Self Employment

Learn about government programs and services that help self-employed individuals grow and manage their business.

Starting a Business

• Small Business Start-Up Guide
  Comprehensive guide to starting a new business. Topics include financing, obtaining licenses and permits, and deciding on a business structure.
• Self Employment Assistance for Unemployed Workers
  Under this program, states pay a self-employed allowance, instead of regular unemployment insurance benefits, to help unemployed workers while they are establishing businesses and becoming self-employed. Participants receive weekly allowances while they are getting their businesses off the ground.
• Guide to Buying Franchises and Other Business Opportunities
  If you are considering buying a franchise or taking advantage of advertised business opportunities, makes sure you check these guides from the Federal Trade Commission that explain franchising rules and how to avoid scams.

Tax Information

• Employer Idenitifcation Number
  An Employer Identification Number (EIN) is also known as a federal tax identification number, and is used to identify a business entity.
• Small Business and Self-Employed One-Stop Resource
  Offers a broad range of state and local tax information including resources for specific industries, professions, self-employed entrepreneurs, employers and small businesses.
• Online Classroom
  The Small Business/Self-Employed online classroom has a series of self-directed workshops on a variety of topics for small business owners.
• Self-Employment Tax
  The Self-Employment Tax is a social security and Medicare tax for individuals who work for themselves.
• Sole Proprietorships
  Provides a listing of tax forms a sole proprietor is to file and additional resources.

Social Security

• Social Security Information for the Self-Employed
  Includes information about how to report your earnings.
• Work Activity Report - Form SSA-820-F4
  Social Security benefit claim form for self-employed individiuals.

Government Contracting Opportunities

• Small Business Guide to Government Contracting
  This guide provides information on programs that help small businesses successfully compete for federal contracting opportunities.

Resources for Disabled Business Owners

• Entrepreneur Resources for People with Disabilities
  Information, resources and technical assistance to expand opportunities for self-employment and small business.
• Self-Employment for People with Disabilities
  This U.S. Department of Labor publication discusses important considerations for potential entrepreneurs with disabilities.
• Small Business and Self-Employment Service (SBSES)
  Provides information, counseling, and referrals about self-employment and small business ownership opportunities for people with disabilities.