Get answers to commonly asked questions about 1099 MISC filing requirements for state and local governments.

Karen Hawkins, director, Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR) highlights OPR’s changing role, Circular 230 and new responsibilities of paid tax return preparers.

Every year, some taxpayers are dismayed or surprised about either the amount they owe or the amount of their refund.  The refund may be too small or even too large.  They may even owe an unexpected amount of taxes.

El IRS' tiene una oficina de programas especiales que coordina el otorgamiento del alivio tributario administrativo a los contribuyentes y a los preparadores profesionales de impuestos.

Because of the 2009 tax law change, if your business deductions for the year are more than your business income for the year, you may have a net operating loss, or NOL.  It’s really important to understand the rules, compute the NOL correctly, and keep accurate records.

This webinar covers the basics of the Internal Revenue Service card payment levies.

The IRS has developed Audit Techniques Guides to help audit specific industries.  Audit Techniques Guides explain industry-specific audit techniques.  These guides are useful to small business owners and tax professionals who prepare their returns.

Even if you owe tax and can’t pay in full, it’s better to file on time and pay as much as you can. This will help reduce the amount of money you owe by eliminating the Failure to File penalty.  Interest is also calculated based on how much tax you owe and for each day it’s not paid in full.

When a "non-employee," such as an independent contractor, is paid $600 or more during a year, you must report the total amount paid on Form 1099-MISC.  You must provide the 1099-MISC to both the independent contractor and the IRS.

Business owners and self-employed taxpayers must report all income from their business unless the law specifically excludes it.  Business income is taxable.

Business.gov is unique.  It provides a single access point for the nation’s businesses to government services and information. The Small Business Administration manages Business.gov.

A discussion with the tax practitioner community and the IRS.

Generalmente, nuestra correspondencia solicitará información, notifica al contribuyente sobre un cambio realizado o solicita un pago. Un aviso del IRS se enfocará en un asunto muy específico relacionado con una cuenta de impuestos o una declaración de impuestos, para ayudar a que el contribuyente cumpla con sus obligaciones.

Form 944, Employer’s ANNUAL Federal Tax Return, is optional starting in 2010

Business owners have so many responsibilities that many decide they need assistance with their taxes. Some tax professionals have expertise in preparing small business tax returns, but their credentials may differ.

There is more involved in closing your business than just locking the doors. The IRS provides procedures for getting out of business, including what forms to file and how to handle additional revenue received or expenses you may incur.

Business continuity planning, supply chain protection and alternate locations are all very important to stay in business after a major disaster.

Effective January 1, 2009, corrections to Employment Tax returns are made via an “X” return, such as the Form 941X...

The role of correspondence examination and why correspondence examinations are so important to the IRS’s compliance strategy.  Part 1 also explains the major types of correspondence examinations and how a tax return is selected for audit.

The typical timeline of a correspondence examination is explained.

Part 3 of a three-part phone forum series. Sometimes when I call, I spend a long time on hold or listening to a recorded message. Why is it so difficult to get to the person...

While the IRS has the oversight role in protecting FTI, our partners receiving the data play the most important role...

While the IRS has the oversight role in protecting FTI, our partners receiving the data play the most important role...

Each of the more than 300 agencies who receive FTI from the IRS must build effective security controls into their processes, procedures, and systems to ensure that the information...

Each of the more than 300 agencies who receive FTI from the IRS must build effective security controls into their processes, procedures, and systems to ensure that the information...

The American public expects two things from both of us -- First, that we work together proactively to be as efficient as possible, and second, that if we're exchanging their financial information...

The American public expects two things from both of us -- First, that we work together proactively to be as efficient as possible, and second, that if we're exchanging their financial information...

Monica Baker describes what you may not know about bartering.

EITC stands for Earned Income Tax Credit. This is a refundable credit, meaning qualifying taxpayers can receive refunds even if they had no tax withheld

This presentation is about EITC preparer due diligence and not directly about EITC law

The best method to pay federal taxes is to enroll in and use the Electronic Federal Tax Payment System EFTPS.  It is fast, easy and safe.

As more small business taxpayers are going paperless, they are using accounting software to maintain their books and records electronically.  Electronic records can include databases, saved files, e-mail, instant messages, faxes, and voice messages.

An employer identification number, or EIN, is a federal tax identification number.  Generally, if you operate your business as a corporation or partnership, or if you have employees, you need an EIN.

