A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Annual Budget:  For an existing business, this is a realistic budget for the current fiscal year based on past income and expenditures. It includes anticipated changes in income and spending that may occur during the year. For a start-up business, this is a realistic projection of the income and costs of doing business for a year.

Auditorium District Tax: See Greater Boise Auditorium District Tax below.

Bar Codes: See UPC Codes below.

Beer and Wine Taxes: Taxes on these products are remitted by wholesalers to the Idaho State Tax Commission. Wholesale permit numbers are required. For more information, see the Taxes section of this Web site.

Bridge Loan: A short-term loan, usually associated with the purchase or remodel of real estate and usually for a term of less than one year. It enables a borrower to close quickly when on a short time frame and later work out permanent funding.

Business License: A license to do business in a specific city or county. Some cities in Idaho require all businesses to obtain a license. Others license only certain activities, such as taxis and food preparers. City business licenses are obtained from the city clerk's office. County business licenses are obtained from the county clerk's office. Idaho does not have a state business license.

Business Plan:  A business plan contains all the information about your business: name, location, number of employees, how the business is organized, management team, the business’s purpose, products and/or services and how they will be rendered, target markets, equipment needs, financial projections, and any other pertinent information. Anything you can think of pertaining to your business should be included in your business plan. The marketing plan may be included in the business plan. You will need to have a detailed business plan that includes financial statements before approaching a lender. Every business should have a business plan; it is a planning tool that will keep the business organized and focused.

Cash Flow Projections:  A month-by-month future projection of income and expenditures over a period of time, usually a year. The projections for an existing business are based on current cash flow patterns. A cash flow projection for an existing business can be created with more than one anticipated outcome. For instance, you might create a projection of income and expenditures if business increases by 5%, another for an increase of 7%, and another for an increase of 10%.  Cash flow projections enable business owners to anticipate future funding needs compared to anticipated income. Your accountant can assist in preparing this.

 A cash flow projection for a start-up anticipates monthly income and expenditures over a period of time, usually a year. The statement can be created with more than one outcome, based on anticipated sales and expenditures, but be conservative in estimating anticipated income.

Cigarette and Tobacco Taxes: Taxes on these products are remitted by wholesalers to the Idaho State Tax Commission. Wholesale permit numbers are required. For more information, see the Taxes section of this Web site.

City Sales Tax: A local option tax collected by a city in addition to the state sales tax. For a list of cities that collect local sales tax, visit http://tax.idaho.gov/s-results-quest.cfm?faq=146.

Coin Operated Amusement Device Annual Decals: Sales tax is prepaid on coin-operated amusement devices (such as pool tables or video games) by the owner, who purchases a yearly "amusement device decal" from the State Tax Commission for each amusement device.

Completed Operations (Errors and Omissions) Insurance: CPAs, architects and other licensed professionals may need this insurance to protect against errors or omissions in the services they provide.

Contents Insurance: Covers inventory, supplies and equipment in a rented building. The building owner should have property insurance on the actual building.

Cookie: A small piece of information sent by a Web server (the site you are viewing) and stored on a Web browser (your computer) so it can later be read back from that browser. This is useful because the browser "remembers" bits of specific information, such as your choices when filling out a form or survey. Some cookies are temporary; others are permanent and you must remove them from your computer when you delete files. This Web site uses temporary cookies to remember your selections when you go through the Business Wizard or the Resource Wizard.

County Sales Tax: A sales tax collected by a county in addition to the state sales tax. Nez Perce County collects a .5% local option sales tax which is administered by the Idaho State Tax Commission. 

Direct Payment: You can pay your Idaho taxes by electronic payment from the following link: http://tax.idaho.gov/. ACH sign-up is required for ACH debit or credit.

Employee:  Same as "worker" and means a person who has entered into the employment of, or who provides a service for an employer for payment. An employer usually has the right of control over how, when, and where an employee performs her/his duties.

Employer:  Someone who hires others to work for them in a business, trade, or occupation.

Employer Identification Number (EIN):  All businesses (except sole proprietorships having no employees) must obtain a Federal Employer Identification Number (EIN), also called a Tax Identification Number. This number is used when your business reports employee tax withholdings and files its tax returns. Your bank and/or corporations and businesses for whom you perform work may require you to have an EIN even if you are a sole proprietor without employees. You must provide your EIN number if they are required to include it on their tax returns.  For more information, see the Internal Revenue Service Apply for an Employer Identification Number On-line and Publication 1635, Understanding Your EIN.  

