IRS Small Business Resources

Small Business and Self-Employed One-Stop Resource
This section offers a broad range of resources across federal and state agencies, as well as industry/profession specific information for self-employed entrepreneurs, employers and businesses.  Within this web page you will find links to starting and operating a business, employment taxes, tax law changes for business, business-related forms and publications, and online learning options.

Industry Specific Tax Information
Learn about tax information specific to your industry or profession. 

Employment Taxes
Answers to all your employment tax questions are located on the IRS web site.

Recordkeeping 
Unless you are a professional bookkeeper, you probably don't like to spend valuable business time keeping records. See how keeping good records can actually help you save money.

Get Your EIN Online!
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. You may apply for an EIN in various ways, and now you may apply online.

Business and Specialty Tax Line  1-800-829-4933
For Small Businesses, Corporations, Partnerships and Trusts who need information and/or help related to their Business Returns or Business (BMF) Accounts. Services cover Employer Identification Numbers (EINs), 94x returns, 1041, 1065, 1120S, Excise Returns, Estate and Gift Returns, as well as issues related to Federal tax deposits.

Electronic Payment Options
Electronic payment options are convenient, safe and secure methods for paying taxes. Taxpayers can authorize an electronic funds withdrawal, use a credit card or enroll in the U.S. Treasury’s Electronic Federal Tax Payment System (EFTPS).  Payments can be made 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The electronic funds withdrawal and EFTPS options are free!  To find out more, see To enroll in EFTPS, go to  www.eftps.gov

e-file for Everyone
Electronic filing options for Individual Taxpayers (including Schedule C filers), Employment Taxes, Corporations, Partnerships, and Exempt Organizations.

Filing Information Returns Electronically (FIRE)
Electronic filing of information returns allows you to submit Form 1099-MISC and other information returns using a modem and telephone line. 

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 an illegal scheme to avoid paying taxes can result in imprisonment and fines, as well as the repayment of taxes owed with penalties and interest. See this link for a list of common schemes and how to avoid these “too good to be true” tax scams.

Products for Small Businesses

To order free small business products or view them online:  Go to www.irs.gov and search for “small business products” or link to http://www.irs.gov/businesses/small/article/0,,id=101169,00.html

• 2006 Small Business Resource Guide – CD ROM  (Publication 3207)
  This handy, interactive CD contains all the business tax forms, instructions and publications to successfully manage a business.  In addition, the CD provides a wide variety of web links to various government agencies, business associations and IRS organizations.  
• Virtual Small Business Workshop DVD (Publication 1066C)
  This innovative DVD is designed to help new and existing small business owners understand and meet their federal tax obligations. The workshop provides information and resources in an interactive format. There are ten lessons, which can be subtitled in English, Spanish and Mandarin Chinese.
• Small Business Tax Calendar (Publication 1518)
  Filled with useful information on general business taxes, IRS and SSA customer assistance, electronic filing and paying options, business publications, forms and common tax filing dates.
• IRA Resource Guide for Small Business Owners & Individuals – CD ROM (Publication 4395)
  A one-stop source for information on traditional or Roth IRA or IRA-based SEP, SIMPLE IRA, SARSEP or Payroll Deduction IRA retirement plan. Sections on how to set up, contribute, invest and withdraw are included along with frequently asked questions, video clips, research materials and web site links. Call 1-800-829-3676 to order or view online.
• Independent Contractor or Employee   (Publication 1779)
  For federal tax purposes, this is an important distinction.  Worker classification affects how you pay your federal income tax, social security and Medicare taxes, and how you file your tax return.

E-Newsletter Website Links

Small Business/Self-Employed Mailing List
Information about important upcoming tax dates, what’s new on the IRS Web Site, forms and publications, and IRS News Releases and special announcements.   

IRS Stakeholders Partner’s Headliners
Partners & stakeholders can check this link periodically to see if there are important messages affecting small businesses that they may want to distribute to their membership/customers. 

IRS Newswire
News releases via e-mail from the National Media Relations Office in Washington, D.C.  Topics cover the entire range of tax administration, including tax law changes, filing season updates, statistics, etc.  Two to three news releases are sent each week.    

Retirement News for Employers
Designed for employers and business owners, this newsletter provides practical retirement plan information. View our current edition, browse the newsletter archive or subscribe to future editions. 

Tax Stats Dispatch Mailing List 
Announcements about the most recent tax statistics on the IRS web site. 

FSGL Newsletter
A publication of the Federal, State, & Local Governments office of the Tax Exempt and Government Entities Operating Division, this newsletter is issued semi-annually during the year and provides information about current developments and upcoming events of interest to government entities.   

Links to other Government Agencies & Business Organizations

Small Business Resources 
This section offers links to a broad range of resources across federal and state agencies. 

Industry Agencies and Organizations 
Private-sector links to sources for business and tax-related information.