COVID Tax Tip 2021-138, September 20, 2021

The IRS continues to provide materials and information to help small business owners and self-employed individuals comply with filing and paying requirements. Here's a recap of key topics covered in IRS messages during National Small Business Week.

 Small businesses can share the word with employees about child tax credit 

The IRS encourages employers to help get the word out about the advance payments of the child tax credit during Small Business Week. Employers have direct access to many who may receive this credit. IRS.gov has tools employers can use to deliver this information, including e-posters, drop-in articles for newsletters and social media posts to share.

IRS resources to help small business employers understand and meet their tax responsibilities

The IRS acknowledges that small business employers have unique tax responsibilities. The agency has a variety of information and resources to help employers understand and meet these unique tax responsibilities. Most of these resources are available anytime at IRS.gov.

Employers should choose their payroll service provider carefully

To meet payroll and employment tax responsibilities, many businesses hire a payroll and payroll tax company. Most of these businesses provide quality service, however, sometimes a payroll service provider doesn't submit their client's payroll taxes and closes abruptly. The client remains legally responsible for paying the taxes due even if they sent funds for deposits or payments to the payroll service provider. The IRS urges employers to choose carefully when selecting a payroll provider. The agency also encourages employers to enroll in the Electronic Federal Tax Payment System. It's free and when deposits are made under their EIN, it lets them monitor that their payroll service provider is making their tax deposits.

Small business owners should see if they qualify for the home office deduction

Many Americans have been working from home due to the pandemic, but only certain people will qualify to claim the home office deduction. This tip will help taxpayers understand the home office deduction and whether they can claim it.

Renewed work opportunity tax credit can help employers hire workers

Recent legislation extended the work opportunity tax credit through the end of 2025. With many businesses facing a tight job market, the IRS reminds employers to check out this valuable tax credit available to them for hiring long-term unemployment recipients and other groups of workers facing significant barriers to employment.

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