Form i1099 - Instructions for Form 1099-MISC
File Form 1099-MISC, Miscellaneous Income, for each person to whom you have paid during the year. You must also file Form 1099-MISC for each person from whom you have withheld any federal income tax under the backup withholding rules regardless of the amount of the payment.

Form 1099 - Miscellaneous Income
Form 1099-MISC (PDF) is most commonly used by payers to report payments made in the course of a trade or business to others for services. Use for reporting 2010 Miscellaneous Income.

Backup Withholding for Form 1099-MISC (Video, Transcript)

Form 2553 - Election by a Small Business Corporation (Under section 1362 of the Internal Revenue Code)
This election to be an S corporation can be accepted only if all the tests are met under Who May Elect on page 1 of the instructions; all shareholders have signed the consent statement; an officer has signed this form; and the exact name and address of the corporation and other required form information are provided. (Rev. December 2007) Current as of February 7, 2010.

Form I-9 - Employment Eligibility Verification - (Rev. Aug 07, 2009 - Expires Aug 31, 2012)
All U.S. employers must complete and retain a Form I-9 for each individual they hire for employment in the United States. This includes citizens and noncitizens. On the form, the employer must examine the employment eligibility and identity document(s) an employee presents to determine whether the document(s) reasonably appear to be genuine and relate to the individual and record the document information on the Form I-9. The list of acceptable documents can be found on the last page of the form.

Do not file Form I-9 with U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE) or USCIS. Form I-9 must be kept by the employer either for three years after the date of hire or for one year after employment is terminated, whichever is later. The form must be available for inspection by authorized U.S. Government officials (e.g., Department of Homeland Security, Department of Labor, Department of Justice).

Current as of February 10, 2010.

Form M-274 - Handbook for Employers - Instructions for Completing the Form I-9 - (Rev. Jul 31, 2009)
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED! Why Employers Must Verify Employment Eligibility of New Employees. In 1986, Congress reformed US Immigration laws. These reforms, the result of a bipartisan effort, preserved the tradition of legal immigration while seeking to close the door to illegal entry. The employer sanctions provisions, found in Section 274A of the Immigration and Nationality Act, were added by the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 (IRCA). These provisions further changed with the passage of the Immigration Act of 1990 and the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act (IIRIRA) of 1996. Form I-9 helps employers to verify individuals who are authorized to work in the United States You should complete a Form I-9 for every new employee you hire after November 6, 1986.

You must complete Form I-9 each time you hire any person to perform labor or services in the United States in return for wages or other remuneration. This requirement applies to everyone hired after November 6, 1986. Ensure that the employee fully completes Section 1 of Form I-9 at the time of hire — when the employee begins work. Review the employee’s document(s) and fully complete Section 2 of Form I-9 within 3 business days of the first day of work.

Current as of February 10, 2010.

Form W-5 (2010) - Earned Income Credit Advance Payment Certificate
Use Form W-5 if you are eligible to get part of the earned income credit (EIC) in advance with your pay and choose to do so. See Who Is Eligible To Get Advance EIC Payments? below. The amount you can get in advance generally depends on your wages. If you are married, the amount of your advance EIC payments also depends on whether your spouse has filed a Form W-5 with his or her employer. However, your employer cannot give you more than $1,830 throughout 2010 with your pay. You will get the rest of any EIC you are entitled to when you file your tax return and claim the EIC. If you do not choose to get advance payments, you can still claim the EIC on your 2010 tax return.

Publication 15-B (2009) - Employer’s Tax Guide To Fringe Benefits
This publication supplements Publication 15 (Circular E), Employer’s Tax Guide, and Publication 15-A, Employer’s Supplemental Tax Guide. It contains information for employers on the employment tax treatment of fringe benefits. A fringe benefit is a form of pay for the performance of services. For example, you provide an employee with a fringe benefit when you allow the employee to use a business vehicle to commute to and from work. Any fringe benefit you provide is taxable and must be included in the recipient’s pay unless the law specifically excludes it. Section 2 discusses the exclusions that apply to certain fringe benefits. Any benefit not excluded under the rules discussed in section 2 is taxable.

