Tax Publications
The IRS produces many free publications to help you fill out your tax return and to answer your
tax questions. Many IRS publications and forms can be downloaded from the IRS Web site at
www.irs.gov or ordered free by calling (800)
829-3676. You can buy a CD-ROM of current and prior year tax forms and publications from the
National Technical Information Service (toll free (877) 233-6767 or at www.irs.gov/cdorders). You can also get forms
via fax at (703) 368-9694 (not a toll-free call).
The following are the most popular business publications and related forms.
Pub. 1, Your Rights as a Taxpayer, explains your rights at each step in the examination and collection process.
Pub. 15, Circular E, Employer's Tax Guide, explains your tax responsibilities, including the requirements for withholding, depositing, reporting, and paying employment taxes.
Also see Forms 940, 940-EZ, 941.
Pub. 15-A, Employer's Supplemental Tax Guide, supplements Circular E and contains information on specialized topics such as employee classification and sick pay. It also contains alternative methods and tables for figuring income tax withholding.
Pub. 15-B, Employer's Tax Guide to Fringe Benefits, supplements Circular E and Publication 15-A, and contains detailed information on the employment tax treatment of fringe benefits.
Pub. 51, Circular A, Agricultural Employer's Tax Guide, explains your tax responsibilities for withholding, depositing, reporting, and paying employment taxes on agricultural (farm) workers.
Also see Form 943.
Pub. 225, Farmer's Tax Guide, identifies the kinds of farm income that must be reported and the different deductions that can be taken. Also see Form 1040 (Schedules A, D, F, J, SE), 4136, 4562, 4684, 4797, 6251.
Pub. 334, Tax Guide for Small Business (For Individuals Who Use Schedule C or C-EZ), explains federal tax laws that apply to sole proprietorships.
Also see Forms 1040 (Schedules C, C-EZ), 1040-ES, 1040-V.
Pub. 378, Fuel Tax Credits and Refunds, explains the credits or refunds of the Federal excise taxes allowable for certain fuels. It also discusses the alcohol fuels credit.
Also see Forms 720, 4136, 8849, 6478.
Pub. 463, Travel, Entertainment, Gift and Car Expenses, explains which business-related expenses for travel, entertainment, gifts, and car expenses are deductible and how to report them.
Also see Forms 2106, 2106-EZ.
Pub. 505, Tax Withholding and Estimated Tax, discusses the two methods of paying Federal taxes by individuals, i.e., tax withholding and estimated tax. It also explains how taxpayers can take credit on their returns for withheld and estimated taxes.
Also see Forms 1040-ES, 2210, 2210-F, W-4, W-4P.
Pub. 509, Tax Calendars for 2004, lists specific due dates for filing tax forms, paying taxes, and taking other required actions.
Pub. 510, Excise Taxes for 2003, covers, in detail, the various Federal excise taxes reported on Forms 720, 11-C, and 730. These include environmental taxes; taxes on communications and air transportation; fuel taxes; manufacturers; taxes on vaccines; retail taxes on heavy trucks, trailers, and tractors; luxury taxes; ship passenger taxes; and the tax on wagering. It briefly describes other excise taxes and which forms to use in reporting and paying taxes.
Also see Forms 11-C, 637, 720, 730, 6197, 6627.
Pub. 533, Self-Employment Tax, explains what self-employment tax is; why, how, and who must pay it; and how to report it on your tax return.
Also see Form 1040 (Schedules C, SE).
Pub. 535, Business Expenses, discusses common business expenses and explains what is and is not deductible.
Also see Form 1045.
Pub. 536, Net Operating Losses (NOLs) for Individuals, Estates, and Trusts, discusses how to figure a NOL, when to use a NOL, how to claim a NOL deduction, and how to figure a NOL carryover.
Also see Form 1045.
Pub 537, Installment Sales, discusses the rules that apply to installment sales.
Also see Form 6252.
Pub. 538, Accounting Periods and Methods, explains some of the rules for adopting or changing accounting periods and methods.
Also see Forms 1128, 3115.
Pub. 541, Partnerships, explains how the income tax laws apply to partnerships and to partners.
Also see Forms 1065, 1065 (Schedule K-1).
Pub. 542, Corporations, discusses the income tax laws that apply to corporations.
Also see Forms 1120, 1120-A, 1120-S.
Pub. 544, Sales and Other Dispositions of Assets, explains how to figure gain or loss on the sale, exchange, or other disposition of business or personal use property. It defines capital and non-capital assets, and the tax effects of different types of gains and losses.
Also see Forms 1040 (Schedule D), 4797, 8824.
Pub. 547, Casualties, Disasters and Thefts (Business and Non-Business), explains how to treat casualty and theft losses. It also explains how to figure and prove a loss, and how to treat the reimbursement received from insurance or other sources.
Also see Forms 4684, 4797.
Pub, 551, Basis of Assets, explains how to determine the cost or other basis of property for tax purposes.
Pub. 552, Recordkeeping for Individuals, discusses why a taxpayer should keep records, what kinds of records to keep, and how long to keep them.
