What is the shareholder limit for an S corporation?

Asked by: Irving Rau  |  Last update: November 14, 2025
Score: 4.2/5 (43 votes)

Limited number of shareholders: An S corp cannot have more than 100 shareholders, meaning it can't go public and limiting its ability to raise capital from new investors.

What is the Max S Corp shareholders?

IRS Requirements for an S Corp

There can be no more than 100 shareholders. Shareholders must meet certain eligibility requirements, that is, they must be individuals, specific trusts and estates, or certain tax-exempt organizations [501(c)(3)].

Is an S corporation limited to 75 shareholders?

The ownership of an S corporation is restricted to no more than 75 shareholders, whereas an LLC can have an unlimited number of members (owners). And while an S corporation can't have non-U.S. citizens as shareholders, an LLC can.

Can an S Corp have more than 100 shares?

They're limited by the types of owners (shareholders) and cannot exceed 100 shareholders.

Can an S Corp have more than 50 shareholders?

IRS restrictions include the following: LLCs can have an unlimited number of members; S corps can have no more than 100 shareholders (owners).

Shareholder Limits in C Corporation Versus S Corporation

44 related questions found

What is the 60 40 rule for S Corp?

The 60/40 rule is a simple approach that helps S corporation owners determine a reasonable salary for themselves. Using this formula, they divide their business income into two parts, with 60% designated as salary and 40% paid as shareholder distributions.

What is the 50 shareholder rule?

There are no limits on the number of shareholders of a public company. A private company, however, can only have fifty (50) shareholders. You can read more about shareholders in public companies here. To clarify, private companies can only have fifty (50), non-employee shareholders.

Can S corp have unlimited shareholders?

S corporation disadvantages

Limited number of shareholders: An S corp cannot have more than 100 shareholders, meaning it can't go public and limiting its ability to raise capital from new investors. Other shareholder restrictions: Shareholders must be individuals (with a few exceptions) and U.S. citizens or residents.

Can a 50% shareholder dissolve an S corp?

Shareholder Approval

S-corporation dissolution always starts with a formal shareholder vote, as outlined in the company bylaws, which usually requires a majority (50% shareholder votes) or supermajority (two-thirds [66.7%], three-quarters [75%], or more) to pass.

Can I sell my S corp shares to anyone?

Keep in mind that S corporation distributions are generally only allowed to S corporation shareholders. Once an individual shareholder disposes of their interest in the stock, a distribution from the corporation cannot be made to an individual who is not a shareholder.

What is the 80 rule for S-Corp?

In 1996 Congress enacted amendments to the S corporation rules to permit S corporations to own 80% or more of the stock of subsidiary corporations. In the case of 100%-owned subsidiaries, this legislation further authorized S corporations to make an election (a "QSub election").

What are the owner limitations of an S-Corp?

Stock ownership restrictions.

An S corporation can have only one class of stock, although it can have both voting and non-voting shares. Therefore, there can't be different classes of investors who are entitled to different dividends or distribution rights. Also, there cannot be more than 100 shareholders.

Are husband and wife considered one shareholder in S corporation?

Because California is a community property state, the property acquired by either partner during the marriage is considered both the property owner and the spouse 50/50. This also includes your corporation, if it was created during your marriage.

Does an S corporation have a maximum of 75 shareholders?

There are also numerous limitations on the ownership of an S-Corp. The shareholders must be individuals (not Corporations or LLCs), there may be no more than 75 shareholders, there may only be one class of stock, and other restrictions. Tax Treatment. Time to take a deep breath.

Can you own 100% of an S corp?

Ownership rules for S Corporations

This means no partnerships or corporations can own an S Corporation. There's a maximum of 100 shareholders. If you are the only shareholder, this isn't an issue, but it's good to know if you plan to expand.

Is it better to have an LLC or S corp?

LLCs provide more flexibility than S Corps. For S Corps, there are pro-rata requirements for items of income, loss, or distributions. Conversely, owners of LLCs may specially allocate income, loss, and distributions within the parameters of the tax law.

What happens when 100% owner of S Corp dies?

If a deceased shareholder of an S-Corp leaves his or her shares to a grantor or a testamentary trust, the trust may continue as a shareholder of the S-Corp for up to 2 years. A grantor trust is an eligible shareholder of an S-Corp for up to 2 years from the death of the grantor shareholder.

What can a 75% shareholder do?

Pass special resolutions (at least 75% of shares required)

A shareholder with enough shares has the right to put a special resolution through.

How hard is it to dissolve an S Corp?

With the exception of certain tax issues, dissolving an S corp is pretty much the same as dissolving any corporation. You must adhere to the laws in your state since state business codes outline the specific procedures that corporate managers must follow to legally dissolve the S corp.

What is the maximum number of actual shareholders in an S corporation?

An S corporation can't have more than 100 shareholders. And only individuals, certain trusts, estates, and certain tax-exempt organizations can be shareholders. Partnerships, corporations, and nonresident aliens can't be shareholders.

Which is a disadvantage of S corporations?

But S Corp, on the other hand, lacks that flexibility. Profits must be split based on your ownership share in the business. This can become problematic when shareholders run various tax deductions through the entity.

What is the best state to have an S Corp?

Wyoming: Like Nevada, Wyoming offers no state corporate tax, franchise tax, or personal income tax and is known for its business-friendly environment. It also provides strong asset protection benefits and privacy for business owners. South Dakota: South Dakota is gaining popularity for its favorable tax climate.

Can a 51% owner fire a 49% owner?

No owner can be fired or demoted without good cause. Outlining the responsibilities of both parties. The majority can't sell the business unless it's to the minority shareholder.

What is the 75% shareholding rule?

The MPS rule was enacted through an amendment to the Securities Contract Regulation Rules in 2010 by SEBI. This rule states that in any Indian listed company, apart from public sector undertakings, promoters holding more than 75% of the shares must compulsorily sell their holdings over 75%.

What happens if you own more than 50% of a company?

A majority shareholder is a person or entity who holds more than 50% of shares of a company. If the majority shareholder holds voting shares, they dictate the direction of the company through their voting power.