Paying Electronic Payment Options A secure way to pay your federal taxes. Filing Electronic filing options for business and self-employed taxpayers There are electronic filing options available for many of the taxes and forms that small businesses are required to file, such as excise and employment taxes, Forms 1120, 7004, 1041 and various information returns. Employer identification number An Employer Identification Number (EIN), also known as a federal tax identification number, is used to identify tax reports to the IRS. Business taxes The form of business you operate determines what taxes you must pay and how you pay them. Estimated taxes Federal income tax is a pay-as-you-go tax. You must pay the tax as you earn or receive income during the year. There are two ways to pay as you go: withholding and estimated taxes. Employment taxes for small businesses If you have employees, you are responsible for several federal, state, and local taxes. As an employer, you must withhold Federal income tax withholding, social security and Medicare taxes, and Federal Unemployment Tax Act (FUTA) taxes. Self-employment taxes The self-employment tax is a social security and Medicare tax for individuals who work for themselves. Reporting information returns Your business may be required to file information returns to report certain types of payments made during the year. E-file Forms 940, 941, 943, 944 or 945 for small businesses Learn your options for e-filing form 940, 941 943, 944 or 945 for Small Businesses. Filing past due tax returns Before you decide not to file your tax return on time or not pay all of your taxes when they are due, consider this. Reporting payments to independent contractors If you pay independent contractors, you may have to file Form 1099-MISC, Miscellaneous Income, to report payments for services performed for your trade or business. Deceased taxpayers - Probate, filing estate and individual returns, paying taxes due Information to help you resolve the final tax issues of a deceased taxpayer and their estate. Related Business tax account Apply for an employer identification number (EIN) online Where to file paper tax returns with or without a payment Self-employed individuals tax center Tax deadline Track due dates online Get the Tax Calendar