Publication 393 (2009) - Federal Employment Tax Forms
How to complete Forms W-2 and W-3. When you complete and file your Form W-2, Wage and Tax Statement(s), and Form W-3, Transmittal of Wage and Tax Statements: Show the correct social security numbers of all employees on Forms W-2 and be sure all copies are legible. If any employees names changed during the year, encourage the employees to contact their local Social Security Administration (SSA) office and request a corrected social security card.

Having employees secure a corrected social security card will allow the SSA to process the information correctly and properly credit employees’ social security earnings. It will also help the employees report their wages on their income tax returns. Furnish Copies B, C, and 2 of Form W-2 to your employees. Prepare and file Forms W-2 either alphabetically by employees’ last names or numerically by employees’ social security numbers.

Use Form W-3 to send Copy A of all Forms W-2 to the SSA. Be sure to fill in your name, address, and correct EIN.

Electronic filing option for small businesses. Small businesses and practitioners may be able to file a limited number of Forms W-2 electronically. Electronic filing is free, fast, and secure with a later filing deadline versus other filing methods. To register for electronic filing or to get more information, visit www.socialsecurity.gov/employer and click on “Electronically File Your W-2s.” Do not mail paper Forms W-2 or Forms W-3 to SSA if you file electronically.

Standard mileage rate. For 2009, the standard mileage rate for the cost of operating your car for business use is:

• 55.0 cents per mile for the period of January 1 through December 31, 2009.

• Filing tax forms.
• Paying taxes.
• Taking other actions required by federal tax law.

What does this publication contain? This publication contains the following.

1. A section on how to use the tax calendars.
2. Three tax calendars: General, Employer’s, and Excise.
3. A table showing the semiweekly deposit due dates.

Who should use this publication? Primarily, employers need to use this publication. However, the general tax calendar has important due dates for all businesses and individuals. Anyone who must pay excise taxes may need the excise tax calendar. Also see Publication 1518 - IRS Tax Calendar For Small Businesses and Self-Employed

Publication 513 - Tax Information for Visitors to the United States (Rev. March 2009)
This publication is for visitors to the United States. If you have income from sources within the United States, you may have to file a U.S. income tax return even if you are only visiting this country. For purposes of this publication, a “visitor to the United States” is a “nonresident alien.” This publication summarizes the requirements of U.S. income tax law relating to nonresident aliens and is for nonresident aliens only.

You are a nonresident alien unless you are either a U.S. citizen or a resident alien of the United States. You are a resident alien of the United States if you must meet either the substantial presence test or the green card test. Even if you do not meet either of these tests, you may be able to choose to be treated as a U.S. resident alien for part of the year. See First-Year Choice under Dual-Status Aliens in Publication 519, U.S. Tax Guide for Aliens.

Check with the office of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services before taking a job. Forms 1040C, 1040-ES (NR), 1040NR, 2063. Current as of February 20, 2010.

Publication 519 - U.S. Tax Guide for Aliens - For use in preparing 2008 Returns (Rev. Apr 14, 2009)
For tax purposes, an alien is an individual who is not a U.S. citizen. Aliens are classified as nonresident aliens and resident aliens. This publication will help you determine your status and give you information you will need to file your U.S. tax return. Resident aliens generally are taxed on their worldwide income, the same as U.S. citizens. Nonresident aliens are taxed only on their income from sources within the United States and on certain income connected with the conduct of a trade or business in the United States.

Gives guidelines on how nonresident aliens determine their U.S. tax status and figure their U.S. income tax. Forms 1040, 1040C, 1040NR, 1040NR-EZ, 2063. Current as of February 20, 2010.

