Limited liability company (LLC) members commonly claim that their distributive shares of LLC income aren’t subject to the LLC self employment tax. This claim is after deducting compensation for services in the form of guaranteed payments. However, the IRS has been cracking down on LLC members as they claim several are underreporting SE income. This claim by the IRS has been getting some success in court.

Self Employment Tax Background

Self-employment income is subject to a 12.4% Social Security tax (up to the wage base) and a 2.9% Medicare tax. Generally, if you’re a member of a partnership, including an LLC taxed as a partnership, that conducts a trade or business, you’re considered self-employed.

General partners pay SE tax on all their business income from the partnership, whether there’s distribution or not. Limited partners, however, are subject to SE tax only on any guarantee of payments for services they provide to the partnership. The rationale is that limiting partners, who have no management authority, are more akin to passive investors.

(Note, however, that “service partners” in service partnerships, such as law firms, medical practices, and architecture and engineering firms, generally may not claim limited partner status regardless of their level of participation.)

LLC Uncertainty

Over the years, many LLC members have taken the position that they’re equivalent to limited partners and, therefore, exempt from SE tax. Only exception to this position is on guaranteed payments for services. But there’s a big difference between limited partners and LLC members. Both groups can enjoy limited personal liability. However, unlike limited partners, LLC members can actively participate in management without jeopardizing their liability protection.

Arguably, LLC members who are active in management or perform substantial services related to the LLC’s business are subject to SE tax. Meanwhile, those who more closely resemble passive investors should be treated like limited partners. The IRS issued proposed regulations to that effect in 1997. They did not finalize these regulation, although it follows them as a matter of internal policy.

Some LLC members have argued that the IRS’s failure to finalize the regulations supports the claim that their distributive shares aren’t subject to LLC self employment tax. But the IRS routinely rejects this argument and has successfully litigated its position. The courts generally have imposed SE tax on LLC members. Unless, like traditional limited partners, they lack management authority and don’t provide significant services to the business.

Review Your Situation

The law in this area remains uncertain, particularly with regard to capital-intensive businesses. However, it is important to note the IRS’s aggressiveness in collecting SE taxes from LLCs. As such, LLC members should assess whether the IRS might claim that they’ve underpaid SE taxes.

Those who are looking for self employment tax savings or wishing to avoid these taxes in the future may have some options. This includes converting to an S corporation or limited partnership, or restructuring their ownership interests. When evaluating these strategies, there are issues to consider beyond taxes. Contact us to discuss your specific situation.