(www.inkthinkerblog.com) — April 15 is just over a month away, and you know what that means. Tax time for US freelancers! If you’re self-employed, doing your taxes can be a daunting task. Here are 25 products, books, and articles to make tax time easier.

SOFTWARE

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The #1 rated, best-selling tax software in the US , and the only tax software to include e-filing and audit support with every federal return. You can prepare and print unlimited federal and state returns; e-file up to five federal returns (per IRS guidelines) at no additional charge. TurboTax also searches for more than 350 deductions. Order the boxed software or download it immediately after purchase.

Also, if you purchase TurboTax on Amazon, you can get some pretty hefty discounts on Quicken 2009 boxed products.

Don’t want to pay full price for “people”? H&R Block’s Tax Cut software includes up to 5 free federal e-files in every version, DeductionPro to help you maximize your savings, live tax advice from an H&R Block tax professional via one-on-one phone or e-mail consultation, and personal assistance from an IRS-licensed Enrolled Agent with audit representation expertise in the event of an audit.

Need an extension on your taxes? FileLater makes it simple to apply for an extension for your business or personal taxes. Filing an extension means that you won’t be penalized for filing late, but you still may face interest charges on your unpaid taxes. Contact your favorite accountant for more details on what an extension may mean in your individual situation.

Want to file your taxes online for free?You’re in luck, because that’s exactly what FreeTax USA does. Residents of 31 states who have a gross adjusted income of $56,000/year or less are eligible for a free online tax return. Others can file for just $9.95.

And for Inkthinker’s Canadian readers… QuickTax is the #1 tax software in Canada. Options range from a basic free edition to the $39.99 CAN QuickTax Business Unincorporated Online Edition, geared specifically for contractors, sole proprietors, and small business owners.





BOOKS

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From Amazon: Updated and revised for the 2008 tax year, Taxes 2009 For Dummies is the only tax guide on the market that walks readers through the major tax forms line by line, including the 1040 Schedules A through E. Filled with helpful tips and strategies for filing income tax returns accurately and on time, this book is aimed at individuals who want to do their own taxes without hiring a preparer.

From Amazon: J.K. Lasser’s Your Income Tax 2009–the nation’s all-time top-selling tax guide–is a proven, accessible resource with important strategies, useful recommendations and of course, all the latest tax law changes. With over 39 million copies sold, Your Income Tax 2009 is the #1 choice for taxpayers around the country.

From Amazon: J.K. Lasser’s 1001 Deductions & Tax Breaks 2009will help you take advantage of every tax break and deduction you may be entitled to. It’s clearly organized by subject matter so you can easily find situations that may apply to you. Each tax benefit is also clearly explained–along with the eligibility requirements for claiming the benefit–while planning tips and common pitfalls associated with the benefit in question are discussed in detail. New tax law alerts are also included throughout the book, so you can make the most informed decisions possible.

From Amazon: J.K. Lasser’s Small Business Taxes 2009 gives you a complete overview of small business tax planning in an accessible manner. Focusing on strategies that help you use deductions and tax credits effectively, shield business income, and maximize other aspects of small business taxes, this valuable guide will show you how your actions in business today can affect your bottom line from a tax perspective tomorrow.

ARTICLES

Happy tax preparation!

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