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The Daily Insight

How do I file taxes for my first small business?

Author

Andrew Mclaughlin

Published Apr 07, 2026

A Checklist for First-Time Filers of Business Tax Returns

  1. Review the Business Tax Return Completely.
  2. Choose an Accounting Basis.
  3. Choose a Depreciation Method.
  4. Remember Your Home Office Deduction.
  5. Don’t Forget Non-Employee Compensation.
  6. Keep Track of Automobile Expenses.
  7. Plan for Paying Self-Employment Tax.

How does a new business pay taxes?

All businesses must pay tax on their income; that is, the business must pay tax on the profit of the company. Income taxes and self-employment taxes (Social Security/Medicare tax) are based on the net income of your business for the tax year. It’s the same thing as profit (income minus expenses).

What deductions can I claim in 2020?

These are common above-the-line deductions to know for 2020:

  • Alimony.
  • Educator expenses.
  • Health savings account contributions.
  • IRA contributions.
  • Self-employment deductions.
  • Student loan interest.
  • Charitable contributions.

    Are there any new taxes for small businesses?

    Tax obligations can be confusing, and they change all the time. Here’s what to expect in 2021. The COVID-19 pandemic led to new tax incentives and programs designed to aid small businesses. In 2018, major tax legislation resulted in many changes for small businesses, including new rules for pass-through entities and bonus depreciation.

    When to start tax planning for small business?

    Small business owners should not treat income taxes as an annual event. Rather, tax planning should be a year-round activity. Waiting until the last minute makes tax preparation more complicated, and it limits your money-saving options. Be aware of law changes.

    Are there changes to the small business tax code in 2020?

    Learn more. There may not be any major changes to the small business tax code in 2020, but there are some important things to keep in mind. In 2018, Congress passed major adjustments to business tax law, including a lower corporate tax rate, new rules for pass-through businesses and a tax break for some industries.

    How does the Australian Taxation Office work with small businesses?

    The ATO has measured the income tax performance of small businesses in Australia and estimated the small business income tax gap. We’re using our research to reduce the tax gap. The ATO has measured the income tax performance of small businesses in Australia and estimated the small business income tax gap.