Resources
Resources for: Launching a Business | Growing a Business
Small Business Resources
Checklist for Starting a Business
This checklist provides the basic steps you should follow to start a business.
http://www.irs.gov/businesses/small/article/0,,id=98810,00.html
Colorado Business Express
Welcome to Colorado Business Express. A step by step resource whether you are starting a new business and need information to form your business, or you are an existing business and would like a list of services and information: http://www.colorado.gov/cbe/
Colorado Office of Economic Development
This website will provide a wealth of information and resources that are helpful to small businesses in Colorado: http://www.state.co.us/oed
Colorado Business Resource Guide
This guide provides general information to assist you in starting and maintaining a business. It provides information on legal structure and registration; sales, income and property tax; employer responsibilities; bookkeeping; sources of assistance; choosing your advisors, writing a business plan; marketing; financing options; liabilities and insurance; trademarks, copyrights and patents; and more. It is also designed to save you time by putting together most of the city, state and federal forms necessary to establish a business in Colorado. http://www.state.co.us/oed/guide
Colorado Small Business Development Center
The Colorado Small Business Development Center (SBDC), through its network of local offices, is dedicated to helping small businesses throughout Colorado achieve their goals of growth, expansion, innovation, increased productivity, management improvement and success. Visit this site to learn more about the Colorado SBDC and how to find a local SBDC service center near you.
Business.gov
The business gateway to federal resources: www.Business.gov
How to Write a Business Plan
The Business Plan is an essential step for the potential entrepreneur to help turn an idea for a product or service into a profitable business venture. Whether you are starting a business or wish to expand your present business, an effective business plan will be your “road map” to success. A well-organized business plan will work out the details of your business on paper first, before you invest time and money into your venture. It is a “must” if you plan to obtain a business loan. Click this link for complete details on how to write a business plan.
IRS Tax Information
Starting, Operating or Closing a Business: Whether you are a budding entrepreneur, or an established business owner, you will find everything you need to start and manage your business venture.
http://www.irs.gov/businesses/small/article/0,,id=110417,00.html
Business Taxes
The form of business you operate determines what taxes you must pay and how you pay them.
http://www.irs.gov/businesses/small/article/0,,id=98966,00.html
Getting Started: Tax Structure for Small Business
If you run a small business or are self-employed, the IRS web site offers a wide variety of information to help you.
http://www.irs.gov/businesses/small/index.html
Business Structure
When beginning a business, you must decide what structure to use. Legal and tax considerations enter into this decision.
http://www.irs.gov/businesses/small/article/0,,id=98359,00.html
Employer Identification Number
An Employer Identification Number (EIN) is also known as a Federal Tax Identification Number, and is used to identify a business entity. Generally, businesses need an EIN.
http://www.irs.gov/businesses/small/article/0,,id=98350,00.html
Online Application – Form SS-4, Employer Identification Number (EIN)
Apply online for the Employer Identification Number (EIN), also known as a Federal Tax Identification Number.
http://www.irs.gov/businesses/small/article/0,,id=102767,00.html
IRS Forms and Publications
Need an IRS form or publication? Checkout the IRS website Forms and Publications section.
http://www.irs.gov/formspubs/index.html
Electronic Filing
eFile for Business and Self-Employed Taxpayers: The IRS offers several electronic filing options designed specifically for the business filer. There are several ways you may choose to participate in the IRS e-file for Business programs.
http://www.irs.gov/efile/article/0,,id=118520,00.html
Electronic Federal Tax Payments (EFTPS)
Businesses and individuals can use the Electronic Federal Tax Payment System to pay all their federal taxes electronically, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, via the phone, personal computer (PC) software or the Internet. Visit the EFTPS web site for all the latest information! Or visit the Department of Treasury’s Financial Management Services web page on EFTPS.
http://www.eftps.gov/
QuickAlerts “More” eFile Benefits for EROs
Get on board and be one of the thousands of tax professionals that currently receive information on “up-to-the-minute” e-file events.
http://www.irs.gov/taxpros/providers/article/0,,id=97623,00.html
Employees
Businesses with Employees: Information about hiring, recordkeeping, and other topics for business owners with employees.
