Internet Marketing Tax Guidelines
The belief that Web Marketing is a tax free industry is pretty much the worst and most dangerous myth in the market. People go into it believing that as the money they earn comes to them mostly through online sources like PayPal that they don't need to pay taxes on the things that they've generated. This is simply not true! More importantly, failure to pay taxes on this income could land you in tons of trouble. Don't freak out, though: it isn't really difficult to do taxes when you are an online marketer. Here are some ideas to help you out.
1. See the local Small Business organization. Just about every community has a Small Business Association (generally working through a community college) that has experts on both starting your business and making sure that all of the details (like taxes) are dealt with. The wonderful thing is that this source of information is almost always without charge.
2. Keep track of everything. This is worth reiterating: keep track of every single thing. This is simple to do via Excel. Set up a spreadsheet and report every last cent you earn with your Internet Marketing business in addition to one that tracks each and every cent you spend on your IM efforts. Make sure you keep each and every receipt and invoice for the money you spend.
3. If you could afford it, retain the services of an accountant. This will prevent you from having to worry about the numbers and the taxes for your small business. You tell your accountant what you've made and put in (be sure to have documentation for proof) and they take it from there.
4. Pay in toward the taxes you will be owing at the end of the year. A fundamental rule of thumb here is to pay in 30% of each sale. This can be accomplished every 3 months through Estimated Tax Payments with the IRS or you could even do this month to month. The IRS is established now to get estimated tax payments whenever you want or think you should be making them. By doing this you won't have an eye popping number that you owe at the end of the year (which will be extremely stressful if you haven't saved up for it). Better still: if you have overpaid in your estimated tax payments, you're going to get a refund -- just like you would if you were working for a business! Be sure you consult with a person at the IRS to get this set up properly.
5. Know about your allowed write-offs. When you manage your own business a lot of things such as your utility payments, etc are tax deductible (as is any money you spend on business equipment or supplies). Your accountant or someone from the IRS can help you figure out what all you can deduct when it's time for you to pay taxes.
Becoming intimidated by the tax process when you are an online marketer is quite common. Luckily, there are all kinds of resources available to help you stick to the law and still keep yourself from losing your shirt to the IRS!
Additional Links:
Web Marketing Tax Hints and Tricks
Online Marketing Tax Guidelines
Online Marketing Tax Tips and Tricks