Income-tax Books

Even pros should read this.This is like a how-to manual on how to stand up to the IRS. The author has obvious experience with the IRS, which often employs heavy-handed tactics with taxpayers and tax professionals alike. Sometimes the only option is tax court, but the IRS has even made this harder for all of us. This is a great resource--the information is timely, and there is a very lengthy explanation of the examination division, which is where most audits begin and end.

Tax This! is an extraordinarily valuable book. It is well written and filled with informative information for all taxpayers. Nothing short of brilliant, this book provides an exceptional roadmap to dealings with the IRS.

This is an excellent resource. Shipped quickly and in great condition!!! Thank you.

This is good, solid advice for dealing with the IRS. The authors credentials make it very valuable because he comes from the "other side" and can tell taxpayers how the IRS really works. He truly is an "insider."

His book is not a lot of hype on tricky loopholes, but very solid advice for dealing with what can be a very frightening situation. I've interviewed Scott for my Internet radio show, EverydayWealth Radio, and found him to be a very conscientious caring resource for dealing with tax issues. I recommend this book and his other resources!

"Tax This" is a great resource for individuals, small businesses, and self-employed persons, like myself. From the general IRS and tax system information to the rules for dealing with an actual IRS audit, this book has all the information you'll need. The section on how to handle IRS Penalties and Notices and the the chapters on negotiating with the IRS were very informative and designed to save money. If you are currently involved in an IRS audit and want to know how to defend yorself or if you simply want to know some strategies for reducing your odds of being selected for an IRS audit this book is for you. I would recommend it for any taxpayer.

This seller sent this to me very fast and it was in the speciied condition if not better.

The winding road of business has many pitfalls. This is a must have guide that will help keep you safe.
CS

If you're a small business person, or thinking about becoming one, this is a very good reference. It provides a good perspective on all the major area of tax concern that most small businesses will be involved with and does so with good explanations and discussions. I've done my fair share of accounting over the last few years and still found this to be a very worthwile resources. Definitely recommended.

As I have a small side business related to my writing activities, I have to pay attention to all those tax-related matters. I found this book of interest at the library... Home Business Tax Deductions: Keep What You Earn by Stephen Fishman. It's probably one of the best tax guides I've seen, in that it's readable, understandable, and practical.

Contents:
Home Business Tax Deduction Basics
Are You Really In Business?
Avoiding the Start-Up Tax Trap
Home Business Operating Expenses
Deducting Long-Term Assets
The Home Office Deduction
Meal and Entertainment Expenses
Car and Local Travel Expenses
Business Travel
Inventory
Hiring Workers
Medical Expenses
Retirement Deductions
Additional Home Business Deductions
Record Keeping and Accounting
Claiming Tax Deductions for Prior Years
Staying Out of Trouble With the IRS
Help Beyond This Book
Index

I've waded through tax books that are extremely comprehensive, as well as *huge*. The problem there is that you're never quite sure if you've found everything you should be looking for. Fishman condenses those "phone book" guides into something around 450 pages that covers the most important aspects of the tax code that affect the home/small business owner. Instead of listing endless regulations and nuances, he gives you the information in a conversation style that doesn't sacrifice detail for readability. That's good, as you don't want to end up in front of a tax auditor ill-prepared for the questions they may ask. In addition to the coverage of the laws and guidelines, he also includes a number of realistic examples so you can see how that aspect of tax law would apply to someone who might be in your same situation. The combination of information and application make this a valuable guide that can easily save you the purchase cost of the book come April 15th.

I personally found the information reassuring, as I was able to confirm that the taxes I've done in the past have been accurate. If I had never had to do a Schedule C before, I'd consider this a must-read. Definitely worth buying...

A very detailed and easy to read complete book.

This book contains every single thing you need to know about tax deductibles items for the Home business, plus countless tips and advises on what to do and mistakes to avoid.

The format is as all NOLO type of books, extremely easy on the eyes and to follow.