Publication 523 - Selling Your Home- For use in preparing 2008 Returns (Rev. Feb 12, 2009)
This publication explains the tax rules that apply when you sell your main home. Generally, your main home is the one in which you live most of the time. Mortgage debt forgiveness. You can exclude from gross income any discharge of qualified principal residence indebtedness. This exclusion applies to discharges made after 2006 and before 2013. Additionally, the basis of the principal residence (main home) must be reduced (but not below zero) by the amount excluded from gross income. Current as of February 8, 2010.

Publication 538 - Accounting Periods and Methods - (Rev. March 2008)
Every taxpayer (whether an individual or a business entity) must figure taxable income on an annual accounting period called a tax year. The calendar year is the most common tax year. Other tax years are a fiscal year and a short tax year which are discussed later. Each taxpayer must also use a consistent accounting method, which is a set of rules for determining when to report income and expenses. The most commonly used accounting methods are the: (a) cash method; and (b) accrual method. Under the cash method, generally you report income in the tax year in which you receive it; and you deduct expenses in the tax year in which you pay them. Under an accrual method, generally you report income in the tax year in which you earn it, regardless of when payment is received. You deduct expenses in the tax year you incur them, regardless of when payment is made. This publication explains some of the rules for accounting periods and accounting methods. In CAUTION many cases you may have to refer to the cited ! sources for a fuller explanation of the topic. Current as of February 9, 2010.

Publication 541 - Partnerships - (Rev. Apr 2008)
This publication provides supplemental federal income tax information for partnerships and partners. It supplements the information provided in the instructions for Form 1065, U. S. Return of Partnership Income, and the Partner’s Instructions for Schedule K-1 (Form 1065). Generally, a partnership does not pay tax on its income but “passes through” any profits or losses to its partners. Partners must include partnership items on their tax returns.

For a discussion of business expenses a partnership can deduct, see Publication 535, Business Expenses. Members of oil and gas partnerships should read about the deduction for depletion in chapter 9 of that publication.

Attention: This publication will no longer be revised on an annual basis. The information contained in this publication no longer requires annual updates. To find changes that may affect current year returns, see What’s New in your income tax return instructions; Publication 553; What’s Hot in Tax Forms, Pubs, and Other Tax Products. Current as of February 8, 2010.

Publication 542 - Corporations - (Rev. February 2006)
This publication discusses the general tax laws that apply to ordinary domestic corporations. It explains the tax law in plain language so it will be easier to understand. However, the information given does not cover every situation and is not intended to replace the law or change its meaning.

Attention: This publication will no longer be revised on an annual basis. To find changes that may affect current year returns, see What’s New in your income tax return instructions; Publication 553; What’s Hot in Tax Forms, Pubs, and Other Tax Products. Current as of February 8, 2010.

Publication 547 - Casualties, Disasters, and Thefts - For use in preparing 2009 Returns (Rev. Oct 21, 2009)
What’s New for 2009 - Increase in personal casualty and theft loss limit. Generally, each personal casualty or theft loss is limited to the excess of the loss over $500. In addition, the 10%-of-adjusted gross income (AGI) limit continues to apply to the net loss. New Schedule L (Form 1040A or 1040). If you claim a net disaster loss as part of your standard deduction, you must complete Schedule L (Form 1040A or 1040) and attach it to Form 1040.

What’s New for 2010 - Decrease in personal casualty and theft loss limit. Each personal casualty or theft loss is limited to the excess of the loss over $100 (instead of $500). In addition, the 10%-of-AGI limit continues to apply to the net loss. Disaster losses. The special rules that were in effect in 2008 and 2009 for losses of personal use property attributable to federally declared disasters do not apply to losses occurring in 2010 and later years. Instead, these losses will be subject to the 10%-of-AGI limit and will be deductible only if you itemize your deductions. These losses will continue to be subject to the $100-per-loss limit.

Current as of February 9, 2010.

