'll learn about the main District of Columbia business taxes you'll be responsible for, including sales, self-employment, payroll and federal taxes. Profits from an LLC aren’t taxed at the business level the way they are in C Corporations. Instead, they're as follows:
- Owners pay self-employment tax on business profits.
- Owners pay federal income tax on any profits, less allowances and deductions.
- Some LLCs pay District of Columbia sales tax on products or services.
- Employers pay payroll tax on wages paid to employees.
- Employees pay federal income tax on their earnings.
Items 1 and 2 fall under pass-through taxation for LLC owners, managers and members who receive profits from the business. Profits are reported on personal federal tax returns.
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State Taxes for LLCs
There are two state taxes you must pay to the District of Columbia Comptroller: sales and franchise. Depending on how your business is set up, you may also need to pay use tax.
Washington DC Income Tax
As a business owner, you’ll need to pay Washington DC income tax on any money you pay to yourself. These earnings flow through to your personal tax return. You’ll be taxed at the District of Columbia's standard rates, and you’ll also be able to apply regular allowances and deductions.
Any employees will also need to pay state income tax. The District of Columbia has tax rates ranging between 4% to 8.95%.
Washington DC Sales Tax
If you sell physical products or certain types of services, you may need to collect sales tax (also known as sales and use tax) and then pay it to your local or regional authority. Washington DC sales tax is collected at the point of purchase at a fixed rate of 6%.
Here are some examples of how much self-employment tax you may need to pay, depending on your earnings:
Pay Less Self-Employment Tax by Treating Your LLC as an S Corporation
The Internal Revenue Service allows an LLC to be treated as an S Corporation for tax purposes, provided your business meets certain requirements. This can help you reduce the amount of self-employment tax you pay by allowing you to declare some of your income as salary and other income as distributions or withdrawals.
Speak to your accountant or professional tax preparer for more information on reducing your LLC self-employment tax through an S Corporation tax election.
Treating Your LLC as an S Corp Can Help You Save Money.
You can do this by making an “S Corporation Tax Election” with the IRS using Form 2553. We can file your Form 2553 with the IRS on your behalf.
Get My LLC Treated as an S Corp
Federal Income Tax
You must also pay regular federal income tax on any earnings you take out of your Washington DC LLC. The amount of income tax you pay depends on your earnings, current income tax bracket, deductions and filing status.You only pay federal income tax on profits you take out of the business, less certain deductions and allowances.
This includes your tax-free amount, plus business expenses and other deductions for areas such as healthcare and some retirement plans.
Speak to your accountant for more information.
Employee and Employer Taxes
If you pay employees, there are some slightly different tax implications. Speak to your accountant to get clear guidance for your unique situation.
- Employer Payroll Tax Withholding
All employers are required to withhold federal taxes from their employees’ wages. You’ll withhold 7.65 percent of their taxable wages, and your employees will also be responsible for 7.65 percent, adding up to the current federal tax rate of 15.3%.
Speak to your accountant for more information.
Federal Income Tax
You must also pay regular federal income tax on any earnings you take out of your LLC. The amount of income tax you pay depends on your earnings, current income tax bracket, deductions and filing status.
You only pay federal income tax on profits you take out of the business, less certain deductions and allowances. This includes your tax-free amount, plus business expenses and other deductions for areas such as healthcare and some retirement plans.
Speak to your accountant for more information.
Employee and Employer Taxes
If you pay employees, there are some slightly different tax implications. Speak to your accountant to get clear guidance for your unique situation.
- Employer Payroll Tax Withholding
All employers are required to withhold federal taxes from their employees’ wages. You’ll withhold 7.65 percent of their taxable wages, and your employees will also be responsible for 7.65 percent, adding up to the current federal tax rate of 15.3%.
Speak to your accountant for more information.
Employees May Need to File Tax Returns
Regardless of whether you withhold federal and state income tax, your employees may need to file their own tax returns.
Employee Insurance and Other Requirements
You may also need to pay insurance for any employees, such as employee compensation insurance or unemployment tax.
Other Taxes and Duties
Depending on your industry, you may be liable for certain other taxes and duties. For example, if you sell gasoline, you may need to pay a tax on any fuel you sell. Likewise, if you import or export goods, you may need to pay certain duties.
Speak to your accountant about any other taxes or duties you may need to withhold or pay.
Estimated Taxes
Most LLCs must pay estimated taxes throughout the year, depending on the amount of profit and income you expect to make. The most common types of estimated tax are:
Most LLCs will pay estimated taxes on a quarterly basis. Learn more on the IRS website, and speak to your accountant for more information.
Federal income tax
Federal self-employment tax
Washington DC income tax
FAQs on Washington DC Business Taxes
Does Washington DC Have a Sales Tax?
Yes, Washington DC has a fixed sales tax rate of 6%. You can read more about it above.
Does Washington DC Have a State Income Tax?
Yes, Washington DC levies an income tax of rates between 4% and 8.95%. You can read more about it above.
Does Washington DC Have a Franchise Tax?
No, Washington DC does not have a franchise tax.
Do I Need to Pay Estimated Taxes?
Yes. In most cases, you must pay estimated taxes to the state and federal governments. You can find more information above.
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