A big advantage to operating your own business is the ability to hire family members. The rules vary, depending on the family relationship and the business entity type such as sole proprietorship, partnership, etc.

IRS representatives from both the Appeals and the Small Business Examination divisions explain the benefits of using the FTS process for SB/SE customers.

IRS representatives from both the Appeals and Small Business Examination divisions explain the benefits of using the FTS process for tax professionals.

If you can’t complete your tax return before the due date you should file an extension.  Filing an extension doesn’t mean you don’t have to pay what you owe, it means you are just delaying filing the tax return to avoid the Failure to File penalty.  If you owe you still need to pay timely too.

"Turning Partnerships Into Opportunities” is a webcast series that showcases various best practices such as grant opportunities, product development/use, and banking the “unbanked”.

A refund scheme that involves claiming refunds of non-existent withholding using a Form 1099-OID, Original Issue Discount, and/or other bogus financial instruments such as bonded promissory notes or sight drafts.

Form 2290 is used to report and pay the federal excise tax on heavy highway vehicles that weigh 55,000 pounds or greater.  The taxes paid on Form 2290 go into a federal trust fund that helps build and maintain the highway infrastructure.

In general, anyone who receives more than $10,000 cash in one transaction, or in two or more related transactions, must file a Form 8300 with the IRS.  It alerts government and law enforcement agencies to unusual or questionable transactions.

A presentation about when businesses should file Form 8300.  There is also a link to a PDF file of this presentation, in case you would like to download or print a copy.

El Formulario 2290 (SP) (o el Formulario 2290, en inglés) se usa para declarar y pagar el impuesto federal sobre artículos de uso y consumo para vehículos pesados que pesan 55,000 libras o más en las carreteras. Los impuestos pagados mediante el Formulario 2290(SP) se destinan a un fondo fiduciario federal que ayuda a la construcción y el mantenimiento de nuestra infraestructura de carreteras.

A presentation about funding rules for single employer plans and benefit restrictions.

Our experts will tell you about the latest changes to the tax code, updates to tax forms, IRS processing issues and much more.

Start planning for the tax filing season by ensuring your records are organized.

IRS’s Federal Intergovernmental Partnering Program (FIPP) facilitates partnering and relationship building between the IRS and federal agencies primarily by sharing data with each other.

Learn about tax benefits for employers who hire previously unemployed workers in their trade or business.

Many a business starts out as a hobby and then turns into a profitable activity. If you reasonably expect to earn a profit; you have more than a hobby, you have a business.

More and more small business owners or self-employed people are running businesses out of their homes.  If you use a portion of your home for business, you may be able to take a home office deduction, but you must meet certain requirements.

There’s nothing the IRS takes more seriously than protecting taxpayer information.  Safeguard all of your personal and business information including your SSN or EIN, or ITIN.  Also, if you have employees safeguard their information too.

The information presented in this webinar will provide you with important information as you prepare for the 2010 tax filing season...

Los propietarios de pequeñas empresas y los contribuyentes que trabajan por cuenta propia tienen que declarar todos los ingresos de negocios, a menos que la ley específicamente los excluya. El ingreso de negocio es tributable.

Inadequate insurance coverage can lead to a major financial loss if your business is destroyed, damaged or simply interrupted for a period of time.   Find out what records your insurance company will need to see after an emergency and store them in a safe place.

The presentation provides a general overview of the reporting and withholding requirements on payments to foreign persons. Definitions include withholding agents, resident aliens and non-resident aliens. Withholding and reporting requirements of payments made to foreign corporations and nonresident aliens sourcing of income, effectively connected income, are all discussed. References to related topics are also provided. A question and answer period and Power Point presentation are included in the program.

Part 1 provides information about the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act of 2009 or ARRA, including the change to the health benefit provisions of the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985, known as COBRA.

Part 2  has information about new legislation that allows the IRS to enter into installment agreements that result in full or partial payment of the tax liability.

Part 3 provides information about the Offer In Compromise, or OIC, program.  An OIC is an agreement between a taxpayer and the IRS that settles the taxpayer’s tax debt for less than the full amount owed.

The IRS’ Disaster Relief Program coordinates the granting of administrative tax relief to taxpayers and tax professionals affected by federally-declared disasters.

Typically, IRS correspondence asks for information, notifies taxpayers of a change, or requests a payment.  An IRS notice will cover a very specific issue about a tax account or a tax return to help taxpayers meet their obligations.

