IRS Lends a Hand to Small Business

WASHINGTON - The Internal Revenue Service has numerous free resources that can help small business taxpayers comply with their tax responsibilities, and none of them are further than a mouse-click away.

On the small business section of IRS.gov, taxpayers can, for example, learn how the tax code treats different business structures, apply for an Employer Identification Number or make tax payments, even watch a streaming video of a small business workshop.

“Running a small business is a big responsibility, and the IRS wants to help simplify the process for this important group of taxpayers,” said Dale F. Hart, Commissioner of the Small Business/Self-Employed Division of the IRS. “Whether a person is just considering opening a business or has years of small business experience, we provide a wide range of tools and educational assistance to help him or her succeed.”

Here is a sample of the resources and services that small businesses can find on IRS.gov:

• Starting a Business — Everything from a new business checklist to selecting a business structure.
• Operating a Business — Find out about various expenses associated with a business and business taxes that may apply. Also lists requirements for small businesses with employees and information on how to structure a retirement plan.
• Closing a Business — More than shutting the door, procedures are provided for getting out of business, including forms to file.
• The Self-Employed Community — This one-stop shop for the self-employed was built with the help of taxpayer feedback.
• Industries and Professions — Advice on how to avoid problems in construction, cosmetology and more. Information on more than a dozen industries in all.
• International Taxpayers — Addresses the special tax requirements of the international community.
• Where to File — Filing addresses, by return type, for self-filers and tax professionals. Includes the top filing errors made by type of form.
• Order Free Products — Choose from the Tax Calendar, Small Business Resource Guide and more, all developed for the small business or self-employed individual.
• Small Business Online Classroom — IRS courses, self-directed learning and access to streaming video of IRS small business workshops.
• State Links — A collection of links to state government and commercial web sites.

IRS.gov is also the gateway to a host of electronic services for small businesses:

• E-file — Filing options for employment taxes, information returns, partnerships, corporations and estates and trusts can all be found here.
• Employer Identification Number (EIN) — Small businesses may apply for one online.
• Electronic Federal Tax Payment System (EFTPS) — EFTPS is an alternative to paying taxes by check or money order. Small businesses can make payments 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Over the past few years, the Internet has opened up vast new possibilities for communication between the IRS and small business. But IRS employees are still available by phone to speak with small business owners and the self-employed. For telephone assistance with tax issues, small businesses may call 1-800-829-4933.

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