The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act makes significant changes in the tax rates applicable to corporations that pay tax (those that are not pass-through entities).
Prior Law
Through December 31, 2017
Tax rate brackets of C corporations is as follows:
The 38% and 39% were phase-outs to raise the effective rates to a flat 34% or 35%, eliminating the benefit of the lower rate brackets and creating a flat rate.
New Law
Effective for tax years beginning after December 31, 2017
The C corporation tax rate is 21% for all income levels.
Commentary
For large, profitable corporations this can be a significant tax cut. Changes in other credits and deductions will need to be factored in to determine how much actual tax will change. For small corporations that have taxable income under $50,000, federal tax may increase by 40% due to the tax rate increasing from 15% to 21%.
I joined the firm in 1997 as an intern and since have advanced to partner. I have thorough experience in both audit and tax, and provide these services to commercial entities, individuals and profit-sharing 401(k) plans.
