Can active members in an LLC receive a W-2?

In general, an active member of an LLC cannot receive what is commonly known as W-2 income. This is due to the fact that an active member is not considered to be an employee of an LLC. The only exception to this is if an LLC has elected, through the IRS, to be treated as a corporation for tax purposes.

In the event that an LLC elects to be treated as a corporation, it must then pay income tax on all profits. As a corporation is considered a separate legal entity from its owners, it may then employ owners or shareholders as it sees fit.