As the sole owner of an LLC (taxed as an S-Corp):
1) What are all of the different taxes I must pay?
2) When exactly are these taxes due?
3) How does the concept of 'retained earnings' apply to LLC S-Corps?
4) How often am I supposed to pay myself dividends?
Not a simple answer.
1 and 2 - Primarily you are looking at -
-Federal - The entity must file an 1120S information return, without a
-State - Your state may have an annual report fee/franchise tax; as well as require you to pay a Sales & Use tax.
You also may be liable for quarterly payments of estimated taxes in April, June, September, and January. If you actively work in the business, you may need to pay self-employment tax on your distributive share.
3 - Retained Earnings - a Financial Reporting concept. A LLC will show Retained Earnings on their balance sheet. The important question I believe you are asking, "Can I shelter income in the organization from taxes?" The answer is no. LLC's pay taxes on income regardless if it is distributed or not.
4 - Dividend Payments - I recommend you pay yourself dividends quarterly, and remove excess cash from the company on a set schedule.
A LLC is state organized, which means the laws are non-standard across the nation. For example, some states do not require you to pay a franchise fee. I highly recommend you seek the guidance from a tax adviser in your state.
1
Before paying dividend, be sure you've reviewed the reasonable salary requirements. If the IRS determines you've paid dividends in lieu of salary, you could have issues.
http://www.journalofaccountancy.com/Issues/2012/May/20125234.htm
And to add to Regis, depending on your locality, local taxes. For example, in New York City, LLC's pay a special tax. In New York State they pay yearly filing fees... Everyone has their hand in your pocket...
