Introduction

This publication is for small business owners who complete Schedule C or C-EZ of Form 1040. To use this publication, you will generally need the following forms.

• Form 1040 and its instructions.
• Schedule C or C-EZ and its instructions.

See chapter 12 for information on ordering these forms if you don't already have them.

The purpose of this publication is to provide general information about the federal tax laws that apply to sole proprietors and to statutory employees.

A sole proprietor is someone who owns an unincorporated business by himself or herself. A statutory employee has a checkmark in box 15 of his or her Form W-2, Wage and Tax Statement. Statutory employees have to use Schedule C or C-EZ to report their wages and expenses.

This publication does not cover the topics listed in the following table. (See chapter 12 for information about ordering forms and publications.)

What you need to know. Table A provides a list of questions you need to answer to help you meet your federal tax obligations. After each question is the location in this publication where you will find the related discussion.

Table A. What You Need To Know About Federal Taxes

IRS mission. Provide America's taxpayers top quality service by helping them understand and meet their tax responsibilities and by applying the tax law with integrity and fairness to all.

Comments and suggestions. We welcome your comments about this publication and your suggestions for future editions.

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Internal Revenue Service
Technical Publications Branch
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