Small businesses face unique challenges at income tax time. Business owners are more likely to be audited than individual taxpayers and the complex forms and deductions may seem a bit overwhelming. The good news for these entrepreneurs is that the Internal Revenue Service has designed several credits exclusively for small businesses. Since these companies have to foot the bill for many of their own operating costs, taking advantage of these credits can make the difference between an affordable tax bill and a staggeringly high balance due. Here are just a few of the IRS tax credits for small businesses.

1. The Work Opportunity Tax Credit

This credit was created as part of the Family and Business Tax Cut Certainty Act and it is only valid through December 31, 2013. The Work Opportunity Tax Credit extends a special tax break to businesses who hire returning U.S. military veterans. Depending on the length of time the veteran was out of work prior to being hired, the amount of wages he or she receives, and the number of hours the veteran works, the business owner may qualify for a credit of just over $9,000.

2. Social Security and Medicare Tax Credit

Small businesses are often hit hard by payroll tax obligations, since these taxes must be matched every pay period and submitted to the IRS every quarter. Entrepreneurs who are running food and beverage businesses with employees may be eligible to claim a tax credit on the payroll taxes they pay on their employees' tips. In order to claim this credit, business owners must complete Form 8846 "Credit for Employer Social Security and Medicare Taxes" and submit it along with their business return.

3. Disabled Access Credit

This credit is designed to benefit businesses that make renovations to their property that allow the disabled to enter their establishments easier. Business owners who report less than $1 million in revenue and employ less than 30 workers qualify to receive a credit for half of their renovation costs incurred to improve accessibility for the disabled.

4. Small Business Health Care Tax Credit

Companies with less than 25 employees who each earn less than $50,000 annually may qualify for a tax credit if they pay at least half of the health insurance premiums for their workers.

While these IRS tax credits for small businesses may sound appealing, there are specific guidelines that company owners must meet in order to claim them. Entrepreneurs should ask a qualified tax professional for assistance in determining if they qualify for these credits.