How Much Profit Should You Keep in Your Business?

For business owners wondering how to manage profits wisely, this episode is essential listening. Host Terrance Hutchins and co-host T’mia explore the strategic decision-making process behind retaining money in your business, explaining how much to keep, why it matters, and how it all ties into taxes.

Building on previous episodes about where profit goes—like taxes, debt, and reinvestment—this conversation centers on the crucial (and often overlooked) topic of retained earnings. Whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur or a new S-corp owner, you’ll walk away with a clearer understanding of financial planning inside your business.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Why retaining profit is essential for long-term business stability and growth
• The difference between C-corporations and pass-through entities when it comes to taxes
• How to calculate and set up a proper rainy day fund for your business
• Strategic reasons to retain money beyond emergency savings—like hiring or equipment replacement
• A breakdown of how to allocate business profits (taxes, reinvestment, savings, distributions)
• Why understanding distributions is key—and what most people get wrong

Featured Tax Tip:

Retaining profit doesn’t change your tax liability in an S Corp—the IRS still taxes you on what your business earns, not what you take out. Just like your kids ordering dinner doesn’t mean they’re paying the bill, your S Corp passes the check to you. Plan accordingly.

If you’re building a business, don’t just focus on making money—focus on allocating it wisely. Learn how to prepare for surprises, fund your future, and structure your finances with tax-smart strategy.

Subscribe to How to Lower Your Tax Bill on Spotify or Apple Podcasts. Keep More of What You Earn.