http://www.irs.gov/businesses/small/article/0,,id=98862,00.html
Independent Contractors vs. Employees
Before you can determine how to treat payments you make for services, you must first know the business relationship that exists between you and the person performing the services.
http://www.irs.gov/businesses/small/article/0,,id=99921,00.html
Employment Taxes for Small Business
If you have employees, you are responsible for Federal Income Tax Withholding, Social Security and Medicare taxes and Federal Unemployment Tax Act (FUTA).
http://www.irs.gov/businesses/small/content/0,,id=98942,00.html
IRS Withholding Calculator
This easy-to-use calculator can help you figure your employees’ Federal Income Tax Withholding so you can withhold the correct amount from their pay.
http://www.irs.gov/individuals/article/0,,id=96196,00.html
Retirement Plans for Small Businesses
Are you looking for information on employee retirement plans in order to provide better service to all your employees?
http://www.irs.gov/retirement/content/0,,id=97203,00.html
Talk With the IRS: Contact My Local Office
IRS Taxpayer Assistance Centers are your one-stop resource for face-to-face tax help and solutions to tax problems, every business day.
http://www.irs.gov/localcontacts/index.html
Taxpayer Advocate Service
The Taxpayer Advocate is an independent organization within the IRS. They help taxpayers resolve problems with the IRS and recommend changes that will prevent the problems.
http://www.irs.gov/advocate/index.html
Learning Center
On-Line Classroom: View a streaming video of an IRS Small Business Workshop, take an IRS course or complete an online self-directed version of a workshop taught live around the country.
http://www.irs.gov/businesses/small/article/0,,id=97726,00.html
Small Business Tax Workshops
Throughout the country various non-profit and government organizations offer small business workshops.
http://www.irs.gov/businesses/small/article/0,,id=99202,00.html
Small Business Resources
This section offers links to a broad range of resources across federal and state agencies.
http://www.irs.gov/businesses/small/content/0,,id=98864,00.html
Small Business Products Online Ordering
Looking for a tool to help you meet your tax requirements? Choose from our free products, developed especially for the Small Business/Self-Employed person, and obtain updated information on existing products.
http://www.irs.gov/businesses/small/article/0,,id=101169,00.html
Join the SB/SE Mailing List
The Small Business/Self-Employed Division has a free electronic mail service designed to provide tax information for small business owners. Sign-up for the Small Business/Self-Employed mailing list and you will receive information about important upcoming tax dates, what’s new on the IRS Web site, recently added tax forms and publications, IRS News Releases and special IRS announcements.
http://www.irs.gov/businesses/small/content/0,,id=154826,00.html
[Note for partners: the URL for the mailing list is subject to change without notice, and should be reviewed monthly for viability.]
Abusive Tax Schemes
Tax Scams – How to Recognize and Avoid Them
To help the public recognize and avoid abusive tax schemes, the IRS offers an abundance of educational materials. Participating in illegal schemes to avoid paying taxes can result in imprisonment and fines, as well as the repayment of taxes owed with penalties and interest. Education is the best way to avoid the pitfalls of these “too good to be true” tax scams.
http://www.irs.gov/businesses/small/article/0,,id=106788,00.html
Resources for Specific Communities/Industries/Professions
Specific tax information for Agriculture, Automotive, Construction, Entertainment, Fishing, Gas Retailers, Manufacturing, Real Estate, Restaurants, Tax Professionals, and other industries.
http://www.irs.gov/businesses/small/industries/index.html
Tax Information for International Businesses
This section provides information on international taxes.
http://www.irs.gov/businesses/international/index.html
Tax Information for Tax Professionals
This section provides information for tax practitioners and other tax professionals.
