S Corp Owning Interest in Another Business

FAQ: Can an S corporation own an interest in another business entity?

An S corporation may own an interest in another business entity. An S corporation can be a member of an affiliated group by owning 80 percent or more of the stock of a C corporation. The group then can elect to file on a consolidated basis, if other affiliated group rules are met. But the S corporation itself cannot join the consolidated group.

Although in general only individuals can be shareholders in an S corporation, an S corporation can own an S corporation if the subsidiary corporation would otherwise qualify as an S corporation if the parent's shareholders held the subsidiary's shares directly, and the taxpayer elects qualified S corporation status for the subsidiary. Generally, for federal tax purposes a corporation that is a qualified S corporation subsidiary is not treated as a separate corporation, and all assets, liabilities, and items of income, deduction, and credit of a qualified S corporation subsidiary are treated as assets, liabilities, and items of income, deduction, and credit of the S corporation.

An S corporation can also be a partner in a partnership or a member of an LLC.

For further information on how an S corporation may hold or acquire interests in another business, please contact our offices.