Questions

I want to have a startup, and I'm still in the idea phase. I 'm not planning to incorporate until I 'm done with the MVP or pretty close . My questions are - - How can I report the money paid for this, like domain names, lawyer fees, graphic designers, software developers ..etc that was made before incorporation, as expenses for tax purpose? - After incorporation, can I keep moving money FROM my personal account to the company business account, to cover more expenses and provide liquidity? - If the initial deposit was not enough, and the revenues were delayed or not enough?

If you are in the US, the simplest approach is to form a pass-through entity such an an LLC, or a C-Corp with a Sub-S election (a variation on the pass through), where all the losses (and profits) end up on your tax filings. The challenge is that, with the current tax environment in the US (where you have a "standard" deductions) unless these are significant, they will not make much tax difference. If you approach it this way, and pass through the losses, you will not have the benefit of them in the future.

Remember though, once you incorporate, if you have other shareholders, if you are the only person adding cash, it will benefit them all if you are not careful with the accounting. As you add capital to either entity, it increases your cost basis in the shares if you approach the Sub-S version or you can use shareholder "loans" for the LLC that would be repaid from future cash flow.

This is not difficult but you should get an accountant involved early. A corporate lawyer will be valuable in helping you choose the right entity. And keep great records.


Answered 5 years ago

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