Tax information resources provide official and unofficial guidance on important tax laws and procedures that effect the way you do business. The good news is that you can find just about everything you need from tax forms to convenient access to tax libraries for under $600 and provide your clients with the best service possible at a reasonable price.

Choose reliable and current tax accounting information in a print, online or CD-ROM format that fits your business needs. As you begin the process of researching the pricing and costs of tax information resources for your tax service, consider taking the following steps to find the best materials at a price your business can afford:

1. Buy authoritative tax resources for less than $100.

2. Access tax reference materials for under $350.

3. Supply your accounting and tax service with tax information resources for less than $600.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Order tax resources for less than $100

You can buy tax resources that offer guidance on tax rules as well as IRS tax products for less than $100. These low cost resources are useful tools to help you provide the best service to your clients without an increase in cost.

I recommend: The Adviser's Guide to Circular 230 Rules is an on-demand publication offered through CAP2Biz that includes guidance on how to comply with Circular 230 rules. Prices range from $69 to $87 depending on AICPA (American Institute of Certified Public Accountants) membership. Publication 1796 is an IRS tax product that is distributed by the National Technical Information Service (NTIS) in January and March of every year. Get forms, instructions, publications, Internal Revenue Bulletins and more when you buy Publication 1796 for an online price that starts around $35.

Give your staff a complete library of tax research materials for under $350

Convenient and affordable tax information resources are available for less than $350. Stay informed with tax resources that offer guidance to tax services at a reasonable price.

I recommend: CFS Tax Software can give you access to tax libraries that include Internal Revenue Service (IRS) resources, social security publications, U.S. Tax Treaties, Circular 230, state websites and more. Choose from formats that include CD and online versions for prices that range from $20 to $200. Armen Computing offers a one year subscription to TradeLog Software if you're an active trader. Prices range from $69 to $350 depending on the number of records you want to access in a single year.

Get current and previous tax accounting resources for less than $600

Utilize planning and tax filing resources that range from $265 to $580 per year through online services or CD-ROM products.

I recommend: STF Services offers SuperForm Tax Forms that range from $265 to $580 for filing taxes. Get current and previous federal and state tax forms as well as instructions that date as far back as 1993. These resources are available in a CD format or online. Estate Planning is a monthly periodical offered by Thomson Tax & Accounting that provides expert advice in areas that include tax planning, investments, retirement planning and more. Stay abreast of legislative and financial developments through print or online packages that range from $370 to $560.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Save money by utilizing membership with professional organizations such as AICPA (American Institute of Certified Public Accountants) to receive discounts on tax information resources for your business.

A tax filing deadline is one deadline you never want to miss. For small businesses, there are many taxes and deadlines to keep straight. Three important things to know:

1. Make sure you have the correct forms – and fill them out correctly. Double-check your numbers.
2. If you don't have money to pay, go ahead and file your returns by the due dates. You'll sidestep the failure-to-file penalty. If the next deadline comes and you still can't pay, attach Form 9465, an Installment Agreement Request to propose your own monthly payment date and amount.
3. If you are self-employed, pay the self-employment tax, which includes income tax and social security tax, on these dates:April 15, June 15, September 15 and January 15 of the following year.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Check deadlines at the IRS

The Internal Revenue Service has a helpful Web site with detailed, digestible instructions for small businesses.

I recommend: The IRS has a super helpful online tax calendar with dates and deadlines on its small business Web site. Click on the month and then click "dates and actions" for details of when to do what. Order up to five free copies of the tax calendar. Get industry-specific information, resources and forms at the agency's one-stop resource for small businesses. You can view and download other IRS forms, including extension forms.

Get a free organizer

If you don't like the IRS' calendars, get a free one organized differently from a private company.

I recommend: MSN Money offers a tax calendar with important deadlines. Small Businesses Taxes and Management has a federal taxes "To Do" list and one for state taxes.

Use the government's free e-pay system

Electronically pay all federal taxes, including income, employment, estimated and excise taxes. It's secure, convenient and reduces penalties by ensuring you'll never miss a deadline by scheduling payments to go out by due dates.

I recommend: Go to Electronic Federal Tax Payment System to register.

Subscribe to a payroll service that includes deadline reminders

Why sweat the deadlines on your own? Get a notification service to send you reminders.

I recommend: Microsoft Office's ADA Payroll automatically calculates federal, state and local taxes, and gives handy reminders to alert you to deadlines. It costs $169 a year with a 30-day free trial. PayCycle gives e-mail reminders of payroll tax deadlines with a 30-day free trial, followed by two months at $9.99 each.

Pay attention to state deadlines, too

State deadlines for various business returns may be different

I recommend: Check state filing deadlines.

Ask your bank if it offers a tax-paying service

Never miss a deadline by using an automated service to submit payments.