Publication 550 - Investment Income and Expenses (Including Capital Gains and Losses) - For use in preparing 2009 Returns (Rev. Jan 04, 2010)
What’s New - Alternative minimum tax (AMT) for private activity bonds. Tax-exempt interest on private activity bonds issued in 2009 and 2010 will not be treated as a tax preference item for AMT purposes. For details, see Qualified bonds issued in 2009 or 2010 under Taxable Interest in Chapter 1.

Current as of February 9, 2010.

Publication 551 - Basis of Assets - (Rev. May 2002)
Basis is the amount of your investment in property for tax purposes. Use the basis of property to figure depreciation, amortization, depletion, and casualty losses. Also use it to figure gain or loss on the sale or other disposition of property. You must keep accurate records of all items that affect the basis of property so you can make these computations. This publication is divided into the following sections. • Cost Basis • Adjusted Basis • Basis Other Than Cost. The basis of property you buy is usually its cost. You may also have to capitalize (add to basis) certain other costs related to buying or producing the property.

Important Reminder - Assets held on January 1, 2001. If you made the election to treat an asset as sold and then reacquired on January 1, 2001 (January 2, 2001, for readily tradable stock), and you hold the asset for more than 5 years from that date, any future gain on the asset is eligible for an 18% (instead of 20%) capital gains tax rate. If you made the election, your basis in the reacquired asset is its closing market price (for readily tradable stock) or fair market value (for any other capital asset or property used in a trade or business) on the date you reacquired it.

Current as of February 9, 2010.

Publication 554 - Tax Guide for Seniors - (Rev. Feb 09, 2009)
The purpose of this publication is to provide a general overview of selected topics that are of interest to older taxpayers. The publication will help you determine if you need to file a return and, if so, what items to report on your return. Each topic is discussed only briefly, so you will find references to other free IRS publications that provide more detail on these topics if you need it. Current as of February 9, 2010.

Publication 555 - Community Property - (Rev. May 2007)
This publication is for married taxpayers who are domiciled in one of the following community property states:

• Arizona,
• California,
• Idaho,
• Louisiana,
• Nevada,
• New Mexico,
• Texas,
• Washington,
• Wisconsin.

This publication does not address the federal tax treatment of income or property subject to the "community property" election under Alaska state laws. Community property laws affect how you figure your income on your federal income tax return if you are maried, live in a community property state or country, and file separate returns. Your tax usually will be less by filing a joint return if you are married. Sometimes it can be to your advantage to file separate returns. If you and your spouse file separate returns, you have to determine your community income and your separate income. Community property laws also affect your basis in prop- erty you inherit from a married person who lived in a community property state.

Current as of February 9, 2010.

Publication 556 - Examination of Returns, Appeal Rights, and Claims for Refund - (Rev. May 2008)
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) accepts most federal Publication tax returns as filed. However, the IRS examines (or audits) some returns to determine if income, expenses, and credits are being reported accurately. If your return is selected for examination, it does not suggest that you made an error or are dishonest. Returns are chosen by computerized screening, by random sample, or by an income document matching program. See Examination selection criteria, later. You should also know that many examinations result in a refund or acceptance of the tax return without change.

This publication discusses general rules and proceures that the IRS follows in examinations. It explains what happens during an examination and your appeal rights, both within the IRS and in the federal court system. It also explains how to file a claim for refund of tax you already paid.

Current as of February 10, 2010.

Publication 557 - Tax-Exempt Status for Your Organization - (Rev. June 2008)
This publication discusses the rules and procedures for organizations that seek recognition of exemption from federal income tax under section 501(a) of the Internal Revenue Code. Current as of February 10, 2010.