Pub. 553, Highlights of 2002 Tax Changes, highlights tax law changes that take effect in 2002, 2003, and later years.
Pub. 556, Examination of Returns, Appeals Rights, and Claims for Refund, discusses general rules and procedures that the IRS follows in examinations. It explains what happens during an examination and a taxpayer's appeal rights. It also explains how to file a claim for the refund of tax already paid.
Also see Forms 843, 1040X, 2848, 4506, 8379, 8857.
Pub. 557, Tax-Exempt Status for Your Organization, explains the rules and procedures that apply to organizations seeking exemption from Federal income tax under section 501(a) of the Internal Revenue Code.
Also see Forms 990, 990-EZ, 990-PF, 1023, 1024.
Pub 560, Retirement Plans for Small Business, discusses SEP, SIMPLE, and Qualified plans that a small business owner, including a self-employed individual, can set up for employees.
Also see Forms 5305-SEP, 5304-SIMPLE, 5305-SIMPLE, 5500-EZ.
Pub 564, Mutual Fund Distributions, explains the tax treatment of distributions paid or allocated to an individual shareholder of a mutual fund, and explains how to figure a gain or loss on the sale of mutual fund shares.
Also see Forms 1040 (Schedules B, D), 1099-DIV.
Pub. 575, Pension and Annuity Income, explains how to report pension and annuity income from a qualified plan; how to figure the taxable part of lump-sum distributions from pension, stock bonus, or profit-sharing plans; and how to roll over distributions from a qualified retirement plan.
Also see Forms 1040, 1040A, 1099-R, 4972.
Pub. 583, Starting a Business and Keeping Good Records, provides basic Federal tax information for people who are starting a business. It also provides information on keeping records and provides an example of a recordkeeping system.
Also see Forms SS-4, 940, 941, 1040 (Schedules C, C-EZ, F, SE).
Pub. 587, Business Use of Your Home (Including Use by Day-Care Providers), explains rules for figuring and claiming a deduction for business use of your home and what expenses may be deducted.
Also see Form 8829.
Pub. 590, Individual Retirement Arrangements (IRAs), explains the tax rules that apply to IRAs, including IRAs that are part of SEP and SIMPLE plans.
Also see Forms 1040, 1040A, 1099-R, 5329, 8606.
Pub. 595, Tax Highlights for Commercial Fishermen, is intended for sole proprietors who use Form 1040 (Schedule C, or C-EZ) to report a profit or loss from fishing. It highlights some special tax rules that apply to the trade or business of fishing.
Also see Forms 1040 (Schedules C, C-EZ), 1099-MISC.
Pub. 598, Tax on Unrelated Business Income of Exempt Organizations, explains the unrelated business income tax provisions that apply to most tax exempt organizations that regularly operate a trade or business that has little or no relationship to its exempt purpose.
Also see Form 990-T.
Pub. 908, Bankruptcy Tax Guide, discusses the Federal income tax aspects of bankruptcy including tax return filing requirements for the individual and for the bankruptcy estate.
Also see Forms SS-4, 982, 1041, 1041-ES.
Pub. 910, Guide to Free Tax Services, identifies the many IRS tax materials and services that are available and where they can be obtained.
Pub. 925, Passive Activity and At-Risk Rules, discusses the passive activity and at-risk rules that may limit the deductible losses from a trade, business, rental, or other income-producing activity.
Also see Forms 4952, 6198, 8582, 8582-CR, 8810.
Pub. 939, General Rule for Pensions and Annuities, provides instructions and actuarial tables for figuring the tax-free portion of pension or annuity payments from non-qualified plans, certain qualified plans, and IRAs.
Also see Form 1099-R.
Pub. 946, How To Depreciate Property, explains how a taxpayer can recover the cost of business or income-producing property through deductions for depreciation.
Also see Form 4562.
Pub. 947, Practice Before the IRS and Power of Attorney, discusses who can represent a taxpayer before the IRS and what forms may be used to authorize a person to represent a taxpayer.
Also see Forms 2848, 8821.
Pub 954, Tax Incentives for Distressed Communities, is a publication for business owners who want to find out if they qualify for certain tax incentives designed to help empowerment zones, enterprise communities, renewal communities, and other distressed communities.
Also see Forms 3800, 5884, 8844, 8845, 8850, 8860, 8861.
Pub. 966, The Secure Way to Pay Your Federal Taxes, is a thorough overview of EFTPS for both businesses and individuals. This publication is also available in Spanish (Pub 966SP).
Pub. 1244, Employee's Daily Record of Tips and Report to Employer, is a handy record that employees receiving tip income may use to document their daily tips and report them to their employer.
Also see Forms 1040, 4070, 4070A, 4137.
Pub. 1542, Per Diem Rates (for Travel within the Continental United States), is for employers who pay a per diem allowance to employees for business travel away from home. The publication gives the maximum per diem allowance an employer can use without treating part of the per diem allowance as wages for tax purposes.
