Any advice dealing with the IRS

I've always had a minimal income and never really needed to do my taxes. I survived on Barter and the things I grew..

But things have taken a turn, and I'm starting to make more money with my work

I'm really nervous approaching the IRS. Does anyone have any insight or advice?

I would speak to an established accountant. In terms of the USA, state laws differ. And, even the interpretation of federal regulations can vary from office to office depending upon who you are speaking to.

I assume you haven't leapt from living covertly on the raggedy edge into making millions in royalties and investments in a single year. So just download the 1040EZ or A or whatever and fill it out.

many public libraries used to have the tax forms available (not sure if this is still true) and some people actually enjoy helping others do their taxes. if you are self employed or have farm income or whatever things may be slightly more complicated than just the 1040, but in my experience it's usually just a question of taking a deep breath and following the directions and not letting my mind run away without me.

I used to do seasonal work for the tax prep company with a big green square.  If you have registered your company as an LLC or something, they are not best suited to help you; you’ll need an accountant.  On the bright side, you shouldn’t need to register your company in most cases. You can get away with a Schedule C for a sole proprietorship.

Said green-ish company is not cheap, but might be a good idea for the first time you dip your toes into filing for your sole proprietorship.  Afterwards you can see what forms they filled out and copy their work.  

Just, for the love of Pete, please don’t show up on the 15th for the first time.  If you’re using help (friends, volunteers, paid people) show up early and try to be done by the end of March.  (If you can’t complete your return, you can generally have an idea of how much you’ll owe, which you can send in along with an extension request, which will give you another few months. ETA: if you don’t owe anything, you technically have up to three years to file.)

It’s been a couple of decades, but I’m still traumatized by the April 15th I showed up sick as a dog to complete some returns for known clients.  A random person showed up with a file box of receipts and a Schedule K.  I burst into tears.  My manager dragged her into the back office, filed an extension request, and loudly scolded her.  And then I went home and slept for a week.