Publication 561 - Determining the Value of Donated Property - For use in preparing 2009 Returns (Rev. April 2007)
This publication is designed to help donors and appraisers determine the value of property (other than cash) that is given to qualified organizations. It also explains what kind of information you must have to support the charitable contribution deduction you claim on your return. This publication does not discuss how to figure the amount of your deduction for charitable contributions or written records and substantiation required. See Publication 526, Charitable Contributions, for this information. Current as of February 18, 2010.

Publication 564 - Mutual Fund Distributions - (Rev. Mar 24, 2009)
This publication provides federal income tax information for individual shareholders of mutual funds or other regulated investment companies, Get forms and other information including money market funds. It explains how faster and easier by: to report distributions paid to you by a mutual fund and any expenses connected with your investment. In addition, it explains how to report undistributed long-term capital gains. It also explains how to figure and report your gain or loss when you sell, exchange, or redeem your mutual fund shares. A comprehensive example, with filled-in forms, appears at the end of the publication.

Current as of February 18, 2010.

Publication 570 - Tax Guide for Individuals with Income from U.S. Possessions - For use in preparing 2009 Returns (Rev. Jan 20, 2010)

This publication discusses how to treat income received from the following U.S. possessions on your tax return(s).

• American Samoa.
• The Commonwealth of Puerto Rico (Puerto Rico).
• The Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI).
• Guam.
• The U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI).

Current as of February 18, 2010.

Publication 571 - Tax-Sheltered Annuity Plans (403(b) Plans) - (Rev. Dec 18, 2009)

For Employees of Public Schools and Certain Tax-Exempt Organizations. This publication can help you better understand the tax rules that apply to your 403(b) (tax-sheltered annuity) plan. Temporary waiver of the minimum required distribution. Retirement savings contributions credit.

For 2010, the adjusted gross income limitations remain unchanged at $55,500 for married filing jointly filers, $41,625 for head of household filers, and at $27,750 for single, married filing separately, or qualifying widow(er) with depenent child filers.

Current as of February 18, 2010.

Publication 575 - Pension And Annuity Income - For use in preparing 2009 Returns (Rev. Dec 08, 2009)

This publication discusses the tax treatment of distributions you receive from pension and annuity plans and also shows you how to report the income on your federal inome tax return. How these distributions are taxed depends on whether they are periodic payments (amounts received as an annuity) that are paid at regular intervals over several years or nonperiodic payments (amounts not received as an annuity).

Current as of February 18, 2010.

Publication 583 - Starting A Business And Keeping Records - For use in preparing 2009 Returns (Rev. January 2007)

This publication provides basic federal tax information for people who are starting a business. It also provides information on keeping records and illustrates a recordkeeping system. Throughout this publication we refer to other IRS publications and forms where you will find more information. In addition, you may want to contact other government agencies, such as the Small Business Administration (SBA).

Current as of February 18, 2010.

Publication 584 - Casualty, Disaster, And Theft Loss Workbook (Personal Use Property - For use in preparing 2009 Returns (Rev. December 2008)

This workbook is designed to help you figure your loss on personal-use property in the event of a disaster, casualty, or theft. It contains schedules to help you figure the loss to your main home, its contents, and your motor vehicles. However, these schedules are for your information only. You must complete Form 4684, Casualties and Thefts, to report your loss.

You can use this workbook by following these five steps. 1. Read Publication 547 to learn about the tax rules for casualties, disasters, and thefts. 2. Know the definitions of cost or other basis and fair market value, discussed later. 3. Fill out Schedules 1 through 20. 4. Read the instructions for Form 4684. 5. Fill out Form 4684 using the information you entered in Schedules 1 through 20.

Current as of February 18, 2010.

Publication 584-B - Business Casualty, Disaster, And Theft Loss Workbook - For use in preparing 2009 Returns (Rev. )

This workbook is designed to help you figure your loss on business and income-producing property in the event of a disaster, casualty, or theft. It contains schedules to help you figure the loss to your office furniture and fixtures, informaion systems, motor vehicles, office supplies, buildings, and equipment. These schedules, however, are for your information only. You must complete Form 4684, Casualties and Thefts, to report your loss.

