I'm starting a small business. What assistance can the IRS give me?

The IRS provides a variety of resources and assistance for individuals starting a small business. Here are the key forms of support available:

1. Training and Educational Programs:
   • The IRS offers training and educational programs specifically designed for small business owners. These programs cover various aspects of running a business, including tax compliance and financial management.
2. Small Business/Self-Employed Tax Center:
   • The Small Business/Self-Employed Tax Center on IRS.gov is a comprehensive resource for small business owners. It provides information on starting, operating, and closing a business, selecting a business structure, and understanding business deductions and credits. It also offers guidance on recordkeeping and accounting methods.
3. Online Learning and Educational Products:
   • The IRS provides online learning tools and educational products that allow business owners to learn about business taxes at their own pace. This includes the Small Business/Self-Employed Virtual Small Business Tax Workshop, which covers federal taxes, setting up and running a business, and federal unemployment taxes.
4. Electronic Services:
   • The IRS offers several online services to make it easier for small businesses to conduct business electronically. This includes obtaining an Employer Identification Number (EIN) online, signing up for electronic payments using EFTPS, and setting up online payment agreements.
5. Forms, Publications, and Tools:
   • The IRS provides access to a wide range of forms, instructions, and publications that are essential for small business owners. These can be downloaded from IRS.gov/Forms. Additionally, the IRS offers tools like the Tax Calendar for Businesses and Self-Employed, which helps track federal tax due dates.
6. Tax Help and Assistance:
   • The IRS offers various forms of tax help, including the Interactive Tax Assistant on IRS.gov, which helps answer tax questions. The IRS also provides toll-free tax assistance and has local IRS offices that can offer support.
7. Electronic Subscription Services:
   • The IRS has several free electronic subscription services that provide updates and information relevant to small businesses. These include e-News for Small Business, Retirement News for Employers, and Exempt Organizations Update.
8. Taxpayer Advocate Service (TAS):
   • TAS is an independent organization within the IRS that helps taxpayers resolve problems they can't resolve with the IRS. TAS ensures that taxpayers are treated fairly and understand their rights under the Taxpayer Bill of Rights.
9. Disaster Relief Information:
   • The IRS provides information on disaster tax relief, which can be crucial for small businesses affected by natural disasters.

By utilizing these resources, small business owners can gain a better understanding of their tax obligations, stay compliant, and take advantage of the various forms of assistance offered by the IRS.

Sources:
Publication 1582
Publication 334 (2023)
Publication 1518 (11/2012)
Publication 4591 (10/2018)
Publication 463 (2023)
Publication 535 (2022)