The Theory Behind Subchapter S

Subchapter S status was enacted so that startup companies and other entrepreneurs would not shy away from choosing a corporate form of organization because of the potential for double taxation. A corporation that elects Subchapter S status is treated for federal income tax purposes as a partnership, but maintaining the corporate advantage of limited liability for its shareholders. Thus, corporations that elect Subchapter S status are known as ”S corporations” while all other corporations are called ”C corporations.”

author avatar
Ryan Roberts Startup Lawyer
Ryan Roberts is a startup lawyer at Roberts Zimmerman PLLC with more than two decades of experience advising startups and venture capital investors. He is the author of “Acceleration” and StartupLawyer.com.