C Corporation
A standard corporation taxed separately from its owners.
A C corporation is a separate legal entity taxed at the corporate level (flat 21% federal rate). When profits are distributed as dividends, they're taxed again on the shareholder's personal return—creating "double taxation." Despite this, C-corps are preferred for businesses seeking venture capital, planning to go public, or needing multiple share classes. They offer unlimited growth potential and the broadest liability protection.
Example
A tech startup incorporates as a C-corp to issue preferred shares to venture capital investors, paying 21% corporate tax on $500,000 in profits.
Why It Matters for Your Business
C-corps are the standard structure for companies seeking outside investment, but double taxation makes them less tax-efficient for small businesses that distribute all profits.
Related Terms
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Ensuring account balances match between different records.
Break-Even Point
The sales volume at which revenue equals costs.
Budget
A financial plan estimating income and expenses.
Financial Forecast
A prediction of future financial performance.
Capital Expenditure
Funds used to acquire or upgrade physical assets.
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