- Make sure you have the correct forms – and fill them out correctly. Double-check your numbers.
- If you don't have money to pay, go ahead and file your returns by the due dates. You'll sidestep the failure-to-file penalty. If the next deadline comes and you still can't pay, attach Form 9465, an Installment Agreement Request to propose your own monthly payment date and amount.
- If you are self-employed, pay the self-employment tax, which includes income tax and social security tax, on these dates:April 15, June 15, September 15 and January 15 of the following year.
Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done
Check deadlines at the IRS
The Internal Revenue Service has a helpful Web site with detailed, digestible instructions for small businesses.I recommend: The IRS has a super helpful online tax calendar with dates and deadlines on its small business Web site. Click on the month and then click "dates and actions" for details of when to do what. Order up to five free copies of the tax calendar. Get industry-specific information, resources and forms at the agency's one-stop resource for small businesses. You can view and download other IRS forms, including extension forms.
Get a free organizer
If you don't like the IRS' calendars, get a free one organized differently from a private company.I recommend: MSN Money offers a tax calendar with important deadlines. Small Businesses Taxes and Management has a federal taxes "To Do" list and one for state taxes.
Use the government's free e-pay system
Electronically pay all federal taxes, including income, employment, estimated and excise taxes. It's secure, convenient and reduces penalties by ensuring you'll never miss a deadline by scheduling payments to go out by due dates.I recommend: Go to Electronic Federal Tax Payment System to register.
Subscribe to a payroll service that includes deadline reminders
Why sweat the deadlines on your own? Get a notification service to send you reminders.I recommend: Microsoft Office's ADA Payroll automatically calculates federal, state and local taxes, and gives handy reminders to alert you to deadlines. It costs $169 a year with a 30-day free trial. PayCycle gives e-mail reminders of payroll tax deadlines with a 30-day free trial, followed by two months at $9.99 each.
Pay attention to state deadlines, too
State deadlines for various business returns may be differentI recommend: Check state filing deadlines.
Ask your bank if it offers a tax-paying service
Never miss a deadline by using an automated service to submit payments.I recommend: Bank of America's ExpressTax for business checking account holders lets you pay taxes electronically.
Tips & Tactics
Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide
- May 15 is the deadline for tax-exempt organizations to file their returns.
- You'll be fined $20/day if you're late, up to $50,000 or 5% of gross receipts.
- If you use the Electronic Federal Tax Payment System to pay taxes, you can pay up to 8 p.m. the day before it's due.
- To find out state requirements and deadlines, see your local Small Business Administration office.
the Tax Information Resources page at Business.com
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