If you change your business name or entity type, you may need to obtain a new EIN. For information, click on the links above.

Idaho does not issue a state EIN. Your federal number is used for Idaho business income tax purposes. However, Idaho does issue permits and accounts such as sales tax or Idaho income tax withholding. To apply, use form IBR-1 found at https://labor.idaho.gov/applications/ibrs/ibr.aspx. 

Employment Practices Liability Insurance (EPLI) - Protects against wrongful termination and discrimination lawsuits.

Employment Taxes:  All employers are required to withhold certain federal and state taxes from employee wages, including: 

• Federal Income Tax
• Social Security and Medicare Taxes (FICA)
• Federal Unemployment (FUTA) Taxes
• State Income Tax
• State Unemployment (SUTA) Taxes

For information on your federal tax responsibilities as an employer, see IRS Publication 15, Circular E, Employer’s Tax Guide.  If you have agricultural employees, see IRS Publication 51, Circular A, Agricultural Employer’s Tax Guide. For information on state tax withholding, visit http://tax.idaho.gov/i-1026.cfm. 

If you are not sure whether people working for you are employees or independent contractors, see IRS Publication 15-A, Employer’s Supplemental Tax Guide. 

Estate Tax: For information about Idaho estate tax (for deaths occurring prior to 2005) visit http://tax.idaho.gov/. For information on Federal estate tax, visit http://www.irs.gov/businesses/small/article/0,,id=98968,00.html.

Estimated Income Tax (Federal):  Estimated tax payments must be made by individuals who expect to owe tax of $1,000 or more on their personal income tax return and who do not have at least 90% of the tax withheld by an employer. Sole proprietors, owners of limited liability companies, members of partnerships, and S corporation shareholders may need to pay estimated taxes. Individuals receiving income from interest, dividends, rental property, royalties and other types of passive income may also need to pay estimated taxes. Payments are made four times a year using form 1040-ES, Estimated Tax for Individuals. For information, see IRS Publication 505, Tax Withholding and Estimated Tax. 

Estimated Income Tax (Idaho): Corporations may be required to pay quarterly estimated taxes. For information, refer to Idaho tax Form 41ES and http://tax.idaho.gov/forms/EFO00026_09-24-2003.pdf. Individuals are not required to make state quarterly estimated tax payments.

Excise Taxes:  The Internal Revenue Service collects federal excise tax on the following:

• Telephone communications
• Air transportation
• Motor fuels
• Heavy truck sales
• Windfall profit tax on domestic crude oil production
• Environmental tax on the receipt of hazardous materials
• Environmental tax on manufacturing petroleum and chemicals
• Highway use tax by heavy trucks and buses
• Production, sale, or importing of alcohol, tobacco, or firearms
• Luxury tax on high-end passenger cars, yachts, and other consumer luxury goods

For more information on federal excise taxes, see http://www.irs.gov/businesses/small/article/0,,id=99517,00.html and IRS Publication 510. 

Factoring:  A method of raising working capital by selling your business's accounts receivables to a bank or another lender at a discounted rate. The bank then manages and collects payments.

Federal Tax Deposit Coupon: Coupons are used for depositing employment taxes. Each coupon shows the deposit amount, the type of tax, the period for which the deposit is made and your phone number. A coupon book will be automatically sent by the IRS about six weeks after a business applies for an Employer Identification Number (EIN). If you have no employees, you can then cancel it.

Federal Unemployment Tax (FUTA): The federal unemployment tax is part of the federal and state program that pays unemployment compensation to workers who lose their jobs.  Only the employer pays FUTA tax; no funds are withheld from an employee’s pay. Payments are made using IRS Form 940 or 940-EZ, Employer’s Annual Federal Unemployment (FUTA) Tax Return.  These taxes are used to administer the Unemployment Insurance and Employment Services Programs in the state of Idaho.

FICA: The Federal Insurance Contributions Act (FICA) tax is a tax imposed by the federal government on both employees and employers to fund Social Security and Medicare. A portion of the tax is withheld from employee earnings and remitted to the IRS. Employers also contribute a portion of the tax. Self-employed individuals contribute to Social Security and Medicare by paying self-employment tax on their net earnings.

Fidelity Bond - A type of insurance that protects employers against employee dishonesty and theft. This is a necessity if your employees perform work in clients' homes or businesses. Bonds can be purchased from insurance companies.