Pub. 1544, Reporting Cash Payments of Over $10,000 (Received in a Trade or Business), explains the requirement to file Form 8300 by persons in a trade or business when they receive cash payments of more than $10,000 from an individual. It also discusses the penalties for not filing the Form 8300.
Also see Form 8300.
Pub. 1546, The Taxpayer Advocate Service of the IRS - How to Get Help with Unresolved Tax Problems, describes the role of the Taxpayer Advocate Service, discusses who may use the Taxpayer Advocate Program, and provides information about contacting a Taxpayer Advocate.
Pub. 3066, Have You Had Your Check-Up This Year?... for 401(k) Retirement Plans, a tri-panel pamphlet designed to inform and encourage employers to perform a periodic "check-up" of their 401(k) retirement plan through the use of a checklist (Pub.4531) and how to initiate corrective actions if necessary.
Pub. 3611, E-File Electronic Payments Brochure, provides a thorough guide to worry-free direct debit and credit card payment options.
Pub. 3959, EFTPS CD for Tax Practitioners, Taxpayers, and Financial Institutions, provides information for tax practitioners, taxpayers, and financial institutions on the flexibility and many uses of EFTPS.
Pub. 3998, Choosing a Retirement Plan for Your Small Business, provides an overview of retirement plans available to small business and features a handy chart that showcases key features and benefits of common retirement plans. It was designed and produced in conjunction with the U.S. Department of Labor, U.S. Small Business Administration, and U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
Also see Forms 5500, 5500-EZ, 5558.
Pub. 4048, Penalty Refund Offer, a 6-panel brochure used to encourage taxpayers to enroll in the EFTPS Program, where they can receive a special refund and avoid future penalties.
Pub. 4118, Lots of Benefits-Retirement Plans Life Cycle, is an introductory brochure that highlights the benefits of retirement plans to both businesses and employees. It also discusses the four "phases" in the life cycle of a retirement plan.
Pub. 4131, EFTPS and e-file Fact Sheet, is used to advise taxpayers of the benefits of filing and paying electronically.
Pub. 4132, EFTPS Online Fact Sheet, is used by field employees to educate and promote the use of EFTPS Online and other payment options to taxpayers, practitioners, and financial institutions.
Pub. 4169, EFTPS Tax Professional Guide, a tool to educate tax professionals on the benefits and use of the EFTPS when making electronic tax payments for their business and individual customers.
Pub. 4222, 401(K) Plans for Small Business, highlights the advantages of 401(K) plans and important issues to consider when establishing and operating these plans. It was designed and produced in conjunction with the U.S. Department of Labor.
Also see Forms 5500, 5500-EZ, 5558.
Pub. 4224, Retirement Plan Correction Programs Pamphlet, is a tri-panel pamphlet describing the retirement plan correction programs offered by the IRS, U.S.Department of Labor, and Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation.
Pub. 4284, SIMPLE IRA Retirement Plan Checklist, is a one-page checklist highlighting some of the basic requirements of a SIMPLE IRA Plan. The product is geared to the small business owner.
Also see Forms 5500, 5500-EZ, 5558.
Pub. 4285, Simplified Employee Pension (SEP) Checklist, is a one-page checklist highlighting some of the basic requirements of a SEP Plan. The product is geared to the small business owner.
Also see Forms 5500, 5500-EZ, 5558.
Pub. 4286, Simplified Employee Pension Plan (SARSEP) Checklist, is a one-page checklist highlighting some of the basic requirements of a SARSEP Plan. The product is geared to the small business owner.
Also see Forms 5500, 5500-EZ, 5558.
Pub. 4321, EFTPS Tax Practitioner Folder, educates tax professionals on the benefits and use of EFTPS. This folder includes the EFTPS enrollment forms, brochures, product catalog order card, and CD.
Pub. 4333, SEP Retirement Plans for Small Businesses, highlights the advantages of SEP plans and important issues to consider when establishing and operating these plans. It was designed and developed in conjunction with the U.S. Department of Labor.
Pub. 4334, SIMPLE IRA Plans for Small Businesses, highlights the advantages of SIMPLE IRA plans and important issues to consider when establishing and operating these plans. It was designed and developed in conjunction with the U.S. Department of Labor.
Pub. 4405, Have You Had Your "Check-Up" This Year? …for SIMPLE IRAs, SEPs, and Similar Retirement Plans, is a tri-panel pamphlet designed to inform and encourage employers to perform a periodic "check-up" of their IRA-based retirement plan through the use of checklists (Pubs 4284, 4285 and 4286) and how to initiate corrective actions if necessary.
Pub. 4460, The Retirement Plans Product Navigator, highlights many of the publications and brochures created by the Employee Plans, Customer Education and Outreach Division of TE/GE and deals with IRA-based retirement plans. It is targeted to small business owners.
Pub. 4531, 401(k) Plan Checklist, is a one-page checklist highlighting some of the basic requirements of a 401(k) Plan. The product is geared to the small business owner.
Also see Forms 5500, 5500-EZ, 5558.
Information courtesy of the Internal Revenue Service.
