Small business taxes can be complex. Whether you’re tackling your business taxes on your own or hiring a tax professional to help navigate the process, there are several things you need to keep in mind. Ensuring compliance with tax laws and making sure you are paying the least amount of taxes is critical for the longevity of your business. Having best practices for staying organized year-round can help make filing easier during tax season.

Here are some essential elements to consider:

1. Business structure
2. Financials (profit and loss; balance sheets)
3. Recordkeeping
4. Estimated tax payments
5. Year-end deductions vs April 15 deductions
6. Filing deadlines
7. IRS online account