Our experts discuss tips on filing Form 8027, how to allocate tips, common errors and much more.

The IRS has a number of resources at IRS.gov/smallbiz. The site is filled with information that can help you year-round with your business.

The Submission Processing Pipeline begins with the opening of mailed tax returns, then how it is sorted and how payments are deposited. The returns are coded, edited and numbered. Return data is entered into the computer. Validity checks are run and errors are corrected.

IRS Centralized Authorization File Unit employees provide valuable guidance on the preparation and submission of Forms 2848, Power of Attorney and Declaration of Representation; and Form 8821, Tax Information Authorization. They also provide common reasons for rejected forms and outline situations that determine which form is appropriate to use.

No hay nada que el IRS tome más seriamente que proteger la información de los contribuyentes.  Proteja toda su información personal incluyendo su SSN o EIN, o ITIN.  De lo siguiente, si tiene empleados, proteja su información también.

A new Money Services Business Manual was recently released.  A money services business, or MSB, is a non-bank business that offers money services such as check cashing, money orders, traveler’s checks, money transfers, currency dealing or exchange, and stored value products.

Discover how to use basic tools and tax resources for Tax Professionals and small business owners on the IRS.gov Web site.

At IRS.gov, you will find a wealth of valuable information.  The “Basic Tools for Tax Professionals” page contains specific information for tax professionals about tax law updates, their responsibilities as a tax professional and frequently used telephone numbers.

Beginning in 2011, tax return preparers who prepare all, or substantially all, of a Federal tax return (for compensation) will be subject to new requirements.

Un número de identificación de empleador, o EIN, es un número de identificación de impuestos federales para un negocio. Por lo general, si usted opera su negocio como una sociedad anónima o sociedad colectiva, o si tiene empleados, necesita un EIN.

Many people who sell goods on the Internet don't realize the income they earn from auctions and consignment sales is usually taxable income.

The IRS Online Fraud Detection and Prevention Office helps protect taxpayers who are using computers to conduct business with the IRS. This office works to reduce online fraud against the IRS and taxpayers by monitoring, identifying and taking down bogus sites and other phishing scams.

Fred Schindler discusses the online payment agreement basic qualifications and use.

Using a payroll provider allows small business owners and self-employed individuals to devote more time to their business instead of spending it on payroll duties.  A payroll provider can help ensure forms are filed and deposits are made on time. This helps streamline business operations.

Recientemente, ha habido una oleada de correos electrónicos falsos y para la pesca de información que han sido diseñados para aparentar que provienen del IRS. No lo crea. El IRS no envía correos electrónicos no solicitados relacionados con asuntos de cuenta; la presentación de una declaración de impuestos es la única forma para solicitar un reembolso.

There have been a recent wave of phishing, or phony emails made up to look like they come from the IRS.  Don't fall for it. The IRS does not send unsolicited emails about account matters and filing a tax return is the only way to apply for a refund.

Information on required minimum distributions for 2009, recent guidance dealing with paid-time-off plans and a couple of revenue rulings, short discussions of 402(f) notices for benefit distributions that go to participants, and rollover issues and other guidance that was issued.

The IRS recently published guidance on how taxpayers who lost money through fraudulent investment schemes can claim the loss on their federal income tax returns.

Propietarios de negocios tienen tantas responsabilidades, muchos deciden que necesitan ayuda con sus impuestos. Muchos profesionales de impuestos tienen experiencia en la preparación de las declaraciones de impuestos de pequeñas empresas, pero sus credenciales pueden ser diferentes.

Worker classification determinations are made on a case-by-case basis that depend on the specific facts and circumstances.

You may work with federal tax information or FTI, as it's known.  Sensitive personal and financial information about taxpayers is protected by law.

LMSB Commissioner Heather Maloy introduces the division's new Quality Examination Process (QEP), intended to improve communication and coordination between taxpayers and revenue agents during tax examinations. Heather describes how the QEP came about and the benefits it will deliver to taxpayers and the Service.

If you get an IRS notice don’t panic but don’t ignore it either.  Read it carefully and review your tax return. If you use a tax professional, give a copy of the notice to them as soon as possible.

Use a recordkeeping system that accurately reflects your income and expenses.  Records must support all income, credits and deductions listed on your tax return.  Keep all receipts, payment information and tax information in one location to make filing taxes easier when the time comes.

