When you run a business, tax responsibilities are constant. This issue of What Works for Business aims to provide relief with helpful how-to guides on how to find a tax consultant, where to get the right IRS forms and publications for small business, getting an Employer Identification Number (EIN) and tax deductions for business travel.

We've also launched a new Q&A feature that tackles a top-of-mind small business problem each week with an in-depth answer. And be sure to visit our What Works for Business blog for the latest news on small business solutions.




10 Great Startup Tools & Tips for Today

Q. Dear Dan: I’m about to launch my own solo business. Any tips on the essentials I need to get started - like phone services, office space and legal help? - Solo Gal

A. Dear Solo Gal: With big companies vaporizing jobs by the millions, self employment is becoming an option - and often a necessity - for more Americans than ever before. And with a still-weakening economy and more job losses looming, the self-employment ranks seem destined to rise. The good news is this: It’s never been easier to start your own business. Here’s a 10-piece toolkit for self employment survival




Tax Help for Your Business
Guide to Hiring a Tax Consultant
By W. Eric Martin
Digging into tax matters is like pulling tissues out of a box — each paper you grab has another one connected to it, and before you know it, you're up to your knees in paper and feeling sicker than ever. While some business tax situations are straightforward, at other times you're better off relying on an expert for advice and know-how... Read Full Guide

Finding the Right Forms
IRS Forms and Publications for Small Business
By Daniel Kehrer
Finding appropriate business tax forms and facts when you need them is critical to navigating the tax labyrinth. Contrary to popular belief, however, the IRS itself -- and its website in particular -- is actually a good place to get what you need. The agency has a special small business/self-employed (SB/SE) website that provides easy access to all of the IRS forms and publications that cover tax matters vital to different types of small businesses, as well as the self-employed... Read Full Guide

A Must-Have For Business
Getting an Employer Identification Number (EIN)
By Mark Ingebretsen
An Employer Identification Number (EIN) is the federal tax ID number used by the Internal Revenue Service to identify your business. EINs are also known as Federal Tax Identification Numbers, and they are like a Social Security number for your business. You must obtain an EIN if any of the following apply to your business: Read Full Guide

Travel Bonus
Tax Deductions for Business Travel
By Betty W. Stark
Tossing business travel receipts into your briefcase or desk drawer or even a shoe box is easy at the time — out of sight, out of mind. But come tax time, you'll wish you had been more organized. And it doesn't hurt to know a few of the IRS rules for business travel deductions ahead of time either. Educate yourself on what business travel expenses are deductible and move past shoe box mode: Read Full Guide

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