Curated Tax Resources

Useful References Before You Take Action

A focused set of IRS tools, official forms, and selected guides to help you understand your situation. These are starting points, not substitutes for professional advice.

See the Resources Get Help from LMN Tax
Official IRS Tools and Guidance
IRS.gov View Your IRS Account Balance

Check your IRS account balance, payment history, and any pending notices. Requires identity verification through ID.me. This is the first step before calling the IRS about a balance.

IRS Individual Account → IRS.gov IRS Payment Plan (Installment Agreement)

If you owe taxes you cannot pay in full, an installment agreement lets you pay over time. The IRS online application covers most straightforward cases. Complex balances may need professional representation.

IRS Online Payment Agreement → IRS.gov Get Your IRS Tax Transcript

Tax transcripts show what the IRS has on file for your return, including any amended returns or IRS adjustments. Useful when reconciling a notice or missing return records.

IRS Get Transcript → IRS.gov Self-Employed Tax Center

IRS guidance on estimated taxes, self-employment tax, Schedule C, and business deductions. Covers the basics for freelancers, independent contractors, and sole proprietors.

IRS Self-Employed Center →
Business Tax References
IRS.gov Business Structures and Tax Treatment

How sole proprietorships, LLCs, S corporations, and C corporations are treated for federal taxes. Useful context if you are deciding on or reviewing your business structure.

IRS Business Structures → IRS.gov S Corporation Tax Overview

IRS guidance on S corp elections, shareholder requirements, and tax reporting. If you are considering an S corp election for your LLC, this is the official source for what is involved.

IRS S Corporation Overview → IRS.gov Employment Taxes for Small Businesses

Federal payroll tax requirements including Social Security, Medicare, FUTA, and 941 filing. Covers deposit schedules, penalties for late deposits, and what to do if you are behind.

IRS Employment Taxes → IRS.gov Estimated Tax Payments

IRS guidance on who needs to pay estimated taxes, when payments are due, and how to calculate safe harbor amounts. Required reading for self-employed individuals and business owners.

IRS Estimated Taxes →
Educational Guides

Deeper Guides at NationalTaxTools

NationalTaxTools is an independent educational resource with in-depth guides on tax situations, IRS programs, and small business tax topics. LMN Tax refers clients there when the question calls for a longer explanation.

How this is different from LMNTax.com: NationalTaxTools is built for people who want to understand the details on their own. LMNTax.com is for people who are ready to get help with a specific situation. If you have read the guides and still need someone to handle it directly, that is when to contact LMN Tax.
NationalTaxTools NationalTaxTools: Tax Education Hub

Guides on IRS programs, small business tax basics, deductions, S corp elections, and more. Written for people who want to understand the rules before deciding what to do.

Visit NationalTaxTools →
When guides are not enough

When to Stop Reading and Talk to Someone

  • You have an IRS notice with a deadline
    Notices with response deadlines require action, not research. A missed deadline can close your options.
  • You have multiple years of unfiled returns
    Getting current with back taxes involves more than filing the returns. The order and strategy matter.
  • Your business structure is messy or was set up incorrectly
    LLC elections, S corp filings, owner salary, and payroll all interact. Reading about it is not the same as getting it set up correctly.
  • You are not sure if what you read applies to your situation
    General rules have exceptions. If you have been reading for a while and still are not sure, a direct conversation is faster.
Common questions

Questions About These Resources

What is the difference between NationalTaxTools.com and LMN Tax?

NationalTaxTools is an educational resource built for people who want to understand tax rules on their own. LMN Tax is a professional tax preparation and advisory firm. If you are ready to have someone handle your situation directly, that is what LMN Tax does. If you want to read and research first, NationalTaxTools is the better starting point.

Can I use these IRS tools to handle my situation on my own?

For straightforward situations, yes. The IRS tools on this page are designed for self-service. Checking your balance, setting up a basic payment plan, or downloading a transcript are things most people can do without professional help. Where it gets complicated is when the numbers do not match, there are unfiled years, or a notice requires a formal response.

How do I know when I actually need a tax professional?

A few clear signals: you have an IRS notice with a deadline, you have not filed for more than one year, your business structure has never been reviewed, or you have been reading and still are not sure what applies to your situation. Any of these warrant a direct conversation rather than more research.

Ready to Talk Through Your Situation?

Call or send a message. No commitment required. Nausheen will respond directly and explain what your options are.

Get in Touch Call (571) 326-7900

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