http://www.irs.gov/taxpros/index.html
Small Business Resources
Colorado Procurement and Technical Assistance Centers
Colorado PTAC assists Colorado businesses in becoming informed government vendors. Our friendly and knowledgeable procurement counselors partner with you
in the following areas:
- Determining Suitability for Government Contracting
- Securing Necessary Registrations
- SDB, 8(a), HUBzone and other certifications
- Researching Procurement Histories
- Networking & Business Development
- Identifying Bid Opportunities
- Bid/No Bid Decision Making
- Teaming or Joint Venture Arrangements
- Proposal Preparation
- Government Contract Performance Issues
- Preparing for Audit
Colorado Business Express
Welcome to Colorado Business Express. A step by step resource whether you are starting a new business and need information to form your business, or you are an existing business and would like a list of services and information: http://www.colorado.gov/cbe/
Colorado Office of Economic Development
This website will provide a wealth of information and resources that are helpful to small businesses in Colorado: http://www.state.co.us/oed
Colorado Business Resource Guide
This guide provides general information to assist you in starting and maintaining a business. It provides information on legal structure and registration; sales, income and property tax; employer responsibilities; bookkeeping; sources of assistance; choosing your advisors, writing a business plan; marketing; financing options; liabilities and insurance; trademarks, copyrights and patents; and more. It is also designed to save you time by putting together most of the city, state and federal forms necessary to establish a business in Colorado.
Colorado Small Business Development Center
The Colorado Small Business Development Center (SBDC), through its network of local offices, is dedicated to helping small businesses throughout Colorado achieve their goals of growth, expansion, innovation, increased productivity, management improvement and success. Visit this site to learn more about the Colorado SBDC and how to find a local SBDC service center near you.
Business.gov
The business gateway to federal resources: www.Business.gov
How to Write a Business Plan
The Business Plan is an essential step for the potential entrepreneur to help turn an idea for a product or service into a profitable business venture. Whether you are starting a business or wish to expand your present business, an effective business plan will be your “road map” to success. A well-organized business plan will work out the details of your business on paper first, before you invest time and money into your venture. It is a “must” if you plan to obtain a business loan. Click this link for complete details on how to write a business plan.
IRS Tax Information
Starting, Operating or Closing a Business: Whether you are a budding entrepreneur, or an established business owner, you will find everything you need to start and manage your business venture.
http://www.irs.gov/businesses/small/article/0,,id=110417,00.html
Business Taxes
The form of business you operate determines what taxes you must pay and how you pay them.
http://www.irs.gov/businesses/small/article/0,,id=98966,00.html
Getting Started: Tax Structure for Small Business
If you run a small business or are self-employed, the IRS web site offers a wide variety of information to help you.
http://www.irs.gov/businesses/small/index.html
Employer Identification Number
An Employer Identification Number (EIN) is also known as a Federal Tax Identification Number, and is used to identify a business entity. Generally, businesses need an EIN.
http://www.irs.gov/businesses/small/article/0,,id=98350,00.html
Online Application – Form SS-4, Employer Identification Number (EIN)
Apply online for the Employer Identification Number (EIN), also known as a Federal Tax Identification Number.
http://www.irs.gov/businesses/small/article/0,,id=102767,00.html
IRS Forms and Publications
Need an IRS form or publication? Checkout the IRS website Forms and Publications section.
http://www.irs.gov/formspubs/index.html
Electronic Filing
eFile for Business and Self-Employed Taxpayers: The IRS offers several electronic filing options designed specifically for the business filer. There are several ways you may choose to participate in the IRS e-file for Business programs.
http://www.irs.gov/efile/article/0,,id=118520,00.html
Electronic Federal Tax Payments (EFTPS)
Businesses and individuals can use the Electronic Federal Tax Payment System to pay all their federal taxes electronically, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, via the phone, personal computer (PC) software or the Internet. Visit the EFTPS web site for all the latest information! Or visit the Department of Treasury’s Financial Management Services web page on EFTPS.
http://www.eftps.gov/
QuickAlerts “More” eFile Benefits for EROs
Get on board and be one of the thousands of tax professionals that currently receive information on “up-to-the-minute” e-file events.
http://www.irs.gov/taxpros/providers/article/0,,id=97623,00.html
Employees
Businesses with Employees: Information about hiring, recordkeeping, and other topics for business owners with employees.
http://www.irs.gov/businesses/small/article/0,,id=98862,00.html
Independent Contractors vs. Employees
Before you can determine how to treat payments you make for services, you must first know the business relationship that exists between you and the person performing the services.
http://www.irs.gov/businesses/small/article/0,,id=99921,00.html
Employment Taxes for Small Business
If you have employees, you are responsible for Federal Income Tax Withholding, Social Security and Medicare taxes and Federal Unemployment Tax Act (FUTA).