Financial Statements:  Statements detailing the business’s financial status. These include an income statement, balance sheet, and cash flow statements, and may include other statements appropriate for your business, such as accounts receivable and accounts payable statements. Your accountant can prepare these, or, if you use accounting software such as QuickBooks, the software can be used to prepare the statements. 

First Degree of Consanguinity:  A near relative of an employer who is exempt from Worker's Compensation coverage. For a list of exclusions, see Worker's Compensation Exemptions.

Gambling, Wagering, and Betting Taxes: Businesses that accept bets, sell lottery tickets, or run a betting pool or lottery must register with the Internal Revenue Service and pay an occupational tax and an excise tax on wagering. To register and pay the occupational tax, use IRS Form 11-C, Occupational Tax and Registration Return for Wagering. To figure tax on bets received, use IRS Form 730, Monthly Tax Return for Wagers.  

Gambling, wagering, and betting occurring on Reservations in Idaho is controlled by the National Indian Gaming Commission, http://www.nigc.gov/.

Gasoline and Fuels Taxes: For information, refer to http://tax.idaho.gov/. Idaho is a member of the International Fuels Tax Agreement (IFTA), which provides a cooperative and simplified reporting system for interstate motor carriers.

Greater Boise Auditorium District Tax: In addition to the Idaho sales tax and the statewide travel and convention tax, a Greater Boise Auditorium District tax (lodging tax) is imposed on the user or occupant of a hotel or motel room in the Boise metropolitan area. For information visit http://tax.idaho.gov/. Pocatello also imposes an auditorium district tax.

Heavy Vehicle Use Tax: Trucks, truck tractors, and buses having a gross weight of 55,000 pounds or more must pay a federal excise tax. The tax is reported on IRS Form 2290, Heavy Vehicle Use Tax Return.   

Hotel/Motel Tax: See Travel and Convention Hotel/Motel Taxes below

Idaho Business and Individual Income Taxes: Businesses and individuals must pay both federal and state income tax. The Idaho individual income tax rates range from 1.6% to 7.8%. The corporate income tax rate is 7.6%. For information visit http://tax.idaho.gov/. Information on federal tax for individuals is available at http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p17.pdf.

Identification Number for Tax Reporting: All businesses and owners must have a taxpayer identification number for the proper processing of tax returns. Sole proprietors not having employees may be able to use their Social Security number. Other companies must use their Employer Identification Number (EIN). You must include your identification number on all tax returns and other documents you send to the IRS and State Tax Commission. You must also furnish your number to other persons or businesses who are required to include your ID number on their tax returns. These may include:

• Companies that pay interest, dividends, or royalties to you
• Businesses for whom your company performs work
• Individuals and companies for whom you provide dependent care services (such as day care or elder care)
• Certain other amounts paid to you that total $600 or more per year, including independent contractor payments
• Banks - you may need an EIN to open a business bank account

You may not be able to use your Social Security number as your tax ID number in all situations even if you are a sole proprietor and, for your safety, it is often better not to use it. For instance, if you have both a personal bank account and a business account at the same bank, you won't be able to use the same identification number on both. See Employer Identification Number (EIN) above for more information. 

Illegal Drug Stamp Tax: Idaho imposes an illegal drug stamp tax, taxing marijuana and other controlled substances according to Idaho Code 63, chapter 42.  Contact the Idaho State Tax Commission for information.

Independent Contractor:  A person who provides a service for a specified amount of money for a specified result.  An independent contractor is not subject to control by the person for whom services are being provided except for the end result. See Independent Contractor vs. Employee for the differences between an employee and an independent contractor.

Inventory Tax: A federal tax collected on items held in inventory for future production. For information, visit http://www.irs.gov/businesses/small/industries/article/0,,id=100355,00.html. Idaho does not collect a state inventory tax.

I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification:  Employers are required to have all employees and owners of a sole proprietorship or partnership complete Form I-9 as proof of eligibility to work in the U.S.  See Employer Issues Legal Right to Work in the U.S. for more information.

Key Person Insurance: Protects against financial loss caused by the death or disability of a key person in the business, including the owner. Also used to fund buy/sell agreements when a business has more than one owner. Lenders and/or investors may require this insurance to protect their financial interests in a business. The business, not an individual, typically owns the policy, pays the premiums, and is the beneficiary.

License Tax On Electricity (Kilowatt Hour Tax): A one-half mill (.0005) tax is charged per kilowatt of electricity generated by the use of water power. There are exemptions for power used in the generation process, power lost in transmission, and for power sold for use in pumping irrigation water as well as manufacturing, mining, milling, smelting, refining and processing.