You can use this workbook by following these five steps. 1. Read Publication 547 to learn about the tax rules for casualties, disasters, and thefts. 2. Know the definitions of adjusted basis and fair market value, discussed below. 3. Fill out Schedules 1 through 6. 4. Read the instructions for Form 4684. 5. Fill out Form 4684 using the information you entered in Schedules 1 through 6.

Current as of February 18, 2010.

Publication 587 - Business Use Of Your Home (Including Use by Daycare Providers) - For use in preparing 2009 Returns (Rev. Dec 16, 2009)

The purpose of this publication is to provide information on figuring and claiming the deduction for business use of your home. The term “home” includes a house, apartment, condominium, mobile home, boat, or similar property which provides basic living accommodations. It also includes structures on the property, such as an unattached garage, studio, barn, or greenhouse. However, it does not include any part of your property used exclusively as a hotel or inn.

Current as of February 18, 2010.

Publication 590 - Individual Retirement Arrangements (IRAs) - For use in preparing 2009 Returns (Rev. Jan 07, 2010)

This publication discusses individual retirement arrangeents (IRAs). An IRA is a personal savings plan that gives you tax advantages for setting aside money for retirement.

Current as of February 18, 2010.

Publication 593 - Tax Highlights for U.S. Citizens and Residents Going Abroad - For use in preparing 2009 Returns (Rev. Jan 22, 2010)

This publication discusses in general terms some provisions of U.S. federal income tax law that apply to U.S. citizens and resident aliens who live or work abroad and who expect to receive income from foreign sources.

As a U.S. citizen or resident alien, your worldwide income generally is subject to U.S. income tax regardless of where you are living. You are subject to the same income tax return filing requirements that apply to U.S. citizens or resident aliens living in the United States.

However, several income tax benefits might apply if you meet certain requirements while living abroad. You may be able to exclude from your income a limited amount of your foreign earned income. You also may be able either to exclude or to deduct from gross income your housing amount (defined later). To claim these benefits, you must file a tax return and attach Form 2555, Foreign Earned Income. If you are claiming the foreign earned income exclusion only, you may be able to use the shorter Form 2555-EZ, Foreign Earned Income Exclusion, rather than Form 2555.

You may be able to claim a tax credit or an itemized deduction on your U.S. return for the foreign income taxes that you pay. Also, under tax treaties or conventions that the United States has with many foreign countries, you may be able to reduce your foreign tax liability.

Publications 54, Tax Guide for U.S. Citizens and Resident Aliens Abroad; 514, Foreign Tax Credit for Individuals; and 901, U.S. Tax Treaties, discuss in detail the treatment of your foreign income, the foreign tax credit, and the general tax treaty benefits available to you.

Current as of February 18, 2010.

Publication 594 - The IRS Collection Process - (Rev. 7-2007)

This publication tells you the steps the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) may take to collect your balance due account. We send this publication with your final bill if our records show you owe overdue tax, penalty, or interest. We may:

• contact you by telephone,
• assign a revenue officer to resolve your account (the revenue officer may contact you in person), and/or
• take enforced collection action to collect the amount you owe. We urge you to resolve your account to prevent possible enforcement action.
• Please pay immediately if you owe the amount shown on the bill.
• Contact us now if you believe the bill is incorrect so that we may correct any mistakes

Important information you should know - You have the right to be treated professionally, fairly, promptly, and courteously by IRS employees and Private Collection Agencies (PCAs) contacting you on behalf of the IRS. Among other rights, you have the right to:

• disagree with your tax bill,
• meet with an IRS manager if you disagree with the IRS employee who handles your tax case,
• appeal most IRS collection actions,
• have your case transferred to a different IRS office if you have a valid reason (such as if you move),
• be represented by someone when dealing with IRS matters, and
• receive a receipt for any payment you make.

Current as of February 18, 2010.