http://www.irs.gov/businesses/small/content/0,,id=98942,00.html
IRS Withholding Calculator
This easy-to-use calculator can help you figure your employees’ Federal Income Tax Withholding so you can withhold the correct amount from their pay.
http://www.irs.gov/individuals/article/0,,id=96196,00.html
Retirement Plans for Small Businesses
Are you looking for information on employee retirement plans in order to provide better service to all your employees?
http://www.irs.gov/retirement/content/0,,id=97203,00.html
Talk With the IRS: Contact My Local Office
IRS Taxpayer Assistance Centers are your one-stop resource for face-to-face tax help and solutions to tax problems, every business day.
http://www.irs.gov/localcontacts/index.html
Taxpayer Advocate Service
The Taxpayer Advocate is an independent organization within the IRS. They help taxpayers resolve problems with the IRS and recommend changes that will prevent the problems.
http://www.irs.gov/advocate/index.html
Learning Center
On-Line Classroom: View a streaming video of an IRS Small Business Workshop, take an IRS course or complete an online self-directed version of a workshop taught live around the country.
http://www.irs.gov/businesses/small/article/0,,id=97726,00.html
Small Business Tax Workshops
Throughout the country various non-profit and government organizations offer small business workshops.
http://www.irs.gov/businesses/small/article/0,,id=99202,00.html
Small Business Resources
This section offers links to a broad range of resources across federal and state agencies.
http://www.irs.gov/businesses/small/content/0,,id=98864,00.html
Small Business Products Online Ordering
Looking for a tool to help you meet your tax requirements? Choose from our free products, developed especially for the Small Business/Self-Employed person, and obtain updated information on existing products.
http://www.irs.gov/businesses/small/article/0,,id=101169,00.html
Join the SB/SE Mailing List
The Small Business/Self-Employed Division has a free electronic mail service designed to provide tax information for small business owners. Sign-up for the Small Business/Self-Employed mailing list and you will receive information about important upcoming tax dates, what’s new on the IRS Web site, recently added tax forms and publications, IRS News Releases and special IRS announcements.
http://www.irs.gov/businesses/small/content/0,,id=154826,00.html
[Note for partners: the URL for the mailing list is subject to change without notice, and should be reviewed monthly for viability.]
Abusive Tax Schemes
Tax Scams – How to Recognize and Avoid Them
To help the public recognize and avoid abusive tax schemes, the IRS offers an abundance of educational materials. Participating in illegal schemes to avoid paying taxes can result in imprisonment and fines, as well as the repayment of taxes owed with penalties and interest. Education is the best way to avoid the pitfalls of these “too good to be true” tax scams.
http://www.irs.gov/businesses/small/article/0,,id=106788,00.html
Resources for Specific Communities/Industries/Professions
Specific tax information for Agriculture, Automotive, Construction, Entertainment, Fishing, Gas Retailers, Manufacturing, Real Estate, Restaurants, Tax Professionals, and other industries.
http://www.irs.gov/businesses/small/industries/index.html
Tax Information for International Businesses
This section provides information on international taxes.
http://www.irs.gov/businesses/international/index.html
Tax Information for Tax Professionals
This section provides information for tax practitioners and other tax professionals.
http://www.irs.gov/taxpros/index.html
Resources for Manufacturers’
The Colorado Association for Manufacturing and Technology (CAMT) is a state-wide manufacturing assistance center focused on boosting the competitiveness of Colorado manufacturers through on-site technical assistance, which ranges from process improvements, quality improvement and growth services, and collaboration-focused industry programs. CAMT’s website is www.camt.com.
The Rocky Mountain Trade Adjustment Assistance Center (RMTAAC) is a non-profit organization sponsored by the Department of Commerce to provide financial help to manufacturers and service firms affected by import competition. This cost-sharing federal assistance program pays for half the cost of consultants or industry-specific experts for projects that improve a manufacturer’s competitiveness—up to $75,000. With expert management assistance and funding to help manufacturers design strategies and implement projects, RMTAAC has helped hundreds of firms in the Rocky Mountain region compete more effectively. Check out http://www.rmtaac.org for more information.
