How to File Taxes as a Single-Member LLC

Update: 2025-10-28

Description

In this episode of Tax Tuesday, Anderson advisors Barley Bowler, CPA, and Eliot Thomas, Esq., address listener questions on tax topics ranging from basic bookkeeping to advanced ESOP strategies. They cover essential bookkeeping practices for first-time rental property owners and the tax implications of transferring a fully depreciated truck from an S corporation to personal use. Barley and Eliot explain how to catch up on missed depreciation from prior years, the tax benefits of inheriting property versus receiving it as a gift, and how independent contractors should handle federal income and employment taxes. Other topics include choosing the best filing structure for single-member LLCs, tax reduction strategies for Schedule C solopreneurs earning over $100K, deferring traditional IRA distributions using Qualified Longevity Annuity Contracts (QLACs), and the little-known 1042 fund strategy for deferring taxes on ESOP distributions. Tune in for practical tax advice and strategies to keep more of what you earn!

Submit your tax question to taxtuesday@andersonadvisors.com

Highlights/Topics:

"What's the most efficient way to get my books ready for filing taxes? I'm filing taxes for my first time rental business. I just acquired them this year. I'm a first time landlord without bookkeeping experience." A: Use bookkeeping software and categorize expenses properly throughout the year.

"My S corporation owns a fully depreciated truck. Can I transfer the truck to my personal name and start taking mileage reimbursement instead? What are the tax implications?" A: Yes, but you'll recognize income equal to fair market value.

"For the eight years now, my prior taxpayer never took depreciation for any of my rental properties or my property assets for the building, along with the components like the water heater. What do I do now?" A: File Form 3115 for a change in accounting method.

"I'm considering moving into my parents' home while they're still living there. I'm curious about the best way to either transfer the house into my name or should I stay there and wait until they pass because they intend to leave the house to me anyway." A: Wait for inheritance to receive stepped-up basis and avoid gift taxes.

"How do I pay federal income and employment taxes working as an independent contractor receiving a 1099?" A: Pay quarterly estimated taxes using Form 1040-ES throughout the year.

"What tax filing structure do you recommend for a single-owner LLC wanting to not be a disregarded entity? Why? Pros and cons of the options." A: Consider S corporation for self-employment tax savings if income supports it.

"I'm a Schedule C solopreneur looking for ways to avoid being overtaxed. I made over $100K this year and I'm the only breadwinner in my family of four with two kids under 18. We're in Florida. What do you recommend for ways to lower my taxable income?" A: Establish S corp, maximize retirement contributions, and utilize business deductions.

"Is there any way to defer for tax reporting a distribution from my traditional IRA? I recently heard someone talking about this and was not sure if they were referring to a Qualified Longevity Annuity Contract (QLAC)." A: Yes, QLACs allow deferring up to $200K until age 85.