Stacie's Tax Stuff

You don’t need to be a tax expert to run a business, but knowing the basics about taxes can help you run it better. You’ll find the basics and much more at the IRS.gov Small Business and Self-Employed Tax Center.

Whether you’re new to a business or been with it awhile, the Tax Center can help. You can apply for an Employer Identification Number, get a form or learn about employment taxes. The Center also includes these resources:

• IRS Video Portal.  Watch helpful videos and webinars on many topics. Find out about filing and paying business taxes or about how the IRS audit process works. Under the ‘Businesses’ tab, look for the ’Small Biz Workshop.’ Watch it when you want to learn the basics about small business taxes.
• Online Tools and Educational Products.  The list of Small Business products includes the Tax Calendar for Small Businesses and Self-Employed. Install the IRS CalendarConnector tool and access important tax dates and tips right from your smart phone or computer, even when you’re offline.
• Small Business Events.  Find out about free IRS small business workshops and other eventsplanned in your state.

Go to the Small Business and Self-Employed Tax Center and use the A-Z index to find whatever you need.

Did you change your name last year? Did your dependent have a name change? If the answer to either question is yes, be sure to notify the Social Security Administration before you file your tax return with the IRS.

This is important because the name on your tax return must match SSA records. If they don’t, you’re likely to get a letter from the IRS about the mismatch. And if you expect a refund, this may delay when you’ll get it.

Be sure to contact SSA if:

• You got married or divorced and you changed your name.
• A dependent you claim had a name change. For example, this would apply if you adopted a child and that child’s last name changed.

File Form SS-5, Application for a Social Security Card, with the SSA to let them know about a name change. You can get the form on SSA.gov by calling 800-772-1213 or at an SSA office.

You can file Form SS-5 at an SSA office or by mail. Your new card will have the same SSN as before but will show your new name.

If you have an adopted child who does not have a SSN, use a temporary Adoption Taxpayer Identification Number on your tax form. You can apply for an ATIN by filing Form W-7A, Application for Taxpayer Identification Number for Pending U.S. Adoptions, with the IRS. Get the form on IRS.gov or by calling 800-TAX-FORM (800-829-3676).
IRS YouTube Videos:

• Changed Your Name After Marriage or Divorce? – English | Spanish | ASL

IRS Podcasts:

• Changed Your Name After Marriage or Divorce? – English | Spanish