Local Option Sales Taxes: Some resort cities, auditorium districts, and counties collect a local sales tax in addition to state sales tax. To find a list of such entities visit http://tax.idaho.gov/.

Luxury Tax: Luxury tax is a form of excise tax collected on the sale of certain non-essential consumer goods such as luxury automobiles and yachts. See IRS Publication 510 for reporting instructions and information on taxable items.  

Manufacturer's Tax: A form of excise tax imposed on the manufacture or import of certain items. For information and a list of taxable items see IRS Publication 510, chapter 5.

Marketing Plan:  A plan detailing how a company’s products and/or services will be marketed. This includes information on target markets and how to reach them, competitor analysis, marketing and advertising methods, anticipated marketing costs, and possible future marketing opportunities. The marketing plan may be included in the business plan.

Mezzanine Financing: A loan for the purchase or renovation of real estate. Mezzanine financing is less expensive than an equity loan and similar to a second mortgage, a subordinated interest in a first mortgage, or a preferred equity interest in the property. Mezzanine loans are typically written for up to three years, but may be extended. 

Mine License Tax: Idaho law imposes a 1% tax on the value of ores mined or extracted. The tax is paid to the Idaho State Tax Commission using Form 47.

National Standard Employer Identification Number: A number used to electronically transmit health insurance claims. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recommends that businesses use their Federal Employer Identification Number as their health insurance identification number. For information, visit http://aspe.hhs.gov/admnsimp/faqemp.htm.

New Hire Reporting: Federal law requires employers to report new employees and those returning after an absence of 12 months or more to the Idaho Department of Labor. The information is used to locate parents who are in arrears with child support payments. For information, visit https://labor.idaho.gov/applications/newhire/.

Officer & Director Insurance - Officers and directors of a corporation may be held personally liable for their actions on behalf of the company. This insurance protects them in the event of a lawsuit. Some people may be unwilling to serve on a board of directors without this coverage.

Operating Property: The State Tax Commission is responsible for valuing public utilities and railroads, which collectively are called "operating property."

Perfection of Security Interest:  Creditors may use a debtor's personal property as collateral for a loan by taking (or perfecting) a security interest in that collateral. To create a security interest, both parties (creditor and debtor) must make a written security agreement that specifically grants a security interest to the creditor. The agreement should describe the collateral being used to secure the debt and must be signed by the debtor. Once the agreement is made, the security interest "attaches," which means that if the debtor defaults on the loan, the creditor may repossess the collateral or foreclose on real property to pay off the debt. 

The creditor who holds a security interest in the real or personal assets of a business should file a State of Idaho Financing Statement, Form UCC-1,  with the Idaho Secretary of State's office. This places a lien on the assets and protects them against other creditors and transfers by the original debtor to another party. Only banks, dealers, or individuals who regularly grant loans should file with the Secretary of State. More information is available on the Secretary of State's Web site.  

Pollution Prevention (P2) - Pollution Prevention is any activity, including the use of materials, processes, or practices, which reduces or eliminates the creation of pollutants or waste at the source. It includes protection of natural resources by conservation and increased efficiency in the use of raw materials, energy, water, or other resources. For more information, visit the Pacific Northwest Pollution Prevention Resource Center's Web site at http://www.pprc.org.

Professional Liability Insurance - Protects professionals (doctors, lawyers, dentists, etc.) against malpractice suits.

Pro-forma Financial Statements: Financial statements created by a business to project the anticipated financial future of a business. The statements are created using current data and include anticipated changes in sales, revenues, and expenses and their effect on future net earnings. Start-up businesses without a current financial history create pro-forma statements using estimates of future sales and expenses.

Property Taxes: Property taxes are paid on both real estate and personal property owned by a business, such as equipment or machinery, including office equipment and software. The tax is collected by your local county assessor. For information, see the Taxes section of this site.

Sales and Use Taxes: Idaho sales and use tax is imposed on retail sales and rentals of tangible personal property. Sales tax is also collected on admission fees, fees for recreation, hotel/motel/campground accommodations, subscriptions, and fabricating and printing labor. Sales tax is prepaid on coin-operated amusement devices (such as pool tables and video games) by the owner who buys a yearly "amusement device decal" for each device.

