SCorpDesk / 2026 S-Corp & QBI Guides / General Contractor & Construction Owner: 2026 S-Corp Reasonable Salary, FICA Savings & 20% Permanent QBI Calculator
General Contractor & Construction Owner: 2026 S-Corp Reasonable Salary, FICA Savings & 20% Permanent QBI Calculator
How much does an S-Corp save a General Contractor & Construction Owner in 2026?
For a General Contractor & Construction Owner generating $240,000 in annual net profit, a benchmark 2026 Form 1120-S Officer W-2 Reasonable Salary of $92,000 (38%) leaves approximately $140,962 in FICA-free Schedule K-1 distributions, saving $15,230 per year in Self-Employment / FICA taxes while unlocking a $28,192 Section 199A QBI deduction (20% permanent rate under Public Law 119-21, with expanded $75k/$150k phase-in and $400 floor).
For a General Contractor & Construction Owner generating $240,000 in annual net profit, a benchmark 2026 Form 1120-S Officer W-2 Reasonable Salary of $92,000 (38%) leaves approximately $140,962 in FICA-free Schedule K-1 distributions, saving $15,230 per year in Self-Employment / FICA taxes while unlocking a $28,192 Section 199A QBI deduction (20% permanent rate under Public Law 119-21, with expanded $75k/$150k phase-in and $400 floor).
Open Pre-Filled General Contractor & Construction Owner 2026 S-Corp & QBI Calculator
2026 Form 1120-S vs. Schedule C (1099 LLC) Breakdown for General Contractor & Construction Owner
| 2026 Tax Metric | Sole Prop / 1099 LLC | S-Corporation (Form 1120-S) |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-Salary Net Business Profit | $240,000 | $240,000 |
| Officer W-2 Reasonable Salary (Line 7) | $0 (100% SE Taxed) | $92,000 (38%) |
| FICA-Exempt Schedule K-1 Distribution | $0 | $140,962 |
| Annual FICA / Self-Employment Tax Saved | Baseline | Saves $15,230 / year |
| Section 199A QBI Classification (20% Permanent OBBBA) | Qualified Trade / Non-SSTB (Full 20% Permanent QBI) | $28,192 QBI Deduction |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a reasonable S-Corp salary for a General Contractor & Construction Owner in 2026?
For a General Contractor & Construction Owner generating $240,000 in annual net profit, a benchmark 2026 Form 1120-S Officer W-2 Reasonable Salary of $92,000 (38%) leaves approximately $140,962 in FICA-free Schedule K-1 distributions, saving $15,230 per year in Self-Employment / FICA taxes while unlocking a $28,192 Section 199A QBI deduction (20% permanent rate under Public Law 119-21, with expanded $75k/$150k phase-in and $400 floor).
Can a General Contractor & Construction Owner S-Corp deduct a home office and mileage tax-free?
Yes, by adopting a written IRC Section 62(c) Accountable Plan and reimbursing substantiated home office (IRC 280A) and business mileage ($0.725/mile) expenses directly from the S-Corporation checking account.