Who
is Self-Employed?
If you are in business for yourself, carry on a trade or
business as a sole proprietor or an independent
contractor, you generally would consider yourself as a
self-employed individual. You are an independent
contractor if the person for whom you perform services for
has only the right to control or direct the result of your
work, not what will be done, or how it will be done.
Licenses
or Permits Needed to Operate Your Business
Although the IRS does not require you to have any
licenses, permits or sales tax numbers to operate your
business, they may be required by your state or local
jurisdiction.
Do
I Need an Identification Number?
You must have a taxpayer identification number to operate
your business. This is generally your social security
number, or an individual taxpayer number. However if you
have employees, and in some other circumstances, you will
need an Employer Identification Number.
Filing
Requirements for the Self-Employed
As a self-employed individual, you may be responsible for
completing multiple tax forms, depending on your type of
business.
IRS
e-file for Business and the Self-Employed
Electronic filing and payment
options for businesses and self-employed individuals
including employment taxes, information returns,
partnerships returns, and returns for estates &
trusts. You can also electronically file corporate tax
returns (Forms 1120/1120S), and returns for exempt
organizations (Forms 990/990EZ & 1120 POL).
Useful
Forms and Publications
A collection of relevant forms and publications related to
understanding and fulfilling your filing requirements.
Where
to File Addresses
Where to file addresses for individuals, businesses, and
tax practitioners.
Operating
a Business
Learn about the various responsibilities associated with
operating your own business. You will find many topics,
such as: types of business taxes that may apply, how to
structure retirement plans for your employees, deducting
the cost of running your business, and much more.
Closing
a Business
There is more involved in closing your business than just
locking the doors. This section provides procedures for
getting out of business, including what forms to file and
how to handle additional revenue received or expenses you
may incur.