Use tax is paid on goods that are put to use, consumed, or stored in Idaho if sales tax was not paid on the goods at the time of purchase. The person who uses, consumes, or stores the goods in Idaho owes a use tax unless a sales tax exemption applies. For example, if a restaurant buys food for resale (tax exempt), but consumes some of it in a trade show promotion, the business owes use tax on the cost of the food used. Use tax is also paid on internet and mail-order purchases, including business-related magazine subscriptions, unless sales tax was collected at the time of purchase.  For more information, see the Taxes section of this site.

Self-employment Tax: Self-employment Tax is the Social Security and Medicare tax collected from individuals who are self-employed. You must pay this tax if you earn $400 or more from self-employment activities ($108.28 for church employees), including part-time activities, even if you pay Social Security taxes through another employer or are currently receiving Social Security. Self-employment tax is reported annually at the time you file your personal income taxes (usually April 15) by using IRS Form 1040-SE. For information, see http://www.irs.gov/businesses/small/article/0,,id=98846,00.html.  

Severance Tax: A 2% severance tax is imposed on the market value of oil or gas produced in Idaho. The tax is paid to the Idaho State Tax Commission.

State Unemployment (SUTA) Taxes: Unemployment Insurance is paid by employers. It provides payments to workers who are unemployed through no fault of their own and who are able to work, available for work, and who are actively seeking work. Eligibility to receive these benefits is set by law.  

Unemployment Insurance benefits are funded through an employer tax, which is collected by the Idaho Department of Labor and placed in a trust fund. Unemployed workers, or workers whose hours have been reduced to less than full-time, can apply for unemployment insurance benefits.

To obtain more information, or to apply for unemployment insurance benefits, contact your local Department of Labor office. To find the office nearest you, visit Idaho Department of Labor directory. Also visit the Taxes section of this Web site.

Surety Bond: Guarantees that a business has the financial capacity to perform the work it has been hired to do. Very common in the construction industry. 

Tax Payer Identification Number:  See Employer Identification Number above

1099-MISC: Employers who use the services of independent contractors must provide this form to those who earn $600 or more in a calendar year. The recipient will use the form to report income when filing her/his income taxes. The form must be provided to the recipient by February 15. A copy of the 1099-MISC is sent to the Internal Revenue Service. 1099-MISC is also used to report certain other transactions. For information, see http://www.irs.gov/instructions/i1099msc/index.html.

Trade Mark: Also called a service mark; this is a logo, symbol, or name used to uniquely identify a product, service or business. Registering a trade mark prevents other businesses from using it. Trade marks can be registered at the state level with the Secretary of State's office or at the national level with the U.S. Patent and Trade Mark Office. Companies doing business internationally can also register their trademark.   For more information visit the Hot Topics section of this Web site.

Travel and Convention Hotel/Motel Taxes: In addition to the state sales tax, a statewide 2% travel and convention tax is imposed on the user or occupant of a hotel/motel room or campground. The tax is paid to the Idaho State Tax Commission.

Unclaimed Property: Unclaimed property consists of the contents of safe deposit boxes, stocks and bonds, uncashed refund and payroll checks whose owners cannot be found, utility deposits, traveler’s checks, tax refunds, and more. To find out if you or your business has unclaimed property, visit http://sto.idaho.gov/UnclaimedProperty/.

Unemployment Insurance: This is a tax, not insurance, which is paid by the employer. State unemployment taxes are administered by the Idaho Department of Labor. The Internal Revenue Service administers the federal unemployment tax. When a worker becomes unemployed, they may qualify to draw unemployment insurance.

UPC Codes: A bar code placed on a product, including books and magazines, that is scanned at the time of purchase. The code identifies the specific product and the company selling it. UPC codes are ordered from GS1 US BarCodes and eCom™ at http://www.gs1us.org/barcodes_and_ecom

W-2: By January 31, employers must provide employees with a W-2 showing total wages earned the previous year and the amount of taxes, Social Security and Medicare and other deductions withheld. The employee files the W-2 with his/her income taxes.

W-4: Employees must fill out a W-4 when they begin employment. The form is used to calculate tax withholdings.

Withholdings: The amount of money an employer withholds from an employee's pay check for taxes, Social Security and Medicare, health insurance and retirement plan contributions.

Workers Compensation Insurance: Insurance carried by an employer to cover employees and business owners in the event of an on-the-job accident or illness. Employers are required by law to have workers comp coverage, which is administered by the Idaho Industrial Commission. Payments cover lost wages, medical expenses, and rehabilitation.