This appears to be a topic not normally considered here.

If I am mining in any one of the the United States, what tax forms should I file?
Am I my own business? Is Sole Proprietorship assumed by the government?
If mining is considered a business, does anyone have instructions for how to arrange one's situation to be properly legal?

If mining is not considered a business, and taxes should be filed, does someone know what to do, or where to find advice?

If I were to take a stab in the dark I would guess that the default answer is pay out the wazoo and ask a lawyer.
I just really don't want to be audited. Never have, and I'm not trying to either.

Thanks for any help provided.