You withdraw money from your LLC's business account whenever needed, treating it as a distribution of profits. This isn't considered wages or salary, but rather a withdrawal of your ownership equity in the business.
Tax treatment: Owner's draws are not subject to payroll taxes, but the LLC's entire profit (regardless of how much you actually withdraw) is subject to self-employment tax at 15.3%. In Virginia, LLC profits are also subject to state income tax at rates from 2% to 5.75% based on income level.
How to do it
Ensure your LLC has sufficient cash flow and profits to support the draw without jeopardizing business operations
Transfer money from your business bank account to your personal account, clearly documenting it as an owner's draw
Record the transaction in your accounting system and save all documentation for tax purposes
2
Guaranteed Payment
The LLC makes regular payments to members for services rendered, similar to a salary but with different tax treatment. These payments are guaranteed regardless of whether the LLC has profits that period.
Tax treatment: Guaranteed payments are subject to self-employment tax at 15.3% and must be reported on Schedule K-1. Virginia treats guaranteed payments as ordinary income subject to state income tax at rates from 2% to 5.75%.
How to do it
Document guaranteed payment amounts and schedules in your LLC operating agreement
Set up regular payment transfers from the business account, treating them as business expenses
Issue Schedule K-1 forms to recipients and ensure payments are properly recorded for both federal and Virginia tax reporting
3
Salary via S-Corp Election
Your LLC elects to be taxed as an S-Corporation, allowing you to become an employee who receives a reasonable salary plus additional distributions. Only the salary portion is subject to payroll taxes.
Tax treatment: Your salary is subject to payroll taxes (15.3% total for Social Security and Medicare), while additional distributions are not subject to self-employment tax. Virginia requires withholding state income tax from wages and treats S-Corp distributions as pass-through income.
How to do it
File Form 2553 with the IRS to elect S-Corporation tax status and register for Virginia payroll tax withholding
Set up payroll to pay yourself a reasonable salary with proper tax withholdings and quarterly payroll tax deposits
Take additional profits as distributions (not subject to payroll taxes) while maintaining detailed records of both salary and distribution payments
Virginia Tax Notes for LLC Owners
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Income Tax
Virginia imposes state income tax on LLC profits at rates ranging from 2% to 5.75% based on income level. LLC owners must report their share of profits on their Virginia personal income tax return (Form 760).
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Self-Employment Tax
Virginia LLC owners are subject to federal self-employment tax at 15.3% on their share of LLC profits, regardless of how much they actually withdraw. Virginia does not impose additional self-employment taxes beyond the federal requirement.
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Estimated Taxes
Virginia LLC owners must make quarterly estimated tax payments if they expect to owe more than $150 in state income tax. Federal quarterly payments are required if you expect to owe $1,000 or more in federal taxes, including self-employment tax.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Mixing personal and business expenses by using business accounts for personal purchases instead of taking proper owner's draws
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Failing to make quarterly estimated tax payments to Virginia and the IRS, resulting in penalties and interest charges
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Not properly documenting owner's draws and payments, making tax preparation difficult and potentially triggering IRS scrutiny
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Taking too much money early in the business (starving cash flow) or too little (missing tax advantages), rather than balancing business needs with tax optimization