Starting a business can be an exciting leap into the business world. However, for new entrepreneurs and seasoned professionals alike, understanding the tax responsibilities of running a business is essential to avoiding unpleasant surprises in the future. The IRS offers resources and guidance to help new business owners understand the critical tax issues that need to be addressed when starting their business. In this article, we will explore the key steps every entrepreneur should take at the beginning of their entrepreneurial journey.
Choose the Right Business Structure
Choosing a business structure is one of the most crucial decisions when starting a business. The structure determines how your income will be taxed and the tax obligations you must meet. The most common business structures include:
Self-Employed Entrepreneur: In this case, there is no legal distinction between the individual and their business. The business's income and expenses are reported on the owner's personal tax return.
Collective society: A business in which two or more individuals share ownership. Like self-employed business owners, income and expenses are reported on the partners' personal tax returns.
Type C Corporation: Known as a corporation, this structure creates an entity separate from its owners. The corporation files its own tax return.
Type S Corporation: These corporations choose to pass along income, losses, deductions and credits to shareholders, which can have tax advantages.
Limited Liability Company (LLC): LLCs are business entities permitted by state laws. Depending on your situation, LLCs may be treated as separate businesses or report their activities on personal tax returns.
Choosing the appropriate legal structure is essential to establish the foundations of your tax obligations.
Select a Tax Year
The tax year is the annual accounting period in which you keep records, report income and expenses, and file your taxes. You can choose between two options:
Calendar Year: Begins on January 1 and ends on December 31.
Tax Year: Begins on the first day of any month except December and ends twelve months later.
It's important to stay consistent in your tax year choice, and making changes may require IRS approval. Choosing the appropriate tax year can have a significant impact on your tax obligations and your ability to effectively manage your business.
Apply for an Employer Identification Number (EIN)
The Employer Identification Number (EIN) is essential to identifying your company. Most businesses will need an EIN, although there are some exceptions. For example, sole proprietors with no employees who do not file special tax returns or pension plans will not need an EIN. The IRS website offers an EIN checklist to help you determine if your business needs one.
Keeping the information associated with your EIN up to date is crucial. This includes the postal address, location and the responsible party of the company. For changes in the responsible party, you must inform the IRS within 60 days.
Complete the Required Forms
When you have employees, there are certain forms that must be completed. These include:
Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification: This form is essential for verifying the employment eligibility of your workers and is required for all new employees.
Form W-4, Employee Withholding Certificate: This form helps determine the amount to be withheld from employees' wages for federal taxes.
Complying with these regulations ensures that your business is in compliance with labor and tax laws.
Meet Business Tax Obligations
The structure of your business will influence what taxes you must pay and how they must be paid. Some key concepts include income tax, payroll tax, and sales tax. Knowing the specific tax obligations of your business structure and sector of activity is essential to avoid surprises and tax penalties.
Conclusion: BeeTax, your Partner in Tax Matters
Iniciar un nuevo negocio puede ser un desafío, pero con la comprensión adecuada de los conceptos tributarios esenciales, puede establecer una base sólida para el éxito a largo plazo. Además, contar con un socio de confianza como BeeTax, bajo la dirección de Sorel Pérez, puede simplificar el proceso y garantizar que cumpla con sus obligaciones fiscales. BeeTax es una empresa especializada en “Declaración de Taxes” y ofrece servicios de contabilidad y asesoría fiscal para ayudarlo a enfrentar sus responsabilidades tributarias con confianza. Con la orientación adecuada y el conocimiento de los aspectos fiscales de su negocio, puede emprender su viaje empresarial con seguridad y éxito.
We invite you to visit us and learn first-hand how we can help you achieve your business goals. We have two convenient locations to serve you better:
Monroe: 1503 E Franklin St, Monroe, NC 28112
Charlotte: 3721 Eastway Dr, Charlotte, NC 28205
Together, we will chart the path to your business success. We will wait for you!
