IRS Real Estate Tax Center
 

Information about small business federal tax responsibilities

What business owners need to know

As a business owner, you need to know your federal tax responsibilities.  In addition to knowing about federal taxes, you need to make some basic business decisions. Understanding and complying with tax requirements is a necessary aspect of doing business. 

Small business and self-employed one-stop resource http://www.IRS.gov/businesses/small/index.html

Look for information by business topics using the alphabetical listing, or by business type such as sole proprietor or corporation.

There are also links to major business subjects, such as business expenses, as well as a gateway to all related information on that subject.

Tax help for small businesses and the self-employed

If you are starting or already have a small business and need information on taxes, help is available in the form of media products and services.

The IRS tax information for businesses web site  provides extensive tax information and online tools and resources especially for businesses.

http://www.IRS.gov/businesses/index.html

The IRS offers many educational products that you can view or order online, at your convenience, night or day.

Subscribe to e-news for small businesses

The small business/self-employed division has a free electronic mail service designed to provide tax information for small business owners.  Sign-up for the small business/self-employed mailing list and you will receive information about important upcoming tax dates, what's new on the IRS web site, recently added tax forms and publications, IRS news releases and special IRS announcements.

http://www.IRS.gov/businesses/small/content/0,,id=154826,00.html

The IRS offers a number of other free subscription services as well. You can subscribe to these services at: http://www.IRS.gov/taxpros/article/0,,id=99120,00.html

This document is current through the publication date. Since changes may have occurred after the publication date that would affect the accuracy of this document, no guarantees are made concerning the technical accuracy after the publication date.

Small business resources

These are just a few of the many government websites with business information.

small business administration  the sba’s small business planner includes information and resources that will help you at any stage of the business lifecycle.

social security administration  visit business services online; a suite of applications enabling organizations and authorized individuals to conduct business with the social security administration. This includes filing forms w-2 electronically for free.

u.s. department of labor the employers’ page provides information on wages and work hours, workplace safety and health, and retirement and health benefits.

state links this IRS.gov link will allow you to connect to your state’s website for small business information.  

department of agriculture - office of small & disadvantaged business utilization  the mission of this office is to provide maximum opportunities for small businesses to participate in usda contracting activities.

business.gov  the official business link to the u.s. government, is managed by the u.s. small business administration (sba) in a partnership with 21 other federal agencies

firstgov.gov and firstgov en español  as the u.s. government's official web portal, firstgov.gov makes it easy for the public to get u.s. government information and services on the web. Firstgov.gov also serves as the catalyst for a growing electronic government.

Additional IRS resources

You can select and download multiple small business and self-employed forms and publications at IRS.gov or you can call 1-800-829-3676 to order forms and publications through the mail at no cost.

Access IRS forms or publications at http://www.IRS.gov/formspubs/index.html

Publication 1066c, a virtual small business tax workshop dvd is a new educational product that helps small business owners and the self-employed understand and meet their federal tax obligations. The workshop is subtitled in english, spanish and mandarin chinese.  You can also view this workshop online.

Publication 3207, 2006 small business resource guide cd-rom is an interactive cd designed to help small business owners comply with the tax laws and includes business tax forms, instructions and publications. In addition to providing a wealth of tax-related information, the cd contains web links to various government agencies, business associations and IRS organizations.

Publication 1518, small businesses and self-employed tax calendar highlights different tax issues and tips and has space to add notes, state tax dates, or business appointments. Updated online versions are available on IRS.gov.
 

IRS publications

You can select and download multiple IRS forms and publications at IRS.gov or you can call 1-800-829-3676 to order forms and publications through the mail at no cost.

Access IRS forms or publications at http://www.IRS.gov/formspubs/index.html

Pub 334 tax guide for small business

Pub 463 travel, entertainment, gift, and car expenses

Pub 531 reporting tip income

Pub 535 business expenses

Pub 583 starting a business and keeping records

Pub 587 business use of your home

Pub 946 how to depreciate property

Pub 1872 tips on tips: a guide to tip income reporting

Pub 3780 tax information for small construction businesses

Pub 3995 recognizing illegal tax avoidance schemes

Pub 4132 pay taxes online! "easy as1-2-3"

Pub 1779 independent contractor or employee

Pub 4035 home-based business tax avoidance scheme

IRS web resources

Starting, operating or closing a business

Whether you are a budding entrepreneur, or an established business owner, you will find everything you need to start and manage your business venture.

http://www.IRS.gov/businesses/small/article/0,,id=110417,00.html

Business taxes

The form of business you operate determines what taxes you must pay and how you pay them.

http://www.IRS.gov/businesses/small/article/0,,id=98966,00.html

Checklist for starting a business

This checklist provides the basic steps you should follow to start a business.

http://www.IRS.gov/businesses/small/article/0,,id=98810,00.html

Employer id number

An employer identification number, also known as a federal tax identification number, is used to identify a business entity.

http://www.IRS.gov/businesses/small/article/0,,id=98350,00.html

Online application - form ss-4

Apply online for the employer identification number http://www.IRS.gov/businesses/small/article/0,,id=102767,00.html