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Small businesses typically pay various types of taxes, including:
- Income Tax: Small businesses are subject to federal, state, and possibly local income taxes on their profits. The tax rate depends on the business structure (sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation, or LLC) and the amount of taxable income.
- Self-Employment Tax: For sole proprietors and partners, social security and Medicare taxes are typically paid through self-employment tax. It is a combination of the employer and employee portions of these taxes.
- Payroll Taxes: If the small business has employees, they are responsible for withholding and remitting payroll taxes, including social security, Medicare, and federal/state income tax withholding on behalf of their employees.
- Sales Tax: If the business sells taxable goods or services, they may be required to collect and remit sales tax to the state or local government. The specific sales tax requirements vary by jurisdiction.
- Property Tax: Small businesses that own property, such as buildings, land, or equipment, may need to pay property taxes to the local government based on the assessed value of those assets.
- Excise Tax: Certain types of businesses, such as those involved in alcohol, tobacco, fuel, or transportation, may be subject to specific excise taxes on the products they sell or the services they provide.
- Unemployment Tax: Businesses with employees are usually required to pay unemployment taxes to fund state unemployment compensation programs.
It's essential for small business owners to consult with tax professionals or accountants to ensure compliance with all applicable tax laws and to understand the specific tax obligations based on their business structure, location, and industry.