How do I pay myself from my LLC?

For a single-member LLC, pay yourself through an 'owner's draw' — simply transfer money from your business bank account to your personal account. There is no payroll requirement for single-member LLC owners. For multi-member LLCs, take guaranteed payments or distributions as defined in your operating agreement.

Payment methods by LLC tax election: (1) Default LLC (disregarded entity): owner's draw, no payroll taxes withheld, pay self-employment tax quarterly via estimated payments. (2) LLC taxed as S-Corp: must pay yourself a 'reasonable salary' via payroll (subject to FICA), then take additional profits as distributions (not subject to SE tax). (3) Multi-member LLC (partnership): guaranteed payments (like a salary, deductible by LLC) or profit distributions per operating agreement. Critical rule: never pay personal expenses directly from your LLC bank account — always transfer to personal first, then spend. Commingling funds is the #1 way courts 'pierce the corporate veil' and eliminate your liability protection.