Getting Paid as a Business Owner: How to Do It the Right Way

Vanessa Gant • August 18, 2025

Getting paid as a business owner isn’t just about transferring money from one account to another. 
It’s about making smart decisions that support both your personal finances and your business’s long-term health.

When you’re running your own business, there’s no “biweekly paycheck” magically showing up like when you had a regular job. It’s up to you to decide how, when, and how much to pay yourself. 

And if you’ve ever felt unsure about that, you're not alone. Here are some tips on how you can pay yourself the right way.

1. Start With the Right Business Structure

The way you pay yourself depends largely on how your business is structured:
  • Sole Proprietor / Single-Member LLC:
    You don’t take a paycheck — you take an owner’s draw, which is money you pull from your business profits. You’ll still pay taxes on the full profit of the business, not just what you draw.
  • Partnership:
    Similar to sole proprietors, but each partner takes a draw based on their ownership share. Profits and losses pass through to personal tax returns.

  • S-Corp or C-Corp:
    You’re required to pay yourself a reasonable salary through payroll and withhold payroll taxes. You can also take distributions or dividends — but those come after salary and may have tax advantages if done properly.
Why it matters: Choosing the wrong method could trigger IRS red flags or cause cash flow issues in your business.

2. Know What “Reasonable” Means

If you’re an S-Corp owner, the IRS requires you to pay yourself a reasonable salary for the work you do. But what does that actually mean?

Consider:
  • Industry averages
  • Your role and responsibilities
  • Time spent working in the business
  • What you’d pay someone else to do your job
If you’re only taking distributions to avoid payroll taxes, that’s a red flag. 

Balancing salary and distributions properly can save you money and keep you compliant.

3. Separate Business and Personal Finances

Even if you’re a sole proprietor, you should have separate bank accounts for your business and personal expenses.

Paying yourself should look like:
  • Transferring funds from your business to your personal account
  • Logging it properly in your bookkeeping system
  • Not swiping your business card for groceries and calling it compensation
This isn’t just good financial hygiene — it helps protect you legally, especially if you're operating as an LLC or corporation.

4. Pay Yourself Consistently

Many owners fall into the trap of only paying themselves when things feel “safe” or when there’s money left over. That’s understandable, but not sustainable.

Set a consistent cadence: weekly, biweekly, or monthly. Treat your compensation like a non-negotiable business expense — just like rent, payroll, or insurance.

Bonus: It helps you create a more accurate budget and forecast for your business because you’re not constantly reacting to what's left in the bank.

5. Don’t Forget Taxes

Whether you’re drawing money or taking a salary, the IRS will expect its share. 

You need to:
  • Set aside a percentage of your income for quarterly estimated taxes
  • Track all income and expenses accurately
  • Work with an accountant to calculate your tax liability and avoid surprises
Pro tip: A good accountant can help you decide how much to pay yourself, how often, and what to set aside for taxes based on your actual numbers.

6. Use Your Numbers to Adjust

As your business grows, your compensation should reflect that. 

If you’re consistently profitable, it may be time to:
  • Increase your salary or draws
  • Start saving for retirement through the business
  • Take distributions more strategically
  • Reevaluate your business structure
But don’t guess. 

Use real financial data to guide your decisions—and get support when needed.

Final Thoughts

Paying yourself “the right way” is about more than just getting money into your personal bank account. 

It’s about:
  • Staying compliant with tax laws
  • Building a sustainable business model
  • Making sure your business supports the life you actually want

If you’re unsure whether you’re paying yourself the right way — or you’ve been avoiding it altogether — it might be time to get a second set of eyes on your books and strategy.

Need clarity on your pay, taxes, or structure? *Use this link to schedule your free call with me today. 

I’ll help you build a system that works for your business and your life.

August 11, 2025
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