{"id":7242,"date":"2023-05-12T15:45:06","date_gmt":"2023-05-12T15:45:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.irstaxapp.com\/?p=7242"},"modified":"2023-05-12T15:45:30","modified_gmt":"2023-05-12T15:45:30","slug":"how-to-file-and-pay-small-business-taxes-the-complete-guide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.irstaxapp.com\/how-to-file-and-pay-small-business-taxes-the-complete-guide\/","title":{"rendered":"How to File and Pay Small Business Taxes? The Complete Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.irstaxapp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/file-and-pay-taxes-1024x576.webp 1024w,https:\/\/www.irstaxapp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/file-and-pay-taxes-300x169.webp 300w,https:\/\/www.irstaxapp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/file-and-pay-taxes-768x432.webp 768w,https:\/\/www.irstaxapp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/file-and-pay-taxes-1536x864.webp 1536w,https:\/\/www.irstaxapp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/file-and-pay-taxes-150x84.webp 150w,https:\/\/www.irstaxapp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/file-and-pay-taxes-750x422.webp 750w,https:\/\/www.irstaxapp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/file-and-pay-taxes-1140x641.webp 1140w,https:\/\/www.irstaxapp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/file-and-pay-taxes.webp 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1125px) 100vw, 1125px\" type=\"image\/webp\"><img src=\"https:\/\/www.irstaxapp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/file-and-pay-taxes-1024x576.png\" height=\"633\" width=\"1125\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.irstaxapp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/file-and-pay-taxes-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.irstaxapp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/file-and-pay-taxes-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/www.irstaxapp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/file-and-pay-taxes-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/www.irstaxapp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/file-and-pay-taxes-1536x864.png 1536w, https:\/\/www.irstaxapp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/file-and-pay-taxes-150x84.png 150w, https:\/\/www.irstaxapp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/file-and-pay-taxes-750x422.png 750w, https:\/\/www.irstaxapp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/file-and-pay-taxes-1140x641.png 1140w, https:\/\/www.irstaxapp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/file-and-pay-taxes.png 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1125px) 100vw, 1125px\" class=\"wp-image-7243 sp-no-webp\" alt=\"file and pay taxes\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\"  > <\/picture><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Filing and paying taxes is an essential part of running a small business. Failure to comply with tax regulations can lead to legal and financial consequences, negatively impacting your business&#8217;s growth and reputation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_62 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<label for=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-66368d0c60300\" class=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-label\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/label><input type=\"checkbox\"  id=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-66368d0c60300\"  aria-label=\"Toggle\" \/><nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.irstaxapp.com\/how-to-file-and-pay-small-business-taxes-the-complete-guide\/#What_are_small_business_taxes\" title=\"What are small business taxes?\">What are small business taxes?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.irstaxapp.com\/how-to-file-and-pay-small-business-taxes-the-complete-guide\/#Small_Business_Tax_Deduction_Examples\" title=\"Small Business Tax Deduction Examples\">Small Business Tax Deduction Examples<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.irstaxapp.com\/how-to-file-and-pay-small-business-taxes-the-complete-guide\/#Step_1_Determine_Your_Business_Structure\" title=\"Step 1: Determine Your Business Structure\">Step 1: Determine Your Business Structure<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.irstaxapp.com\/how-to-file-and-pay-small-business-taxes-the-complete-guide\/#Step_2_Get_an_Employer_Identification_Number_EIN\" title=\"Step 2: Get an Employer Identification Number (EIN)\">Step 2: Get an Employer Identification Number (EIN)<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.irstaxapp.com\/how-to-file-and-pay-small-business-taxes-the-complete-guide\/#Step_3_Keep_Accurate_Records\" title=\"Step 3: Keep Accurate Records\">Step 3: Keep Accurate Records<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.irstaxapp.com\/how-to-file-and-pay-small-business-taxes-the-complete-guide\/#Step_4_Determine_Your_Tax_Obligations\" title=\"Step 4: Determine Your Tax Obligations\">Step 4: Determine Your Tax Obligations<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.irstaxapp.com\/how-to-file-and-pay-small-business-taxes-the-complete-guide\/#Step_5_Prepare_and_File_Your_Tax_Returns\" title=\"Step 5: Prepare and File Your Tax Returns\">Step 5: Prepare and File Your Tax Returns<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.irstaxapp.com\/how-to-file-and-pay-small-business-taxes-the-complete-guide\/#Step_6_Pay_Your_Taxes\" title=\"Step 6: Pay Your Taxes\">Step 6: Pay Your Taxes<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/www.irstaxapp.com\/how-to-file-and-pay-small-business-taxes-the-complete-guide\/#Step_7_Keep_Up_With_Tax_Law_Changes\" title=\"Step 7: Keep Up With Tax Law Changes\">Step 7: Keep Up With Tax Law Changes<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/www.irstaxapp.com\/how-to-file-and-pay-small-business-taxes-the-complete-guide\/#Final_Thoughts\" title=\"Final Thoughts\">Final Thoughts<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_are_small_business_taxes\"><\/span>What are small business taxes?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Small business taxes refer to the taxes paid by small businesses to the government on their income and profits. The federal, state, and local governments, including income, employment, sales, property, and excise taxes, typically impose these taxes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Small business taxes can be a complex topic, and the requirements can vary depending on the type of business and the location. Generally, small businesses must file a tax return with the appropriate tax authority, reporting their annual income and expenses. The tax return will determine the amount of taxes owed, and the business is responsible for paying the taxes on time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Small_Business_Tax_Deduction_Examples\"><\/span>Small Business Tax Deduction Examples<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Small business tax deductions are expenses that can be subtracted from a business&#8217;s taxable income, reducing the tax amount the business owes. These deductions can help small businesses save money on taxes and keep more profits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Some common small business tax deductions include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol>\n<li><strong>Business expenses:<\/strong> This includes expenses like rent, utilities, office supplies, and equipment.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Home office expenses: <\/strong>If you use a part of your home exclusively for business purposes, you may be able to deduct a portion of your home expenses, such as rent or mortgage interest, property taxes, and utilities.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Business travel expenses:<\/strong> These expenses include airfare, lodging, meals, and transportation when traveling for business purposes.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Insurance premiums:<\/strong> This includes the cost of business insurance, such as liability insurance or business property insurance.