If you own a business, and fail to adhere to the business tax rules that are applicable to your particular business type, you could face hefty monetary fines, liens or even incarceration. Business tax rules are there to make the playing ground equal for all business. These rules are intended to insure that tax laws are followed, and that when they are not, penalties can be imposed as punishment. Not all business tax rules will apply to every business. For instance, your business may not be required to pay excise taxes. These are taxes on things that a company might consume in order to stay in operation, such as fuel for their facilities or tax on things like transportation or communication means, if applicable. Not all businesses will have these or other needs. Business tax rules see to it that businesses that are alike in nature, and operation, are required to pay the same taxes.