I recommend: Bank of America's ExpressTax for business checking account holders lets you pay taxes electronically.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  May 15 is the deadline for tax-exempt organizations to file their returns.
• •  You'll be fined $20/day if you're late, up to $50,000 or 5% of gross receipts.
• •  If you use the Electronic Federal Tax Payment System to pay taxes, you can pay up to 8 p.m. the day before it's due.
• •  To find out state requirements and deadlines, see your local Small Business Administration office.

Tax information resources keep your tax business practices in line with government regulations. These materials make it easy to quickly access tax information from official sources and improve the efficiency of administrative tasks in your office.

Online resources and tax software have significantly improved the way tax professionals conduct tax research. Learn how you can start making the most of tax information resources in your place of business by taking the following steps:

1. Utilize authoritative tax reference materials for your accounting and tax service.

2. Research state tax rates, state tax codes, electronic tax filing programs and tax information online.

3. Improve customer satisfaction by using tax software to prepare taxes.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Get tax information resources from the government

The government provides a wealth of authoritative information to tax professionals. Order tax resources for your office and seek guidance from an official source to provide your customers with reliable tax service.

I recommend: The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) offers several resources for tax professionals that include tax forms and tools, and links to Tax Hints, Tax Talk Today, IRS Pronouncements, State Law Guides and more. Visit the IRS website to access materials derived from an official governing source. Access links to information about various types of taxes such as property and motor vehicle on The National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) website. NCSL is a source of research and technical assistance as it seeks to serve legislators in 50 states as well as commonwealths and territories.

Conduct tax research online

Simplify your search for state tax information by using a reputable online site to find tax research.

I recommend: The Federation of Tax Administrators (FTA) provides research and training to state tax authorities and administrators. View state tax rates, electronic tax filing programs, motor fuel tax rates and more on the website. The National Tax Association (NTA) connects you to conferences and research as well as information on state tax organizations and state tax codes. Navigate through a wealth of information regarding tax theory and the professional practice of public finance.

Reduce tax preparation time by using tax software

Tax services utilizing tax software are able to shorten the amount of time it takes to prepare taxes and receive a return. This improved efficiency creates a greater amount of customer satisfaction. The benefits of tax software also include a variety of other products that improve administrative tasks in your office.

I recommend: CORPTAX offers a wide range of professional tax and tax accounting software in such areas as corporate tax planning, FIN 48 and FAS 109 tax provision, tax workflow automation and domestic and international tax compliance. With over 30 years of experience, CORPTAX has become an industry leader in providing corporate tax software to tax departments. When it comes to filing taxes, Drake Software is one of the best at electronic filing giving customers a nine second wait during the busiest time of the year for tax professionals. Register for a free Drake webinar to learn more.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  If you're a member of an organization for tax professionals, stay abreast of new tax accounting developments and research in the field by subscribing to at least one journal.

People who need help filing their federal taxes should turn first to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). However, there is a slew of other organizations that offer state and local tax information as well, including professional associations for accountants, tax lawyers and tax administrators. You can save time and make sure your business pays its tax bills in full by learning which groups are most likely to direct you to the information you need.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA)

The American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) is the leading professional group for accountants in the United States. It sets accounting standards and represents the profession in Congress and to state legislatures. It also publishes the prestigious Journal of Accountancy.

I recommend: The AICPA's website has a plethora of tax information, as well as links to federal, state and local resources.

International Association of Assessing Officers (IAAO)

Assessors are responsible for evaluating a property's worth, which is then used to determine what property taxes are due. The International Association of Assessing Officers (IAAO) provides training and research to its members and has information to help property owners understand the assessment process.

I recommend: Visit the IAAO's website for more information.

Pew Center on the States

The Pew Center on the States is devoted to journalistic research of state governments. It covers all angles, including state budgetary issues and changes in state government services. It also publishes all kinds of tax news.

I recommend: Visit Stateline, a website hosted by the Pew Center on the States, for the most recent information on state policies, including changes in state tax codes.

Federation of Tax Administrators (FTA)

The Federation of Tax Administrators (FTA) was formed in 1937 to improve the quality of state tax administration services. It provides training and professional resources to members, represents them in Congress and publishes information on changes in state tax policies.

I recommend: Visit the FTA website to get a state-by-state comparison of tax burdens, state tax tables and income tax provisions.

National Association of Tax Professionals (NATP)

The National Association of Tax Professionals (NATP) is an organization for accountants, CPAs, tax administrators and tax lawyers. It has a members-only program that matches volunteers with tax professionals who have questions about taxes in a particular state in addition to providing members with continuing professional education.

I recommend: The NATP website has relevant links and news in addition to current tax forms and summaries of recent tax bills.

Multistate Tax Commission (MTC)

The Multistate Tax Commission (MTC) is a government organization set up to administer taxes fairly for companies in multiple states. Its job is to make sure the process is as efficient as possible, and to help companies comply. The MTC is also charged with avoiding duplicate taxes.

I recommend: Visit the MTC website for a list of resources.