Every chapter had information that helped me with my tax return. Finally I have found an easy to read and understand book with a very helpful step by step approach.

This book is an excellent resource for any gambler when it comes to tax-related issues. Mr. Lewis answers numerous tax questions, that apply to all gamblers, in a format that is easily understandable and extremely benefitial. A "must-have" for gamblers as tax time approaches once again.

Mr. Lewis has given us an entertaining and educational book that provides insights and answers to gambling and tax liability issues. It was a quick read, written in an easily understandable format, and a valuable asset in preparing for tax time.

As a future lawyer and avid gambler, I would advise both clients and friends to read this book before they purchase their boarding passes for the riverboat casinos. Mr. Lewis provides a simple plan that can save your winnings!

Great Book. Mr. Lewis explains very complicated tax issues in a simple, easy to understand manner. A must read for gamblers of all types.

Your Income Tax for 2005, by J.K. Lasser

There are two reasons to read this book.
1) You are preparing a paper return and wish to learn more that what is printed in the IRS "Forms and Instructions".
2) You want to read and learn more than what you get from a tax preparer or computer program.
Since your economic activities have tax consequences you should read or browse the relevant sections of this book as it applies to you. Some ignore the tax consequences until its too late. Since most people don't have tax lawyers, and may not be able to get advice on a telephone, or even from the Internet, you need to reference this book as needed. Do not be afraid of the size of this book as most people will not need all chapters.

Part 1 covers the "Filing Basics" and status. Part 2 covers "Reporting Your Income" for wages, salary, other compensation; fringe benefits, dividend and interest income, property sales, property exchanges, retirement and annuity income, IRAs, rents and royalties, loss restrictions, other income. Part 3 covers "Claiming Deductions" for adjusted gross income, standard or itemized deductions, charitable and interest deductions, medical expenses, personal exemptions. Part 4 tells how to compute your taxes, and tax credits. Part 5 tells about "Personal Tax Savings Plans" and should be read by everyone. Part 6, "Business Tax Planning" is important for the self-employed. Part 7 tells about filing your return and the aftermath.

Chapter 48 discusses the possibility of an IRS tax audit so you may be informed and prepared. Chapter 49 tells how to file a refund claim or an amended return. [The easiest way to fill in a 1040X is to fill in the new 1040 and then copy the information to the 1040X.]
This edition has a wrong page number "959" for the Index, and for Part 9 "717". Don't worry about this page error.

To learn about the history of US tax policy you'll need another book. Sidney Ratner's "American Taxation" is out of print, but you may be able to find another book. Class and sectional differences make politics, and politics make the tax code. Today's income taxes fall more heavily on wage earners compared to the 1862, 1893, and 1916 income tax codes.

Chapters and information very well organized. You can start from the beginning chapter or jump to any other chapter immediately and quite comprehensively. The writing is clear and simple if there is such a thing with irs forms and instructions. Well worth the price you pay for this book.

This year I decided to go cold turkey and prepare my own tax returns, something I haven't done for many years. Instead, I have been using a bookkeeper to put my records in order and a CPA to prepare the actual returns. That's been expensive.

I decided that I should save the money this year and do the returns myself. Naturally, it helped to look back at what my CPA did last year. But a lot of new questions came up. This wonderful guide cleared them all up . . . and I double-checked the answers with the IRS instructions. No problems! It was a piece of cake.

If you only find one deduction you wouldn't otherwise remember to take, this guide will more than pay for itself. Buy it today!

Each year I find myself buying the latest and greatest Income Tax Preparation books, often I'm let down by them for a number of reasons. I had to write this review as this is the very FIRST preparation book that answered every single question that I had. And since I do a diverse array of income tax preparations, finding a totally comprehensive book is like finding a hair in a shagged carpet.

Without going into great detail, the guide is designed in ways that make it very customer friendly. I'm the type of person that likes to make notes or comments on changes in tax law, items I want to refer to again, and I also like room for my tiny "post-it" notes. I deal with people from every possible tax category, from the very wealthy to family and friends that are disabled and have minimal income.

