As a business owner how do I show self income to get child deductions etc?

"My only income comes from profit in my own business. I have no employees. Do I need to add myself as an employee and receive payroll from my business to file a individual tax return and receive child tax credits, student credits etc?" If youre business is properly setup within the state (even if you're the sole employee) the business should be filing a return, and you should be filing a separate return for yourself. On your individual return, you would take whatever deductions normally applicable to individuals - child tax deductions, mortgage interest, capital gains/capital losses, charitable deductions - that apply to you.

Are you a sole proprietor? Is your business incorporated? Is it a partnership? Tax treatment depends on the type of entity. If you're a sole proprietor, you file a Schedule C with your Form 1040. The Schedule C lists your business's gross income, deductions, and computes the net profit. The net profit is then carried over to the Form 1040 and is used to calculate the credits you mentioned. You, as the owner, cannot be an employee of the sole proprietorship. If your business is incorporated or is a partnership, then different rules apply.