to help me with my taxes. I've never done them before, and I have no clue what to do, but I know I want to start asap. (And I'd rather just pay someone to do them for me than learning how to do them myself)


Thanks

-KaraCasey

The whole thing is user-friendly: it guides you through it with different set of questions, and you can e-file it afterward.

The biggest advantage, I think, is privacy.

You do not know what your income for 2009 is so you can not file before Jan 1.

The IRS computers do not start accepting returns sent electronicly until Jan 15.

Until then you can get organized and determine what your income is and your expenses.

I am a tax preparer in Connecticutt and can answer any questions you have if you send me a message.

There was some tax discussion threads some time back.  ANY tax preparer will need certain information & set up the correct forms for you.  You'll need to be prepared with the job title you want him/her to use.  Do not tell them too much.  Do not tell them about anything illegal...  they do not need to know to fill out the forms.  There is no client / accountant privledge like there is with doctors & lawyers.

Just my thoughts,
skb

You know what the allowable business expenses are and what records you need to have in case you are audited. I still recommend seeing a skilled tax preparer.

Also, you need to look at getting back taxes filed and caught up. Contact a CPA/Enrolled Agent to help you.

I'm no accountant, but I do think you should ALREADY have income and expense records - bank deposits, or purchase receipts, or whatever - for the business related transactions you plan to report for the first 10 months of 2009.  You can't "create" those after Jan 1, 2010.

It is an interesting dilema on how to handle the whole scenario - soliciting advice from other providers who have already figured it out is probably the way to go

It's super cheap (most expensive package is $18) and available online, and it's SO user friendly. It walks you through the process, so it's great for us non-accountants.