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Depreciation:<\/strong> This is the gradual loss of the value of assets over time, and it can be deducted as an expense over the useful life of an asset.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Business use of a vehicle: <\/strong>If you use a vehicle for business purposes, you can deduct the expenses related to its use, such as gas, repairs, and maintenance.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p>Navigating the tax system can be confusing, especially for new business owners. This article will provide a comprehensive guide to help small business owners file and pay their taxes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Step_1_Determine_Your_Business_Structure\"><\/span>Step 1: Determine Your Business Structure<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Determining your business structure is the first step to filing and paying small business taxes. Your business structure will affect your tax obligations, so choosing the right one is essential. Common business structures include sole proprietorship, partnership, LLC, and corporation. Each structure has different tax implications, so it&#8217;s important to choose the right one for your business.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you opt for an LLC business structure, we suggest you form an LLC in your state. For instance, if you live in California, you should set up your <a href=\"https:\/\/www.llcuniversity.com\/california-llc\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">LLC in California<\/a> rather than any other state to save you from paying double state and filing fees.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Step_2_Get_an_Employer_Identification_Number_EIN\"><\/span>Step 2: Get an Employer Identification Number (EIN)<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>An Employer Identification Number (EIN) is a unique identifier assigned to your business by the IRS. You will need an EIN to file your taxes and to open a business bank account. You can apply for an EIN online through the IRS website.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Step_3_Keep_Accurate_Records\"><\/span>Step 3: Keep Accurate Records<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Keeping accurate records is crucial for filing and paying taxes. You should keep track of all your business expenses, income, and receipts. You can take the help of accounting software or hire a bookkeeper to help you with this.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It&#8217;s important to keep separate records for your business and personal expenses. This will make calculating your business income and expenses easier when filing taxes. You should also keep all receipts and invoices for at least three years, as the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.irstaxapp.com\/irs-audit-triggers\/\">IRS can audit <\/a>your business anytime.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Step_4_Determine_Your_Tax_Obligations\"><\/span>Step 4: Determine Your Tax Obligations<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Your tax obligations will depend on your business structure and the type of taxes you need to pay. Some of the most common small business taxes include income, self-employment, payroll, and sales taxes. You can consult with a tax professional or use tax software to determine your tax obligations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Step_5_Prepare_and_File_Your_Tax_Returns\"><\/span>Step 5: Prepare and File Your Tax Returns<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Choose the correct tax form based on your business structure, fill it out accurately, and submit it to the appropriate address through e-filing or mail. If you owe taxes, pay them electronically or through a check by the tax deadline.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You can do this using <a href=\"https:\/\/www.irstaxapp.com\/free-online-tax-filing-services-2020\/\">online tax filing services<\/a> or hire a tax professional to help you. The deadlines for filing taxes vary depending on your business structure and the type of taxes you need to pay.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Step_6_Pay_Your_Taxes\"><\/span>Step 6: Pay Your Taxes<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>After you file your tax returns, you need to pay your taxes. If you owe taxes, you have to pay them by the tax deadline to avoid penalties and interest. You can pay electronically through the IRS website or by mail using a check or money order. It&#8217;s important to ensure that you make the payment correctly and on time to avoid any problems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Additionally, if you can&#8217;t pay your taxes in full, you can explore payment options such as installment agreements or an offer in compromise. The IRS offers different tax payment options, so select the one that works best for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Step_7_Keep_Up_With_Tax_Law_Changes\"><\/span>Step 7: Keep Up With Tax Law Changes<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Tax laws and regulations can change frequently, and compliance with the latest regulations is essential. By staying informed about tax law changes, you can plan and prepare for any potential changes in your tax liabilities and take steps to minimize your tax burdens.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Seeking the assistance of a tax professional or attending tax seminars can also help you stay informed. Failing to comply with tax laws can result in penalties, fines, and legal consequences, harming your business&#8217;s reputation and financial stability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Final_Thoughts\"><\/span>Final Thoughts<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Small business owners should prioritize keeping accurate records of their income and expenses, identifying eligible tax deductions and credits, and filing tax returns on time to avoid penalties and fines. Seeking the assistance of tax professionals and staying informed about tax law changes can help you navigate complex tax regulations and manage your taxes efficiently, allowing you to focus on growing your business.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Filing and paying taxes is an essential part of running a small business. Failure to comply with tax regulations can lead to legal and financial consequences, negatively impacting your business&#8217;s growth and reputation. What are small business taxes? Small business taxes refer to the taxes paid by small businesses to the government on their income [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":7243,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[54],"tags":[],"amp_enabled":false,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.irstaxapp.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7242"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.irstaxapp.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.irstaxapp.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.irstaxapp.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.irstaxapp.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=7242"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.irstaxapp.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7242\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":7244,"href":"https:\/\/www.irstaxapp.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7242\/revisions\/7244"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.irstaxapp.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/7243"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.irstaxapp.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=7242"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.irstaxapp.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=7242"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.irstaxapp.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=7242"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}