Debt vs. equity: Classification counts when shareholders put money into their corporations

How you capitalize your C corporation isn’t just an accounting matter — it’s a tax-saving opportunity. You can set up funds supplied by shareholders as either capital contributions (equity) or loans (debt).

Future withdrawals by equity investors may result in double taxation. Conversely, repayments of shareholder loans are generally tax-free, while interest payments are taxable to the shareholder and deductible by the corporation. This setup provides a more tax-efficient way to get money out of your company. However, the IRS may reclassify shareholder loans as equity if not properly structured and documented. Contact us to evaluate your options and determine what’s right for your situation.