The Internal Revenue Service is not only dealing with taxes; but the agency is also taking on the rising threat of online fraud and identity theft. An upcoming free phone forum entitled: “Everyone's at Risk - Combating the Increasing Threat of Online Fraud and Identity Theft” is scheduled for
August 19, 2009 from the convenience of your business, home, or office. This IRS phone forum is for:

• Tax professionals
• Attorneys
• Payroll professionals
• Industry partners
• Small business organizations
• Small business owners
• State and local governments

Learn about:

• IRS identity protection efforts
• Process for reporting tax-related identity theft
• Victim assistance
• IRS efforts to combat online fraud targeted at taxpayers
• How to report phishing schemes targeted at taxpayers

You can sign up online at www.irs.gov or contact Ann Burton; Phone: (303) 603-4723; E-mail: ann.burton@irs.gov The IRS phone forum is free.

Business Tax Tips on Employer Identification Numbers

If you operate your business as a corporation or partnership, or if you have employees, your enterprise needs an Employer Identification Number. An Employer Identification Number (EIN) is also known as a Federal Tax Identification Number, and is used to identify a business entity. Generally, businesses need an EIN. You may apply for an EIN in various ways, and now you may apply online. Generally, businesses need a new EIN when their ownership or structure has changed. to determine if this applies to your business.