Alaska Small Business Development Center

Master Small Business Taxes with Free IRS Workshops This Summer & Fall

July 14, 2025

Taxes don’t have to be intimidating. Whether you’re launching a new business, hiring your first employee, managing payroll, or preparing for tax season, understanding your federal tax responsibilities is essential for small business success.

The Alaska SBDC, in partnership with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), is offering a series of free, on-demand and live webinars with David Higgins, IRS Tax Specialist, to help Alaska entrepreneurs and small business owners navigate federal tax requirements confidently and accurately.


Upcoming Workshops & Registration

Business Use of Your Home in Alaska – On Demand

Available Starting: Friday, July 25, 2025
Learn how claiming deductions for business use of your home can make a significant difference at tax time. This on-demand workshop walks you through the essential rules, requirements, and opportunities for home office deductions, including qualification tests, deduction limits, types of expenses, and what happens when you sell your home.
Access to this On-Demand Workshop is coming July 25!


Federal Taxes and Your New Business – Live Webinar

Date: Wednesday, July 30, 2025
Time: 12:00 PM – 1:15 PM (AKDT)
Starting a new business? This session covers everything from choosing a business structure and recordkeeping to understanding EINs and tax considerations for gig workers. Lay a solid financial foundation for your venture from day one.
Register Here


Federal Taxes When Hiring Employees or Independent Contractors – Live Webinar

Date: Wednesday, August 13, 2025
Time: 12:00 PM – 1:15 PM (AKDT)
Ready to grow your team? Learn how to handle federal tax responsibilities when hiring, including worker classification, filing required forms, and understanding employer tax obligations.
Register Here


Managing Payroll to Withhold the Correct Amount of Taxes – Live Webinar

Date: Wednesday, September 3, 2025
Time: 12:00 PM – 1:15 PM (AKDT)
Ensure your payroll processes are accurate and compliant. This session covers calculating payroll, withholding taxes, special payroll considerations, and understanding your obligations under the Federal Unemployment Tax Act (FUTA).
Register Here


Tax Deposits and Filing a Return to Report Payroll Taxes – Live Webinar

Date: Wednesday, September 17, 2025
Time: 12:00 PM – 1:15 PM (AKDT)
Confused about when and how to deposit payroll taxes or file returns? This workshop covers deposit schedules, avoiding penalties, completing IRS Form 941, and the benefits of e-filing and outsourcing payroll duties.
Register Here


Schedule C and Other Small Business Taxes – Live Webinar

Date: Wednesday, October 1, 2025
Time: 12:00 PM – 1:15 PM (AKDT)
Prepare for tax season with confidence. This session for sole proprietors and gig workers covers reporting income and expenses using Schedule C, maximizing deductions, and updates from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.
Register Here


About the Presenter

David Higgins
Tax Specialist, Internal Revenue Service (IRS)

David serves as the primary IRS contact to community, industry, and business organizations throughout Washington and Alaska, educating employers, small business owners, and tax professionals on a variety of tax topics. Since joining the IRS in 2010, David has worked in taxpayer education, compliance, and tax law, helping small businesses navigate the complexities of federal tax responsibilities with clarity and confidence.


Take the stress out of small business taxes and gain the knowledge you need to manage your business with confidence. Register for one or all of these free workshops today and prepare your business for success!

Recent News

Applications Open for the Alaska Healthcare Innovation Accelerator

Administrator Loeffler Fulfills Pledge, Donates SBA Pay to Charity

Start Strong in 2026: Build Your Financial Foundation & Explore New Lending Opportunities

Alaska SBDC Closure: Dec 25 – Jan 2

Alaska SSBCI Programs Achieve Historic Impact in 2025