Acquiring an S-Corporation is a significant event for both buyers and sellers, and it’s not as simple as just signing on the dotted line. The process is filled with legal and tax considerations that can have long lasting effects on both parties; a process that is unique to S-Corporations. If you’re contemplating such a transaction, it’s crucial to understand not just the basics, but also the issues that can arise.

When structuring a business, asset protection is a critical consideration. Many entrepreneurs mistakenly assume that electing S-Corp status for their corporation provides the same liability safeguards as forming an LLC. However, a key distinction lies in charging orders - a legal remedy that determines whether creditors can seize ownership or control of your business.

A frequent misunderstanding is that “LLCs cannot own S corporations.” In reality, the rule is that entities taxed as partnerships or corporations cannot be S corporation shareholders. A single-member LLC, if disregarded for tax purposes and owned by an individual or other eligible person, is not treated as a separate entity and thus does not violate the rule.

A typical buyout provision specifies the triggering events that require or permit a buyout, such as voluntary withdrawal, death, disability, or expulsion for cause. It also outlines who has the right or obligation to purchase the departing owner’s interest, often the company itself or the remaining owners, and the method for valuing that interest, which may be based on book value, fair market value, or an independent appraisal.

A Section 338(h)(10) election is a nuanced and powerful provision within the Internal Revenue Code, designed to provide flexibility in the tax treatment of certain corporate acquisitions.

Phantom employee fraud is a serious threat to organizations of all sizes, with profound legal, tax, and governance consequences. Whether perpetrated by a rogue executive or a business owner seeking to enrich family members, these schemes can result in criminal prosecution, civil liability, tax penalties, and lasting reputational damage.

The S-Corporation, or S-Corp, is a fixture in American business, prized for its tax efficiency and liability protections. Yet, confusion abounds-one of the most common errors is thinking of the S-Corp as a type of business entity, like an LLC or a C-Corporation.

In the high-stakes world of mergers and acquisitions (M&A), the rights of shareholders—especially those in the minority—are a critical part of the corporate governance landscape.

When you invest in a company as a minority shareholder, you expect fair treatment, transparency, and a voice in major decisions. Unfortunately, the reality can sometimes be very different.

A Type D tax-free reorganization is a corporate restructuring mechanism under the U.S. Internal Revenue Code (IRC) that allows businesses to transfer assets between corporations without triggering immediate tax consequences.

Delaware Court of Chancery ruling sent shock waves through the venture capital and private equity worlds.