As far as I could tell, all of the most recent tax laws are found (easily) in this extremely comprehensive 2004 Income Tax Preparation Guide. They even reference applicable case law and Court Decisions, hot tips from the IRSinformation,planning alerts, and the latest breaking tax news.

Like previous years, you'll find all of the many forms you'll need. If something is not available in the book, you'll be directed to a location on the internet where you can find the precise information that you're looking for. This is tremendous guidance for the most recent tax law.

I'm someone who reviews the index in almost every book that I purchase. When I saw the extensive index, found in "J.K. Lasser's Your Income Tax 2005: For Preparing Your 2004 Tax Return", I was extremely impressed and later found it to be as helpful as it appeared when I first glanced at it.

I've not covered everything in this review, however I hope that I've given you at least a little more insight into this tax guide and whether or not you should choose this one over another. Thanks for taking the time to read this and good luck to you.

Best Regards and Happy Reading!

Pete Cannice
from Scottsdale, Arizona
email: Horsepete@aol.com

Although I do have a tax specialist look over my paperwork every year, I use this book as backup and have even found a few things over the years (admittedly, very few) that my preparer missed. I feel good just knowing that I'm on top of things.
If you prepare your taxes yourself, here are some of the features you'll LOVE in this edition:
Easy to understand filing tips and instructions. Whether you are a first-time taxpayer or an experienced one, you'll be as prepared as possible if you use this book.

There are updates, planning reminders and strategies to maximize your savings this year - and help you plan for the next tax year.

I especially like the "Alerts" about upcoming laws and possible changes. Nothing like being prepared!

Recent IRS changes and rulings are alos noted, another valuable bit of info.


If you tend to miss things, the CAUTION notices in the book will alert you to possible errors as well as areas you might miss.

There are also spaces for you to write, take notes, etc...as you read, a very nice feature.

If you're not interested in taxes, you're not really in business...Mike Stokes

This is an excellent guide if you have questions regarding your own home-based business. You can find out what you can deduct and what you can not deduct all from this book.

Reverting back to my comments on Mr. Daily's( Tax Savvy For Small Businesses) and Mr. Kamoroff's(A Small time Operator)reviews, this book coupled with the two previously mentioned books, should provide an outstanding foundation to start off with, as far as what you should and must do to operate a small business when it concerns your tax liability.

This books concentration is based more on past precedents passed down by both the Appeals Courts and the Tax Courts, and what procedures can and cannot be implemented. Gives specific instruction in accordance with the IRC code, to follow and to determine what can be done to legally lower your tax liability.

This book is more legally technical than both books I mentioned above. While Daily's book gives you general examples of accounting procedures and legalities, Kamoroff book gets into the nuts and bolts of accounting procedures, along with a step by step guide to implement those procedures. These 3 books should be on every entrepenuer's shelf, for future reference and procedures.

Reverting back to my comments on Mr. Daily's( Tax Savvy For Small Businesses) and Mr. Kamoroff's(A Small time Operator)reviews, this book coupled with the two previously mentioned books, should provide an outstanding foundation to start off with, as far as what you should and must do to operate a small business when it concerns your tax liability.

This book concentrates more on past precedents passed down by both the Appeals Courts and the Tax Courts, and what procedures can and cannot be implemented. Gives specific instruction in accordance with the IRC code, to follow and to determine what can be done to legally lower your tax liability.

This book is more legally technical than both books I mentioned above. While Daily's book gives you general examples of accounting procedures and legalities, Kamoroff book gets into the nuts and bolts of accounting procedures, along with a step by step guide to implement those procedures. These 3 books should be on every entrepenuer's shelf, for future reference and procedures.

This book was OUTSTANDING. It completely and simply explained everything that I needed to know about taxes, expenses, etc. before I started my business. Most HIGHLY recommend that anyone considering starting a business purchase this book.

