Since the introduction of dividend imputation in 1986, dividends that have been paid out of profits for which the company tax has already been paid carry a tax credit equivalent to the company tax paid. These tax credits may be passed on to most, but not all shareholders. Many firms are organised as companies for tax minimisation reasons. Companies make income splitting easier. You Earn tax a lot easier for individuals.
Many tax deductions are easier to substantiate for corporations than non-incorporated bodies.
Because dividends can not be paid out of capital, it is important that a company separate its owner's equity accounts into those associated with capital contributions, and those resulting from the profits earned by the firm. Firstly, let us look at the accounts and accounting entries required to form a company. Capital Accounts Authorised Capital - This is not normally an actual ledger account, but this amount does appear on a company s balance sheet. Most firms list a very high value for authorised capital, but it is essentially a meaningless figure. This account is where contributions of capital by owners are recorded.