Overview
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.
Business Taxes
The form of business you operate determines what taxes you must
pay and how you pay them.
Getting Started
Tax
Information for Businesses
If you run a small business or are self-employed, the IRS Web
site offers a wide variety of information to help you.
Checklist for Starting a Business
This checklist provides the basic steps you should follow to
start a business.
Business Structures
When beginning a business, you must decide what structure to
use. Legal and tax considerations enter into this decision.
Employer ID Numbers (EINs)
An Employer Identification Number (EIN) is also known as a
federal tax identification number, and is used to identify a
business entity. Generally, businesses need an EIN.
Online Application - Form SS-4, Employer Identification Number
(EIN)
Apply online for the Employer Identification Number (EIN), also
known as a Federal Tax Identification Number.
IRS Forms and Publications
Forms and
Publications
Need an IRS form or publication?
Electronic Filing
e-file
for Business and Self-Employed Taxpayers
The IRS offers several electronic filing options designed
specifically for the business filer. There are several ways you
may choose to participate in the IRS e-file for Business
programs.
Electronic Federal Tax
Payments (EFTPS)
Businesses and individuals can use the Electronic Federal Tax
Payment System to pay all their federal taxes electronically,
24 hours a day, 7 days a week, via the phone, personal computer
(PC) software or the Internet. Visit the EFTPS web site for all
the latest information! Or visit the Department of Treasury's
Financial Management Services web page on EFTPS.
QuickAlerts "More" e-file Benefits for EROs
Get on board and be one of the thousands of tax professionals
that currently receive information on "up-to-the-minute" e-file
events.
Employees
Businesses with Employees
Information about hiring, recordkeeping, and other topics for
business owners with employees.
Independent Contractor vs. Employees
Before you can determine how to treat payments you make for
services, you must first know the business relationship that
exists between you and the person performing the services.
Employment Taxes for Small Businesses
If you have employees, you are responsible for Federal Income
Tax Withholding, Social Security and Medicare taxes and Federal
Unemployment Tax Act (FUTA).
IRS Withholding Calculator
This easy-to-use calculator can help you figure your employees'
Federal income tax withholding so you can withhold the correct
amount from their pay.
Retirement Plans for Small Businesses
Are you looking for information on employee retirement plans in
order to provide better service to all your employees?
Talk With The IRS
Contact My
Local Office
IRS Taxpayer Assistance Centers are your one-stop resource for
face-to-face tax help and solutions to tax problems, every
business day.
Taxpayer
Advocate Service
The Taxpayer Advocate is an independent organization within the
IRS. They help taxpayers resolve problems with the IRS and
recommend changes that will prevent the problems.
Learning Center
On-Line Classroom
The Small Business/Self-Employed Virtual Small Business Tax
Workshop is designed to help new and existing small business
owners understand and meet their federal tax obligations.
Small Business Tax Workshops
Throughout the country various non-profit and government
organizations offer small business workshops.
Resources
Small Business Resources
This section offers links to a broad range of resources across
federal and state agencies.
Small Business Products Online Ordering
Looking for a tool to help you meet your tax requirements?
Choose from our free products, developed especially for the
Small Business/Self-Employed person, and obtain updated
information on existing products.
e-News for Small Businesses
e-News for Small Businesses is a free electronic mail service
designed to provide tax information for small business owners
and self-employed individuals. Sign-up and you will receive
information about:
- Important upcoming tax dates
- What's new for small businesses on the IRS Web site
- Reminders and tips to assist small businesses with tax compliance
- IRS News Releases and special IRS announcements.
Abusive Tax Schemes
Tax Scams - How to Recognize and Avoid Them
To help the public recognize and avoid abusive tax schemes, the
IRS offers an abundance of educational materials. Participating
in illegal schemes to avoid paying taxes can result in
imprisonment and fines, as well as the repayment of taxes owed
with penalties and interest. Education is the best way to avoid
the pitfalls of these "too good to be true" tax scams.
Disaster Information
Help for Hurricane Victims: Information on Tax Relief,
Charitable Issues
The Internal Revenue Service is working to provide appropriate
relief and assistance to victims of Hurricanes Katrina, Rita
and Wilma.
Tax Relief in Disaster Situations
Special tax law provisions may help taxpayers recover
financially from the impact of a disaster, especially when the
president declares their location to be a major disaster
area.
Resources for Specific Communities
Industries/Professions
Specific tax information for Agriculture, Automotive, Child
Care, Construction, Cosmetology, Entertainment, Fishing, Gas
Retailers, Manufacturing, Real Estate, Restaurants, Tax
Professionals, and other industries.
Tax
Information for International Businesses
This section provides a vast amount of information on U.S.
taxes for both aliens living in the U.S. and U.S. citizens
located overseas.
Tax
Information for Tax Professionals
Provides links to items on IRS.GOV which are helpful to the tax
professional. We want to make it easy for tax professionals to
find everything they need.
