U.S. Income Tax Preparation: A Research Guide

Up against the tax deadline? This guide is designed to provide information and assistance in the income tax preparation process. There are many resources available with extensive information and advice about taxes, both in print and on the Internet. These resources provide a range of information, including tax basics, the latest tax law changes, IRS forms and publications, tips for reducing income tax, and tax planning advice. This guide introduces researchers to some of the basic informational sources on the topic. The terms and phrases listed in the subject headings below can be used to search for more materials in the library's catalog and research databases. If you need further assistance, please ask a librarian.

The Complete Idiot's Guide to Doing Your Income Taxes by Gail Perry. New York : Alpha Books, 1996– . Annual. ISSN: 10987193.
Intended for the average taxpayer without a complex tax situation. It provides instructions for all aspects of the tax process from organizing tax materials to filing the completed return. Tax planning suggestions are also given.

Ernst and Young Tax Guide. New York : John Wiley & Sons, 1985– . Annual. ISSN: 1059809X.
Guide to the tax system produced by an accounting firm. Includes tax tips and complete information about how to handle investment income.

H&R Block Income Tax Guide. New York : Collier Books, 1986– . Annual. ISSN: 10549846.
Guide that includes a tax organizer, worksheets, and calendars to assist in the tax return preparation process.

Taxes for Dummies. Foster City, CA : IDG Books Worldwide, 1995– . Annual. ISSN: 15351130.
Intended for the average taxpayer without a complex tax situation. It starts with an overview of the U.S. tax system and provides detailed line-by-line instructions for preparing a tax return.

top

FedWorld Tax Form Search
www.fedworld.gov/taxsear.html
Locate archived IRS forms and publications.

Internal Revenue Service
www.irs.ustreas.gov
Contains statistics, taxpayer information, forms, publications, and more. Everything that a taxpayer needs to know about filing a tax return can be found here.

Microsoft: MoneyCentral—Taxes
http://moneycentral.msn.com/tax/home.asp
The Microsoft Network provides tax information, news, tips, a tax estimator, and tax planning guides.

PayrollTaxes.com
www.payroll-taxes.com
Source of information about payroll taxes. It provides the ability to calculate take-home pay.

Small Business/Self-Employed
www.irs.gov/businesses/small/index.html
Tax preparation for small businesses and the self-employed.

SmartMoney: Tax Guide
www.smartmoney.com/tax/
Articles written in plain language explain various tax concepts and how to reduce tax liability.

Tax and Accounting Sites Directory
www.taxsites.com
Directory containing links to numerous tax and accounting sites, including state-specific taxing authority sites.

Tax Problems Law
www.nolo.com/encyclopedia/tax_ency.html
The Nolo Press “Self-help law center” provides advice on audits, tax bills, late payments, and dealing with the IRS.

Tax Tips from Bankrate.com
www.bankrate.com/brm/itax/default.asp
Provides articles explaining tax topics, including many tips for reducing taxes.

Taxes: Tools and Reference
www.hrblock.com/taxes/tools/index.html
Includes daycare expenses, self-employment, withholding calculator, and more.

misc.taxes.moderated
www.groups.google.com/groups?oi=djq&as_ugroup=misc.taxes
Discussion of taxes, proposed and existing tax laws, regulations, and procedures.

us.taxes (unmoderated)
www.groups.google.com/groups?oi=djq&as_ugroup=us.taxes
Discussion of U.S. taxes, policy, tax collections, and more.