Washington, DC state and local tax resources are all over the internet. You may even think that you already have enough information to file your Washington DC taxes. But if you want to maximize your deductions and avoid footing the entire corporate Washington DC local tax, you might want to get better prepared.

Don't worry. With a little bit of planning, you can file your business' Washington DC state tax on time, while maximizing your deductions, and, hopefully, lowering your total taxes owed. You will need to find:

1. Washington DC state and local tax resources that will guide you through Washington DC tax law

2. Washington DC tax forms you can download onto your computer so you can start filing immediately

3. Directories of certified public accountants (CPAs) that can help you file your DC taxes

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

Learn how to file your Washington, DC local tax

Washington, DC tax filing is not very difficult, especially once you have all of the information to file correctly. Luckily, all of the Washington, DC tax information you could ever want is available on the web.

I recommend: Register your business in Washington, DC. Check Washington, DC state and local tax resources to see if your business qualifies for an incentive deduction. Learn how to report your Washington DC state tax or take a course on small business Washington DC tax filing through the local Learning Center.

Get the Washington DC tax forms you need to file your taxes

Filing taxes requires paperwork. If you didn't receive your District of Columbia tax forms in the mail, then you will need to contact the Washington, DC Internal Revenue Service. Or better yet, get them off the internet.

I recommend: Print your Washington, DC tax forms from the local Internal Revenue Service. If you prefer, you can gather all the information you'll need and file your DC taxes online.

Hire a professional to help you file your Washington DC local tax

Sometimes no matter how much you try, you still might not feel confident enough to file your own business DC taxes. No sweat! That's what the professionals are for. Of course, whenever you're hiring, make sure you're getting a CPA (certified public accountant).

I recommend: Contact the Greater Washington Society of CPAs to find a registered CPA near you. You can also search the online directory of Washington DC CPAs through CPAfinder.com.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Make sure you do your research to maximize your business deductions. This will lower the amount of Washington DC state tax that you owe.
• •  Even if you don't want a CPA to file your taxes, consider contacting one who can give you some general tax advice.