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Corporate Tax Calculator

Corporate tax on profit, and the second layer when profit is distributed as dividends.

Your numbers

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Result

Total tax, both layers $134,280
Corporate tax $108,000
Profit after corporate tax $292,000
Tax on dividends $26,280
Shareholder receives $148,920
Combined effective rate 33.57%
Corporate tax of $108,000 leaves $292,000. Distributing 60 of it triggers another $26,280, so total tax is $134,280, an effective 33.57%. That second layer is what people mean by double taxation.

Not tax advice. Entity choice, reasonable compensation, pass-through deductions and state treatment interact in ways that depend entirely on your circumstances, and the rules change annually. This estimates a set-aside; the decision belongs with an accountant. C corporation profit is taxed at the entity and again on distribution, which is why most small businesses choose a pass-through structure. Retained earnings avoid the second layer until they are distributed, and there are accumulated earnings rules limiting how long that can continue. State treatment varies widely and some states impose franchise taxes regardless of profit.

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Questions

About this calculator

Why would anyone choose a C corporation?

Retaining earnings for growth, offering certain benefits, attracting institutional investors, or where the corporate rate is below the owner's personal rate. For a small owner-operated business the double layer usually outweighs those.

Can I avoid the second layer?

By retaining earnings rather than distributing, within limits, or by paying salary instead of dividends, which is deductible to the company but taxed as ordinary income to you. Both have constraints.

The formula

corporate tax on profit, then shareholder tax on whatever is distributed from what remains

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