Taxes

S-Corp Salary vs Distribution Estimator

Compare a reasonable W-2 salary plus distributions against paying yourself 100% as self-employment income.

S-Corp Salary vs Distribution Estimator

If your business profits roughly $60K+ per year, an S-Corp election may reduce self-employment tax. This is a directional estimate, not a recommendation — reasonable comp rules apply.

$
$

Should reflect what you'd pay someone else to do your job.

Your estimate

Estimated annual savings vs Schedule C

$10,484

Schedule C / SE path payroll-style tax

$21,194

S-Corp path payroll tax on salary

$10,710

Distribution portion (no SE tax)

$80,000

Savings shown ignore payroll setup costs (~$1–3K/yr), reasonable comp risk, and state nuances. For most owners under ~$50K profit, an S-Corp is not worth it.

This is an estimate based on the information you entered. Your actual tax, savings, or cash-flow outcome may differ based on deductions, entity structure, timing, payroll setup, debt terms, investment assumptions, or other factors.

Book a Consultation

Related calculators

See how this changes under a better strategy

Our team takes calculators like this further — modeling deductions, entity changes, and timing so the number actually moves.

Book a Free Consultation