Attorney, professor and commentator John O Fox has spent the better part of his professional life wrestling with the US Tax Code and knows whereof he speaks. In the spirit of pamphleteer Tom Paine, he talks common sense to his readers in 50-odd pages: 10 Tax Questions the Candidates Don't Want You to Ask is a provocative and lively adddition to Fox's growing body of work. Written for the interested layman,it is accessible and brisk and repays your investment handsomly. Would that the candidates would address tax issues as clearly as Fox does.

John Fox has it right! His "Ten Questions" represent the real interests of Americans -- from mortgages, home equity and property to health, childcare, social security and retirement. American have the right to expect better answers from elected officials about tax issues -- not just the usual boiler plate about tax cuts. This small volume frames the debate that should take place during this election year.

Clear, incisive and entertaining, this is a book about an ordinarily mind-numbing subject, taxes, that's actually a page-turner. Headings make the issues covered even easier to understand and I didn't know tax law could have a heart until I read this book. John O. Fox should be writing U.S. tax law, not just writing about it. Judith Pacht, Los Angeles

If you're like me, hearing the word "tax" is almost as much a turnoff as paying one. Yet here in this slender book I learned not only what I should know and think about my own taxes but also what I should insist our government do about my taxes and everyone else's. A couple of examples -- I found a sane path to a health insurance program that would help me and most people I know; in six short pungent pages I saw how Social Security can be fixed; I learned what I should tell Congress to do about home equity, the poor, my single son's struggle to keep his head above the tax waters while he's building a career, my aunt's pension problems, the college loans that often hurt more than they help. I could go on and on but you get the idea -- this book is a must for virtually everyone I know. It's so true that tax policy is social philosophy, and John O. Fox has helped me understand this truth in a way I never before have.

As the Presidential Campaign heats up with the rush leading up to the Democratic and Republican Conventions, the public gets deluged with a raft of Campaign-related books, monographs and articles. A must read for anyone who has a sincere interest and concern about our National income tax policy is John Fox's "10 Tax Questions The Candidates Don't Want You To Ask." It's less than 60 pages but chock full of timely and useful information and analysis interspersed with clever quips, cartoons and quotes. Any thoughtful citizen is missing the boat if he or she fails to read Fox's monograph.

I purchased this book for the few chapters that were focussed on my specific tax situation; however, after reading the first couple of chapters just to see what was in them, I found myself continuing through the book almost forgetting why I bought it in the first place... and that is saying a lot given my present tax issues. Mr. Daily writes clearly and concisely on a wide range of tax topics, but what I found so valuable in this book is the door that he opens into the IRS. He not only provides web links, phone numbers, and other contact information, but he describes how the IRS will, or will not, handle a given situation. He lets the reader know when a form is needed and what form that is and when a letter, phone call or face-to-face meeting is best. Mr. Daily also provides advice on how to prepare for whatever tax-related issue the reader might face and what can be expected from the encounter with the IRS. I hate that a book like this is necessary, but very, very glad Mr. Daily wrote it and can't think of many who shouldn't read it.

This book is fairly short and to the point. I like that. It told me exactly what I needed to know for the collection process and I took care of my serious problem with the collection officer in one short meeting with no other help!
If your problems are very complex you may need more info but the book will direct on that also.
This was my second NOLO book that I would consider near perfect.

I was blessed with my first IRS audit in late 2007. Before the audit, I thought some preparation might be a good idea and being familiar with NOLO publications, I went to their site and found Daily's book, Stand Up to the IRS. I purchased the book and I found it to be an invaluable resource as I prepared for the examination.

Two things are emphasized in this work: 1. Refuse to be a doormat for the examiner and 2. Perseverance eventually pays off.

The book is also extremely valuable if you have not had the pleasure of an IRS examination - it gives great information in making your records examination ready.

The results of my examination were better than could be expected. I wholeheartedly recommend this book.

