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The Daily Insight

When can you change from C Corp to S Corp?

Author

Mia Ramsey

Published Apr 20, 2026

How to Convert a C Corp to an S Corp. You must file your S corporation election within two months and 15 days of the start of your business tax year. If this deadline passes, you cannot change your election until the following year.

Can corporations do 1031 exchange?

Individuals, C corporations, S corporations, partnerships (general or limited), limited liability companies, trusts and any other taxpaying entity may set up an exchange of business or investment properties for business or investment properties under Section 1031.

Why would you change from AC Corp to an S Corp?

A C or S corporation is so called because the rules regarding its taxation are found in Subchapter C or Subchapter S of the Internal Revenue Code. Very briefly, C corporations are taxed on their profits, and if those profits are distributed to shareholders, the shareholders pay income tax on those distributions.

Can I switch from AC Corp to an S Corp?

A business set up as a C Corp, can elect to be converted to an S Corp simply by filing an election with taxing authorities (provided that its shareholders are eligible S Corp shareholders).

What does it mean to convert C Corp to S Corp?

The C corp to S corp conversion is a strategy that changes the tax structure of a C corporation to that of a pass-through entity. The C corp to S corp conversion is a strategy that changes the tax structure of a C corporation to that of a pass-through entity.

How does a LLC become a S corporation?

The two processes are different: To elect Corporation status, the LLC must file IRS Form 8832 – Entity Classification Election. An S corporation is a type of corporation, not a separate type of business. A business that is already a corporation files Form 2553 to elect to be an S corporation.

What happens when a business elects an S Corp?

The S Corp isn’t a legal business entity, but instead a special election made by your clients for tax purposes. The business still retains the liability protection of the C Corp or LLC, but by electing S Corp status, they now have pass-through taxation and are no longer taxed at the corporate level.

Why do small businesses need a C Corp?

The biggest reason your clients will choose to form a C Corp. is that corporations provide the strongest protection from business liability for the business owners and/or shareholders. The C Corp is legally a completely separate entity from the owners and shareholders, so it lives and dies on its own and has no bearing on their personal assets.