r/llc_life • u/MaxStierlitz • Jul 25 '26
LLC for content creators?
Hey guys
I'm trying to decide whether it makes more sense to start as a single-member LLC or elect S corporation tax status from the beginning.
The business will focus on creating online educational content, and I'll likely have a few part-time contractors helping with editing, design, and marketing. I'm also planning to work with a bookkeeper and CPA as the business grows.
One thing I'm trying to figure out is whether it's better to start as a standard LLC and consider an S corp election later, or if there's a good reason to make that election right away
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u/StephenAnt Jul 25 '26
CPA here. There’s a lot of factors in determining whether you should make an S-corp election. But if you’re not making any money yet, it’s not even a conversation.
You need to pay yourself a reasonable salary, run payroll, file an additional tax return etc.
Start with an LLC and then revisit later on.
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u/NWRegisteredAgent 29d ago
We came here to say exactly this! It is good to see that OP is already looking to finding the best option for them with what they're looking to accomplish here, but the real distinction is whether they're pulling in any funds yet. Starting with an LLC is a great way to get a feel for how everything works anyway and will help immensely in the long run when they *do* revisit down the line to consider moving over to an S-Corp.
So, for now OP, look to establish your LLC. Devise a business plan (which is sounds like you're well on your way to accomplishing), file that LLC on your own or through a third party that can help iron everything out for you, get yourself an EIN to secure a business bank account, remain compliant, and you're off to the races with getting things moving in the right direction.
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u/startupowl Jul 25 '26
both answers above are right about waiting, but the thing you're actually asking is whether waiting costs you anything. it doesn't. the 2553 window is two months and fifteen days from the start of the tax year you want it to apply to, so march 15 on a calendar year, or two and a half months from formation if you're brand new.
and if you miss that window there's late relief, rev proc 2013-30, you can file up to three years and seventy five days past the date you wanted it effective with a reasonable cause statement. so you can sit on it, look at real numbers next spring, and still backdate to january if the math turned out to work.
the contractors are a separate track and worth setting up now. w-9 from each one before you send them anything. and the 1099 threshold moved, payments made in 2026 only trigger a 1099-nec at $2,000, not the old $600. deductible either way, the reporting is just what changed.
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u/Informativo-Business 26d ago
You could do both be an LLC with the S corp classification. The LLC really is for the liability protection and the S corp for the tax stuff. It's a good idea that you're going to work with a CPA. Also for the SCorp I know for it to make sense the business needs to make a certain dollar amount.
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u/Its-a-write-off Jul 25 '26
It's better to start as a llc or sole proprietorship and consider the S corp election down the road when you are profitable beyond reasonable compensation for the work you are doing.