Tax Time Roundup – Important Changes and Last-Minute Tips

April 15th is right around the corner and there are some important changes this year that may affect you. Here's a roundup of tips from several of our guides to get you through the next week:

• Counting Down to Tax Day: Business Tax Completion Checklist
  Not sure exactly what you need to file when? Our Business Law / Taxes Guide, Jean Murray, guides you through the process with links to essential resources.
• Your First Business Tax Return
  Was 2008 your first year in business? If you've been an employee all your life, without complex deductions, you may be in for a bit of a shock. Instead of one line for your salary, you now have at least 2 or 3 additional forms to fill out with details about your business income and expenses.
• Gathering Records for Tax Prep
  10 essential documents and other pieces of information you'll need in order to file.
• Top 10 Business Tax Deductions
  The Internal Revenue Service offers business owners a fair number of small business tax deductions - if you know where to find them. Here are 10 small business tax deductions to help you navigate through the maze of write-offs.
• Tax Procrastination? 10 Small Business Tax Motivators
  If you're looking at tax articles at this point, it's a sure sign you've got a tax procrastination issue. Here are 10 motivators to overcome your tax procrastination habits. Personally, I'm not sure which I like better: #7 (get an extension) or #3 (get a massage). I think I may do both.
• April 15 Countdown - There Is Still Time
  Running down to the wire? Get help. Here you'll find reviews and prices on the best tax preparation software, plus advice on finding a tax accountant.
• Tax Tips for Freelancers
  There are special circumstances that apply to freelance writers and other creative professions. Here's what you need to know to prepare your taxes and to avoid IRS investigations.

And here are a few more great resources from around the web:

• Last-Minute Small Business Tax Tips (Forbes)
  Some great tips for maximizing your deductions without raising a red flag to the IRS.
• How to Use the New Small Business Operating Loss Deductions (Business.com)
  The recently passed economic stimulus package includes provisions that allow struggling small businesses to re-file their taxes to carry back net operating losses (NOLs) up to five years. Qualifying small businesses with losses can get immediate refunds of income taxes paid in prior years. Here's how.
• Filing Late and/or Paying Late (IRS)
  Before you decide not to file your tax return on time or not pay all of your taxes when they are due, consider this.
• Small Business and Self-Employed Tax Center (IRS)
  A broad range of resources across federal and state agencies, as well as industry/profession specific information for self-employed entrepreneurs, employers and businesses.