Proper recordkeeping is very important when disaster strikes. Try to get all financial records into an electronic format. Vital records should be stored off-site - preferably with a copy in a location that is far away from your main business location.

El IRS tiene varios recursos para los pequeños negocios y contribuyentes que trabajan por cuenta propia.  El sitio contiene información que es útil todo el año.

A retirement plan has benefits for everyone – the employer, the business and, of course, the employees.  Employers may also be eligible for tax credits or incentives for starting a retirement plan.  Keep in mind that tax law changes may affect a retirement plan. Be sure to stay up-to-date with any tax laws. 

Retirement Plans Determination Letter Program Phone Forum: Discussed the status of the new determination letter program, the types of "reliance" available to preapproved plans, with or without a determination letter, tips on completing the new Form 5307, along with ways to avoid common mistakes to make the process go more smoothly.

Part 1 of a series that covers the Examination audit process.  When examining a return, it is an IRS examiner’s responsibility to ensure that the appropriate return preparer standards of the Internal Revenue Code are followed.

Part 2 of a series that covers several aspects of the new legislation relating to return preparer penalties, and the Notices and the Revenue Procedure issued by the Department of Treasury and the IRS.

Part 3 of a series that covers several aspects of the Final Regulations relating to return preparer penalties.

No hay nada que el IRS tome más seriamente que proteger la información de los contribuyentes. Proteja toda su información personal incluyendo su SSN o EIN, o ITIN. De lo siguiente, si tiene empleados, proteja su información también.

A presentation for new business owners and information about filing a Schedule C, “Profit and Loss From Business.” This form is used to report the business income and expenses for a sole proprietor.

This presentation is for Schedule C filers who are one-owner businesses or self-employed taxpayers.  Good recordkeeping is very important to the business owner or self-employed person in order to have everything needed when it comes time to file a tax return. Schedule C is filed annually as an attachment to Form 1040, the individual tax return.

Seasonal help is often needed for sporting events, holidays, and commercial fishing or harvest seasons.  Seasonal employees are subject to the same tax withholding rules that apply to other employees.

The first, and major part of this event, consists of a presentation on potential problems faced by employers who maintain SEP plans. The second part will consist of a question and answer session...

El mejor método para pagar los impuestos federales es inscribir y usar el Sistema Electrónico de Pago de Impuestos Federales (EFTPS). Es rápido, fácil y seguro.

SBREFA is a law that ensures that federal regulatory agencies consider the effect of their regulations on small businesses.  All federal agencies, including the IRS, must comply with SBREFA.  The Small Business Administration (SBA) administers SBREFA and serves as a liaison between small business owners and federal agencies.

The Small Business Tax Workshop program helps small business owners understand and fulfill their federal tax responsibilities. The IRS provides workshop materials, guidance, support and assistance to organizations such as community small business development centers, chambers of commerce, and SCORE.

The IRS offers e-newsletters for small business owners and tax professionals. The newsletters generally include just the highlights in a sentence or two, with links to IRS.gov for further information.

Los talleres de impuestos para los pequeños negocios ayudan a los propietarios de pequeñas empresas a entender y cumplir con sus obligaciones sobre el pago de impuestos. El IRS proporciona los materiales del taller, orientación, apoyo y ayuda a organizaciones relacionadas, tales como los centros de desarrollo para pequeñas empresas, cámaras de comercio y SCORE.

Cancellation of debt income is taxable as ordinary income. The Internal Revenue Code Section 61 provides that gross income means all income from whatever source derived.   This code section specifically includes “income from discharge of indebtedness” as an item of gross income from cancellation of credit card debt, foreclosure of personal residence, or cancellation of an automobile loan.

403(b) Plan Update Phone Forum: Discussed the past, present, and near future of 403(b) plans. Provided brief history of 403(b) plans, the basics of how they have operated in the past, and how developments over the past 40 years led to the issuance of the recent final regulations for 403(b) plans. Also discussed the upcoming Pre-approved Plan program that will, for the first time, allow 403(b) eligible employers to adopt prototype or volume submitter plans that receive an opinion letter or advisory letter, respectively, from the Service.

A presentation featuring CPAs, Enrolled Agents and Tax Preparers addressing how and why they use e-file, and how it has benefited their businesses.

Employers should remind their employees that all tips received are taxable.  They should report their tips to their employer.  The best way to do this is to use IRS Form 4070, Employee's Report of Tips to Employer, or a similar statement.