You transfer money from your LLC's business bank account to your personal account as needed. This represents a distribution of profits rather than wages, so no payroll taxes are withheld. The draw reduces your ownership equity in the business.
Tax treatment: Draws are not taxable events themselves, but you'll pay income tax and self-employment tax on your share of LLC profits regardless of how much you actually withdraw. In Michigan, you'll pay the state's 4.25% flat income tax rate on your LLC earnings. Self-employment tax applies at 15.3% on your net earnings from self-employment.
How to do it
Ensure your LLC has sufficient cash flow and profits before taking a draw
Transfer funds from your business checking account to your personal account
Record the transaction in your books as an owner's draw or distribution
2
Guaranteed Payment
The LLC makes predetermined payments to members for their work, similar to a salary but without payroll tax withholding. These payments are made regardless of whether the LLC is profitable. Guaranteed payments are deductible business expenses for the LLC.
Tax treatment: You'll receive a 1099-NEC for guaranteed payments and pay income tax plus self-employment tax on the full amount. Michigan taxes guaranteed payments as regular income at the 4.25% state rate. The LLC can deduct these payments as business expenses, reducing overall LLC taxable income.
How to do it
Document the guaranteed payment arrangement in your operating agreement
Set up regular payment schedule and issue payments as agreed
Report payments on Schedule K-1 and issue 1099-NEC forms to recipients
3
Salary via S-Corp Election
Your LLC elects S-Corporation tax treatment, allowing owner-employees to receive W-2 wages subject to payroll taxes, plus additional distributions that avoid self-employment tax. You must pay yourself a reasonable salary for work performed before taking distributions.
Tax treatment: Salary is subject to payroll taxes (Social Security, Medicare, unemployment) but distributions are not subject to self-employment tax. Michigan has no special S-Corp tax, so you'll pay the standard 4.25% state income tax on both salary and distributions. This election can provide significant self-employment tax savings for profitable LLCs.
How to do it
File Form 2553 with the IRS to elect S-Corporation tax treatment
Set up payroll system and pay yourself a reasonable salary with proper withholdings
Take additional profits as distributions after paying required salary
Michigan Tax Notes for LLC Owners
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Income Tax
Michigan imposes a 4.25% flat income tax rate on all LLC owner income, including profits from owner's draws, guaranteed payments, and S-Corp distributions. There are no local income taxes in Michigan.
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Self-Employment Tax
Michigan LLC owners must pay federal self-employment tax at 15.3% on their net earnings from self-employment, which includes profits from owner's draws and guaranteed payments. Michigan does not impose a separate self-employment tax.
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Estimated Taxes
Michigan LLC owners must make quarterly estimated tax payments if they expect to owe $500 or more in state income tax. Federal estimated tax payments are required if you expect to owe $1,000 or more. Payments are due on the same dates as federal estimates: January 15, April 15, June 15, and September 15.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Mixing personal and business expenses by using the same bank account or credit card, which complicates tax reporting and undermines your LLC's liability protection
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Failing to make quarterly estimated tax payments on LLC profits, resulting in penalties and interest from both Michigan and the IRS
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Not properly documenting owner's draws or guaranteed payments in your accounting records, making tax preparation difficult and audit defense challenging
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Taking excessive distributions early in the year without ensuring sufficient cash flow for business operations and tax obligations later