HJE

I didn't intend to stand up to the IRS but had to due to circumstances beyond my control. Daily's book gives a comprehensive look at what constrains the IRS and what sort of leeway a taxpayer. What I found to be of the most value, though, was his simple explaination of complex circumstances. Daily breaks down various tax problems and solutions and suggests ways to prevent having the IRS resort to putting a lean on your home, etc.

I'd highly recommend Daily's book as it has the insider perspective that a taxpayer needs but the dose of reality to prevent a false sense of security when negotiating with the IRS. Daily provides perspective as to what will work in your favor and what you can do to prevent yourself from working against yourself.

My tax law practice if focused in the area of Estate Tax Planning and Asset Protection. I have very limited experience in representing any clients before the IRS. But while reading Stand Up to the IRS I began to think that it seemed like a pretty fun thing to do--yes I am a tax nerd. Seriously though, anyone who maybe faced with a tax controversy should read this book, even if you are going to hire an attorney. Not only will you save money on attorneys fees, but you will have a much better understanding of the process and will be able to discuss the issues intelligently with your lawyer--if he is a good lawyer he will appreciate that, if he does not get a new lawyer, or maybe just go back to Mr. Daily's book and do it yourself.

Marty Burbank, Esq.
Estate Tax Planning & Asset Protection
marty@martyburbanklaw.com

Worth it's weight in Gold. Should be kept as a handbook by their side by all CPAs

Randy Gardner, LLM, CPA, is a professor of taxation at the University of Missouri and Julie Welch, CPA, is the Director of the Tax Services at Meara, King & Company.

Randy Gardner and Julie Welch keep their tax guide up to date and they cover everything from family tax planning to working with your tax adviser. They highlight recent law changes and discuss proposed tax legislation for the future.

Examples of Tax Tips:

Have your refund deposited directly into your savings account. Just add your bank's routing number to your federal tax return.

Don't overpay your taxes throughout the year to receive a large refund. It's better to lower your withholding and invest the cash throughout the year.

What will this book do for you?

Reduce your taxes
Help you understand tax law
Show you how to take advantage of tax planning opportunities

Interesting sections that were very helpful include:

Nontaxable Income - you don't have to pay takes on a number of items including government payments, purchase discounts, benefits from your employer and personal gifts and life insurance proceeds.

Deducting Moving Expenses when you have to move because of a new job.

Pros and Cons of Renting Versus Owning A Home

If you have a small business, there are many sections that will be very useful and will give you ideas for how to save money on your taxes. Other areas of interest include, divorce, retirement, investments, education planning and tax credits.

~The Rebecca Review

Many tax books are written over the average American's heads. But that is not the cause with 101 Tax Saving Ideas. The author go to great lengths to make sure each tip is easy to understand and beneficial. Each tip is geared towards helping middle-class families, small home businesses, and retired folks save money on their year-end taxes. I especially liked the examples to better explain the tips.

We found this book loaded with great tax savings tips. Especially important are discussions of tax-savvy investments, and how to minimize your taxes looking ahead to next year.
This easy-to-read and hard-to-put-down book is a must for investment adivsors and tax preparers alike. It belongs on your professional reading list. Overall, an outstanding value.

Now in a sixth edition fully updated to include coverage of all aspects of the new federal tax laws, 101 Tax Saving Ideas is an expertly written, solid, detailed, reliable guide filled from cover to cover with tips, tricks, and techniques for reducing one's annual taxable income. From taking advantage of itemized deductions, investments, exemptions, fringe benefit plans and more, 101 Tax Saving Ideas is a first-rate contender written for non-specialist general readers of all levels of experience with the IRS reports and forms. Reading 101 Tax Saving Ideas offers year-round insights in financial planning - it's never too early or too late to start thinking about next year's taxes!

I've just acquired several rental properties and needed a book that had tax information all in one place. I got a couple other books, but this one is the one that I use all the time. It's easy to read and understand while still explaining the nuances of tax law, and has good strategy and planning ideas for repairs/improvements etc. It also addresses what is and is not deductible as you are starting out (i.e. before you actually buy a property).

