How should I pay myself as the owner?

By Ask a Shop OwnerUpdated Finance

Short answer

A real W-2 salary at market rate for what you actually do, plus owner distributions from profit. Not random transfers when the account looks fat.

Why a real salary

It tells you the truth about whether the business actually works. If the business can't pay you market rate for your role plus profit, you have a job paying you in delusion, not a business.

Distributions on top

Profit distributions quarterly, after taxes are reserved and the business has its three-month cash cushion. Distribution is the reward for ownership, salary is the wage for work. Don't blur them.

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