Can a one-person LLC be a shareholder of an S corporation?

A one-person LLC can indeed be a shareholder of an S corporation, but there are some crucial conditions to consider. An S corporation is a special type of corporation that allows for pass-through taxation to its shareholders. To qualify as a shareholder of an S corporation, an entity must be a permissible shareholder according to IRS regulations.

A single-member LLC is typically treated as a disregarded entity for tax purposes, meaning its income is reported on the owner's tax return. However, for the purpose of S corporation shareholder qualifications, the IRS allows an LLC to elect to be treated as a corporation. Once this election is made, the single-member LLC can be a valid shareholder of an S corporation. This dynamic allows for greater flexibility in ownership structure, particularly in the context of pass-through taxation and liability protection.

In summary, a one-person LLC can be a shareholder in an S corporation, provided it has made the appropriate tax election to be treated as a corporation for S corporation purposes, which aligns with the concept of permissible shareholders as outlined by IRS guidelines.