No book will replace a professional accountant, but I have a feeling that my accountant will be grateful that I've used this book come tax time, as I will have categorized things correctly, saved the right receipts, and will understand what he is talking about when he is explaining my return.

This is a great book. It has the info, is easy to read and understand. I plan on reviewing this every year. Even if you have someone else do your taxes, it helps you in making business decisions with respect to taxes for your property.

I am a law student at Yale Law School and my husband is an attorney. We own and I manage about 5 rental properties. This book is absolutely essential for anyone owning a rental property. Do not depend on your accountant as a substitute as most accountants will not know this kind of detailed information about real estate rentals (unless they specialize in it or maybe have their own rentals.) My accountant who has been in practice over 20 years did not know a lot of essential stuff which I had to guide him through(it may be time for a new accountant). If I had not read this book I would have been doomed. Because I can qualify for the unlimited deduction (not just $25,000) for rental losses, we have literally saved tens of thousands of dollars in taxes we would have otherwise had to pay on my husband's salary, legally, with the guidance of this book. I cannot recommend this book highly enough. It is written in a very easy to understand format and gives you almost all the information you need in one place. You cannot rely on others to properly arrange your financial affairs in this specialized area. By reading this book you will know how to buy, finance, and repair properties in ways that produce the most effective tax benefits. Consider yourself lucky that you are aware this book is out there and purchase immediately if you own rentals.

This is a must read for novice landlord. The book is very easy to read and provides a vast amount of detail of tax scenerios faced by landlords. This book provided me with the knowledge I needed to take appropriate actions throughout the year in anticipation of tax day. I have the confidence to prepare my own returns now. Even though I prepared my taxes before and felt comfortable, not knowing about the real estate side of the tax codes brought some doubt. This book takes the doubt away.

Landlords know the main benefit of owning residential rental property is the many tax deductions which stem from such ownership, covering everything from improvements to expenses. This second edition has been updated to reflect the latest tax information and numbers: it covers everything from how to keep tax records and supporting documentation to deducting losses. Maximize profits and stay legal: keep EVERY LANDLORD'S TAX DEDUCTION GUIDE's latest edition on your desk.

I'm thankful that I ordered Worth's Book. It has been very helpful in preparing my husband's clergy taxes. Thank you for offering this book at a reasonable price. I saved by ordering it from Amazon.
Linda from Charlotte, NC

Bev Worth's book is excellent. Ministers and religious workers everywhere can save big $$ in taxes legally if they will follow her guidelines. On the other hand, her tax service business in Warsaw, IN has slipped because Jackson Hewitt took it over. I do not think Bev Worth involved any longer on the day to day operation of it. Not as good as it was. FYI, [...], does good service and is helpful.

I have used B.J. Worth's tax guide ever since it was a small 1/2 page booklet and now has grown into a major volume. I have run into "expert" tax service companies who know nothing about clergy and minister's taxes and this book gives them a full education on the special situations of clergy as well as the extra deductions available. The book is worth every penny you pay for it as you will find all the forms and advice you need to save yourself headaches and avoiding taxes that other tax preparers do not know about. B.J. Worth has been THE leader in clergy taxes and there is not a tax guide on the market that can compare to her publication and the services her company provides over the telephone (although rumor has it now that she has retired and sold her company to another group that does not provide the phone consultations...that would be a huge loss). But, the book can help any group set up their books, run their quickbooks with ease for clergy and avoid any questions. A MUST BUY for any minister.

As usual, the Worth's Income Tax Guide for Ministers is most helpful in preparing my taxes. Not only does the guide go through a step by step process in its help, the people in the Worth office are likewise very helpful. I have been using this guide for over 15 years, and find it always excellent.

This book is an excellent tax guide for the ordained. It provides current comprehensive tax information that is easily understandable.