Publication 596 - Earned Income Credit (EIC) - For use in preparing 2009 Returns

The earned income credit (EIC) is a tax credit for certain people who work and have earned income under $48,279. A tax credit usually means more money in your pocket. It reduces the amount of tax you owe. The EIC may also give you a refund. How Can I Get EIC in My Paycheck in 2010? You may prefer to get some of next year’s EIC throughout the year, rather than wait and get EIC after you file your tax return. Chapter 6 explains advance payment of EIC and tells how, if you have a qualifying child, you may be able to get some of the EIC in your paycheck in 2010.

Current as of February 18, 2010.

Publication 597 - Information on the United States - Canada Income Tax Treaty For use in preparing 2009 Returns (Rev. August 2009)

This publication provides information on the inome tax treaty between the United States and Canada. It discusses a number of treaty proviions that often apply to U.S. citizens or residents who may be liable for Canadian tax. Treaty provisions are generally reciprocal the same rules apply to both treaty countries). Therefore, a Canadian resident who receives income from the United States may refer to this publication to see if a treaty provision may affect the tax to be paid to the United States.

The benefits of the income tax treaty are generally provided on the basis of residence for income tax purposes. That is, a person who is recognized as a resident of the United States who has income from Canada, will often pay less income tax to Canada on that income than if no treaty was in effect. Article IV provides definitions of residents of Canada and the United States, and provides specific criteria for applying the treaty in cases where a taxpayer is considered by both countries to be a resident.

Current as of February 18, 2010.

Publication 721 - Tax Guide to U.S. Civil Service Retirement Benefits - For use in preparing 2009 Returns (Rev. Dec 23, 2009)
This publication explains how the federal income tax rules apply to civil service retirement benefits received by retired federal employees (including those disabled) or their survivors. These benefits are paid primarily under the Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS) or the Federal Employees’ Retirement System (FERS).

Current as of February 18, 2010.

Publication 926 - Household Employer's Tax Guide For Wages Paid In 2010 - (Revised Jan 28, 2010)
The information in this publication applies to you only if you have a household employee. If you have a household employee in 2010, you may need to pay state and federal employment taxes for 2010. You generally must add your federal employment taxes to the income tax that you will report on your 2010 federal income tax return. You have a household employee if you hired someone to do household work and that worker is your employee. The worker is your employee if you can control not only what work is done, but how it is done. If the worker is your employee, it does not matter whether the work is full time or part time or that you hired the worker through an agency or from a list provided by an agency or association. It also does not matter whether you pay the worker on an hourly, daily, or weekly basis, or by the job. Use for Wages Paid in 2010. Current as of February 8, 2010.

Publication 1518 (2010) - IRS Tax Calendar For Small Businesses and Self-Employed
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED! The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 contains several tax provisions that affect businesses, including: COBRA Changes, Energy-Efficient Incentives, Election of Investment Credit in Lieu of Production Credit (Section 1102), Coordination with Renewable Energy Grants (Section 1104), Net Operating Loss Carryback, Section 179 Deduction, Reduction of Estimated Tax Payments, Extension of Bonus Depreciation Deductions Through 2009, Capital Gains Tax Break for Investment in Small Business.

Each month highlights a different tax topic. Tax reminders and instructions are shown by date, and you can add your own notes—such as state tax dates or business appointments.

In addition to the monthly topics, look to the last few pages for Tips for Business Success, a list of Forms and Publications, and a tear-out sheet of quick reference items.

