Federal Business Tax Forms
A curated reference of the most commonly used federal tax forms for small business owners. All forms are free and available directly from the IRS. Click any link to download the current version as a PDF. State tax form references may be added in the future.
Note: Tax forms are updated annually. Always verify you are using the current version from IRS.gov before filing. This page is provided for reference only and does not constitute tax advice. Consult a qualified tax professional for guidance specific to your situation.
Getting Started
Every business needs an EIN — it’s your business’s federal tax ID number, required to open a bank account, hire employees, and file business taxes. Apply online at IRS.gov for immediate issuance or download the paper form.
Business Structure & Elections
Filed by corporations that wish to be taxed as an S Corporation, passing income and losses through to shareholders’ personal returns to avoid double taxation. Must be filed within specific deadlines.
Used by eligible entities to elect how they will be classified for federal tax purposes — as a corporation, partnership, or disregarded entity.
Income & Self-Employment Tax
Used by sole proprietors and single-member LLCs to report business income and expenses on their personal tax return (Form 1040). One of the most commonly used forms for small business owners.
Used to calculate self-employment tax (Social Security and Medicare) owed by self-employed individuals. Filed alongside Schedule C.
Used by self-employed individuals and business owners to calculate and pay quarterly estimated taxes throughout the year to avoid underpayment penalties.
Filed by partnerships to report income, deductions, gains, and losses. Partners report their individual share on Schedule K-1.
The standard income tax return for C corporations.
Income tax return for businesses that have elected S corporation status. Income passes through to shareholders who report it on their personal returns.
Payroll & Employment Taxes
Completed by each new employee to tell their employer how much federal income tax to withhold from their paycheck. Required for every new hire.
Issued by employers to each employee at year-end, reporting total wages paid and taxes withheld. Must be provided to employees by January 31 each year.
Filed with the Social Security Administration alongside copies of all W-2 forms issued to employees. Summarizes the total wages and taxes reported.
Filed quarterly by employers to report income taxes, Social Security tax, and Medicare tax withheld from employee wages, plus the employer’s share of Social Security and Medicare taxes.
An alternative to Form 941 for very small employers whose annual employment tax liability is $1,000 or less. Filed annually rather than quarterly.
Filed annually by employers to report and pay the Federal Unemployment Tax Act (FUTA) tax, which funds unemployment compensation programs.
Contractor & Vendor Payments
Provided by independent contractors and vendors to businesses that pay them. Used to collect the payee’s TIN for information reporting purposes. Keep completed W-9s on file for every contractor you pay.
Filed to report payments of $600 or more made to independent contractors during the tax year. Must be provided to contractors and filed with the IRS by January 31.
Used to report miscellaneous payments such as rent, prizes, awards, and other income not covered by 1099-NEC.
A cover sheet submitted with paper copies of 1099 and other information return forms when filing with the IRS.
Extensions & Other Common Forms
Grants an automatic extension of time to file most business income tax returns. Note: this extends the filing deadline only — taxes owed are still due by the original deadline.
For sole proprietors and single-member LLC owners filing on Schedule C who need more time to file their personal return.
Used by sole proprietors to calculate and claim the home office deduction on Schedule C.
Need help navigating small business tax responsibilities? The IRS maintains a dedicated Small Business and Self-Employed Tax Center at irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed. For personalized guidance, consult a qualified CPA or tax attorney.
Looking for a more comprehensive foundation in business finances? Our Starting Your Own Business course covers taxes, financial systems, and much more in depth, including step-by-step guidance on setting up your accounting processes, understanding cash flow management, identifying deductible expenses, preparing for tax filings, and implementing sustainable financial practices that help your business grow confidently and avoid costly mistakes.