We have three partners in a multi-partner LLC. Should our salaries be reported as W2 income? Or as distributions from the partnership?

[AmandaR1 · Accepted solution]

If your LLC is taxed as partnership and a member also works in the business, salaries are categorized as guaranteed payments, not W-2 income.  Distributions refer to a return of capital or a payment for another reason. 

Each partner will receive a Schedule K-1 from the partnership form 1065, which will report the guaranteed payments and partners' share of income and expenses. Reporting the schedule K-1s on your personal returns, will report both the salaries and partnership activity. 

These terms can be used differently for the LLC vs the partnership, so if you are answering a specific question and this doesn't answer your question, please provide more details.