Navigating Health Insurance for Your S Corp in 2024

As the year comes to a close, many individuals and small business owners are contemplating their health insurance options for the upcoming year. If you're one of the two employees in your S Corporation and are considering how to set up health insurance for 2024, you have several choices to make. In this blog post, we'll explore two primary options: setting up a small business insurance policy through your S Corp, or opting for individual policies. We'll discuss the implications, benefits, and potential drawbacks of each choice.

Small Business Insurance Policy through Your S Corp

1. Tax Benefits for the Corporation: One of the key advantages of having your S Corporation provide health insurance is that the corporation can deduct the premium payments as a business expense. This is a significant tax benefit, as it reduces the overall taxable income of the corporation.
2. Potential Premium Payment Strategy: You've raised an interesting question about whether the S Corp can pay the premiums for 2024 in full during 2023. While this strategy can potentially reduce the corporation's taxable income for the current year, it's essential to consult with a tax advisor to ensure this approach complies with tax regulations and doesn't result in any unexpected consequences.
3. Copays and Deductibles: In your proposal, you've also inquired about whether the corporation can pay for copays and deductibles as a benefit to you. This could be advantageous, as it may help you avoid the threshold for "uninsured medical expenses over x% of income." However, once again, the tax implications need to be carefully considered with the guidance of a tax advisor.

Individual Policies

1. Personal Deductions: When you and your co-employee opt for individual policies, you may have the flexibility to deduct your health insurance premiums on your personal tax returns. This can be particularly beneficial if you're eligible for deductions related to medical expenses.
2. Control Over Coverage: Individual policies offer you more control over your health insurance choices. You can select the specific coverage that meets your individual needs and preferences.
3. Tax Considerations for the S Corp: If the S Corp pays for individual policies as a benefit to you, it may not be able to deduct these expenses as business expenses. This is a key consideration in the comparison between the two options.

Conclusion

The decision of whether to set up a small business insurance policy through your S Corp or opt for individual policies is a complex one and should be made with careful consideration of your financial and insurance needs. It's crucial to remember that tax laws and regulations can change, so it's essential to work closely with a tax advisor who can provide you with the most up-to-date information and guidance tailored to your specific situation.

In summary, there are benefits and drawbacks to both options. The tax advantages of having your S Corp provide insurance may be appealing, but the control and personal deductions associated with individual policies are also worth considering. Ultimately, the right choice for you will depend on your unique circumstances and financial goals. Consult with a tax advisor to navigate the complexities of your health insurance decisions and ensure you make an informed choice for 2024.