FAQs

• How do I know if an S Corp makes sense for my creator income?

  If you're consistently earning $80K or more annually, an S Corp likely saves you money. As a sole proprietor or single-member LLC, you pay 15.3% in self-employment tax on all your net income. With an S Corp, only your salary gets hit with that tax — distributions don't. On $150K in creator income, that could mean $10,000+ back in your pocket. Lettuce's free savings calculator can show you an estimate based on your actual numbers.

• What does Lettuce handle for content creators?

  Pretty much everything that isn't your creative work. Lettuce sets up and manages your S Corp, runs payroll, handles bookkeeping, files your business taxes (1120-S and K-1), automates quarterly tax payments, and gives you access to group-rate healthcare and retirement plans. One system replacing the patchwork of a CPA, payroll provider, bookkeeping tool, and tax preparer.

• I earn from multiple platforms (YouTube, LTK, Patreon, Substack). Can Lettuce track all of it?

  Yes. Whether it's AdSense payouts, brand deal payments through Stripe, LTK commissions, course revenue, or affiliate income, it all flows into your Lettuce business banking account. From there, the system automatically distributes income into reserves to pay you a salary and meet your expected tax obligations. Whatever is left over can be taken as profit or used to pay your business expenses.

• How do salary and distributions work with an S Corp?

  Your income splits into two buckets: a reasonable salary (subject to payroll taxes) and distributions (not subject to self-employment tax). Lettuce automates this. As payments come in, the system distributes the right amounts based on your income and set salary. You don't calculate payroll or figure out withholding because Lettuce handles the processing and compliance. Take distributions from the non salary & tax accounts knowing your obligations are handled.

• How long does it take to get set up?

  Most creators are fully set up within a few days to a couple of weeks. Lettuce handles S Corp formation, EIN registration, and all the paperwork. Once your entity is established, your business banking, payroll, and bookkeeping are ready to go. Lettuce’s thorough onboarding walks you through each step.

• What if I already have an LLC?

  That's a great starting point. Lettuce can help you elect S Corp status for your existing entity — no need to dissolve anything or start over. The S Corp election (Form 2553) is filed with the IRS, and Lettuce manages the process and ongoing compliance from there.

• I buy clothes, gear, and software for my content. What can I actually write off?

  The IRS lets you deduct costs that are ordinary and necessary for your business. Cameras, lighting, editing software, phone and internet (business portion), home office, and travel for shoots or events are generally straightforward. Clothing is murkier. Everyday clothes you'd wear off-camera typically don't qualify, but costumes, branded items, or pieces purchased specifically for content can. Lettuce helps you categorize expenses and flag what's deductible.

• How does Lettuce healthcare compare to ACA marketplace plans?

  As a solo creator, marketplace options typically mean high premiums, especially if your income disqualifies you from subsidies. Lettuce gives you access to group-rate health insurance — the same type of coverage employees at larger companies get, with generally lower rates and more comprehensive plan options (HMO, PPO, etc.). For creators transitioning off a spouse's employer plan or shopping the marketplace for the first time, the difference can be significant.

• Can I still use my current accountant for my personal taxes?

  Absolutely. Lettuce handles your business taxes (1120-S and K-1) and provides the documents your personal accountant needs to file your individual return. Many members keep their existing CPA for personal taxes while Lettuce handles the business side. You also have the option to use Lettuce's tax prep for your personal return if you'd rather keep it all in one place.

• What if my income is inconsistent or seasonal?

  Lettuce is built for this because inconsistent or seasonal income is the norm for creators, not the exception. As each payment arrives, the system sets aside the right amount for taxes, runs your payroll, and shows you what's yours to keep.

• How can lettuce help me plan for retirement?

  To make it easy for Lettuce S Corp owners to invest in their retirement, we’ve partnered with Carry, who lets you easily launch a Solo 401k in minutes. A Solo 401k is a retirement account for people who are self-employed or are small business owners, and it allows you to create a supercharged retirement plan. You can learn more about it here.