The Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at Coastal Carolina University is sponsoring a free tax seminar for small-business owners from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Tuesday, March 8, in the Coastal Science Center, Room 131, located at 301 Allied Drive, Conway.

The seminar will be led by representatives of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), the South Carolina Employment Security Commission and the Department of Revenue. Sessions consist of two hours of federal tax issues, one hour of state tax issues and one hour with the S.C. Employment Security Commission.

Topics include which federal and state forms to file, recordkeeping, types of operating entities to operate as, how to make payments online, employee/independent contractors, and other tips to help the small-business owner comply with state and federal tax laws.

The event is free, but preregistration is required. Workshops may be canceled due to insufficient registration or inclement weather. To ensure a space, call 843-349-4010 or email jpgraham@coastal.edu.

Small Business Development centers are located in each of the 50 states and are normally housed at colleges or universities. The SBDC has a memo of understanding with CCU and provides confidential business and consulting services at low costs to businesses in Horry and Georgetown counties. CCU students work at the SBDC to get real-world experience by working with entrepreneurs.

The SBDC's mission is to promote the growth and development of small businesses by providing management and technical assistance. Further, the mission is to contribute to economic growth and prosperity by encouraging entrepreneurship and the success of small businesses. The office works in partnership with the U.S. Small Business Administration and serves both Horry and Georgetown counties by providing a variety of services and management training courses tailored to the needs of small businesses. SBDC consultants provide managerial and technical assistance to those starting or expanding a business.