Monthly Topics

• January: Preparation and Setting Up, Choosing a Tax Professional, Choosing a Business Structure.
• February: Accounting Methods and Periods, Choosing an Accounting Method, Choosing a Tax Year.
• March: Retirement Planning, IRA, SEP, SIMPLE, and 401(k) Plans, Individual Retirement Arrangement.
• April: Travel and Other Business Expenses, Car, Travel, Entertainment, and Gift Expenses, Business Use of Your Home.
• May: Employee and Worker Issues, Employer Tax Forms, Independent Contractor or Employee Determination.
• June: Keeping Good Records, Monitor the progress of your business, Prepare your financial statements, Identify source of receipts, Keep track of deductible expenses, Prepare your tax returns, Support items reported on tax returns.
• July: Your Rights as a Taxpayer, Representation, Examination, Appeals and Judicial Review, Collection.
• August: IRS e-File for Business and Self-Employed Taxpayers, Benefits of Paying Business Taxes by Electronic Funds Withdrawal, EFTPS Pays All Your Federal Taxes Securely, Express Enrollment for New Businesses and Required Taxpayers.
• September: Disaster Recovery Assistance, Paperless Recordkeeping for Financial and Tax Records, Document Valuables and Business Equipment, Continuity of Operations Planning for Businesses.
• October: IRS Resources, IRS Forms and Publications Tax DVD 877-233-6767, Small Business and Specialty Tax Line 800-829-4933 Small Business Web Site.
• November: Saving Up to Pay Taxes and Preventing Identity Theft, Estimated Tax Payments for Self -Employed Indi viduals and Corporations.
• December: Online Resources, Small Business Resource Guide, Electronic Subscription Services, Self-Employed Individuals Tax Center.

A printable calendar for each month is included in the Publication.

Publication 1635 - Understanding Your EIN -EMPLOYER IDENTIFICATION NUMBER - (Rev. 12-2009)
The topics included are: • What is an EIN • Information by type of business entity • When you need a new EIN • How to apply for an EIN • How to complete Form SS-4 • Where to apply for an EIN • How to avoid common problems.

An Employer Identification Number (EIN) is a nine-digit number that IRS assigns in the following format: XX-XXXXXXX. It is used to identify the tax accounts of employers and certain others who have no employees. However, for employee plans, an alpha (for example, P) or the plan number (e.g., 003) may follow the EIN. The IRS uses the number to identify taxpayers that are required to file various business tax returns. EINs are used by employers, sole proprietors, corporations, partnerships, non-profit associations, trusts, estates of decedents, government agencies, certain individuals, and other business entities. Use your EIN on all of the items that you send to the IRS and the Social Security Administration (SSA). Current as of February 8, 2010.

Publication 1779 - Independent Contractor or Employee - (Rev. 8-2008)
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED! If you are not sure whether you are an employee oran independent contractor, get Form SS-8, Determination of Worker Status for Purposes of Federal Employment Taxes and Income Tax Withholding. Publication 15-A, Employer’s Supplemental Tax Guide, provides additional information on independent contractor status.

The courts have considered many facts in deciding whether a worker is an independent contractor or an employee. These relevant facts fall into three main categories: behavioral control; financial control; and relationship of the parties. In each case, it is very important to consider all the facts – no single fact provides the answer. Carefully review the following definitions.

• Behavioral Control
• FinanCial Control
• Relationship of The Parties

See Independent Contractor Worker Classification , Independent Contractor Common Law Rules, and Independent Contractor Forms And Taxes for an indepth discussion of this critical issue.

Current as of February 10, 2010.

Publication 1976 - Section 530 Employment Tax Relief Requirements - (Rev. 05-07)
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED! Do you qualify for relief under Section 530? Section 530 provides businesses with relief from federal employment tax obligations if certain requirements are met.

Your business has been selected for an employment tax examination to determine whether you correctly treated certain workers as independent contractors. However, you will not owe employment taxes for these workers if you meet the relief requirements described below. If you do not meet these relief requirements, the IRS will need to determine whether the workers are independent contractors or employees and whether you owe employment taxes for those workers.

Section 530 relief requirements: To receive relief, you must meet all three of the following requirements:

1. Reasonable Basis
2. Substantive Consistency
3. reporting Consistency

Current as of February 10, 2010.