March's Hot Topics is dedicated to those who need help in the preparation of their 2000
federal and state income tax returns.
IRS forms :
(http://www.irs.ustreas.gov/prod/forms_pubs/forms.html)
A compilation of IRS forms you'll need to file your taxes.
IRS Publications:
(http://www.irs.ustreas.gov/prod/forms_pubs/pubs.shtml)
A comprehensive set of publications to answer your specific tax questions. Check
out the following publications (Note: these publications are contain
hypertext links for easy navigation):
For individuals, IRS now has inter-active tax tables for
taxable income under $100,000 and non-interactive tax rate
schedules for incomes over $100,000.
Note: Starting January 15, 1999, taxpayers may pay the balance due by
credit card. Call 1-888-2PAY-TAX and arrange to pay your 1998 federal income taxes
with either a MasterCard, Discover or American Express card. Visa has not yet agreed
to participate in this program. Your credit card company will set the fees for this
service. The IRS receives the payment amount, but not the credit card number used.
This service is available regardless of whether electronic or paper returns are
filed.
Starting February 28, 1999, taxpayers may use their computer to make a credit card
payment on their 1998 taxes, although this pilot program is limited to
"e-filers" using Intuit tax preparation software and a Discover card.
The IRS push for e-filing is pervasive. Witness this inter-active program for young adults,
jointly developed by IRS and the Tax Section of the American Bar Association.
State Forms and Publications
California Tax Forms: Go to the
California Franchise Tax Board's website for the latest forms. The homepage has general information on taxes filing
and legislation.
Other State Tax Forms - The website
1040.com has links to those state tax forms on the Web.
Tax Prophet
Also, be sure to review these Tax Prophet FAQ's before filing your returns:
FAQ: April 11, 1999 - Paying Taxes Due; 6 Ways to Save
During 1999.
FAQ: March 28, 1999 - Eight Last-Minute Items to
Consider When Filing Your Return
FAQ: March 14, 1999 - Top 5 Tax Breaks for 1998
Hot Topics: March, 1999 - Twenty-One Items to Consider Before
Filing Your 1998 Tax Return
Hot Topics: December, 1999 - Last
Minute Tax Planning Suggestions.
Hot Topics: December, 2000 Year-End
Tax Planning.
The Tax Prophet's Cybersurfing section contains
the leading web gateways for locating
other tax-related web sites and tax information. Use it as a tax research tool.
If you think you are immune from paying taxes or believe there is a simple fool-proof
way to avoid you tax obligations, there are plenty of cyber-thieves eager to take your
money and leave you in financial ruin. Check out the Tax Prophet's Trust Scam Bulletin Board before you become victimized.
Tax Advice Websites
Bankrate.com - A comprehensive
list of financial and tax information, including business caculators and up-to-the-minute
tax and business news.
Deloitte and Touche - This Big 5 accounting
firms provides business, tax and estate planning advice.
Taxweb: A gateway website with an excellent FAQ section.
Check out Microsoft's entre into the tax arena - MSM Money Central
For U.S. taxpayers living abroad, check out the Expatriate InfoCenter for tax advice and
filing requirements.
Quicken Tax
financial center also has answers to common tax inquiries.
On-Line Tax Calculators
Quicken's On-Line Tax
Estimator (javascript) is the best overall tax calculation program on the Web.
For a simple approximation of your tax liability, try the "Quickie Tax
Calculator" by E-1040.
There is a suite of java-based financial calculators at this site.
If you are looking for a suite of tax and financial calculators, the financial
calculators at Moneyadvisor.com should fit
the bill.
On-Line Tax Preparation and Filing
For $9.95, you can file your Federal income taxes using Turbo Tax
Online or Tax Cut Online.
If you file a Form 1040EZ, you might be eligible to file your taxes using a touch-tone
telephone. For details, here is the IRS's webpage.
Professional Tax Assistance
If you are looking for tax professionals to prepare and file your tax return, contact
the following organizations:
National Organization of Enrolled Agents - an
excellent resource of competent and reasonably-priced tax preparers, especially for
individuals and small businesses. Enrolled agents also handle tax audits, appeals
and collection matters.
American Institute of Certified Public Accountants -
A listing of CPAs. Suited for complicated individual returns and medium to large
businesses.
National Association of Tax Practitioners
