Taxes & Government
Government websites are where small-business owners lose the most time, mostly because the right page is buried. This section links straight to the official pages you actually need: applying for an EIN (free, directly from the IRS), paying federal taxes online, the IRS tax calendar, estimated taxes, and the SBA guides to licenses and permits.
Every link here goes to a .gov site or an official program site. Be careful with look-alike services that charge a fee to "file" an EIN or annual report for you; the IRS EIN application is free, and most state filings can be done directly with your Secretary of State. For state-specific registration, start from the NASS directory of state business filing offices.
IRS essentials
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Taxpayer Advocate Service
Independent IRS office that helps resolve stuck tax problems.
taxpayeradvocate.irs.gov
Federal agencies & portals
State filings & sales tax
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Streamlined Sales Tax
Multistate program that simplifies sales tax registration for remote sellers.
streamlinedsalestax.org
Tax software & services
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TurboTax Business
Tax filing software for self-employed people and small businesses.
turbotax.intuit.com -
Avalara 1099 & W-9
Collect W-9s and e-file 1099 forms for contractors (formerly Track1099).
track1099.com
How to choose
- Only apply for an EIN at irs.gov. Third-party sites that charge for an EIN are not affiliated with the IRS.
- Put the four quarterly estimated-tax dates in your calendar on day one if you are self-employed; underpayment penalties add up quietly.
- Enroll in EFTPS or use IRS Direct Pay so you have a confirmation number for every federal payment.
- Sales tax is a state matter. If you sell online across state lines, check each state's economic-nexus threshold or use a sales tax service.
- If an IRS problem is causing financial hardship and normal channels have not worked, the Taxpayer Advocate Service is free and independent.
Frequently asked questions
How do I get an EIN for free?
Apply online at irs.gov. The online application is free and, if completed, issues your EIN immediately. You can also apply by fax or mail using Form SS-4.
Do I need to pay estimated taxes?
Generally yes if you expect to owe $1,000 or more in federal tax for the year after withholding and credits, which is common for freelancers and owners of pass-through businesses. The IRS estimated taxes page explains the rules and due dates.
Where do I register my business name or LLC?
With your state, usually the Secretary of State or a similar office. The NASS directory links to every state's business filing office. Some cities and counties also require a local business license.
Do I have to collect sales tax on online sales?
It depends on where your customers are and how much you sell into each state. Most states require out-of-state sellers to collect once they pass a sales or transaction threshold. Marketplaces often collect on your behalf.
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