<< 1 >>
Rating: 
Summary: Can't go wrong with this one!
Review: 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.
Rating:
Summary: Easy to Read and Comprehensive, But Terrible Binding
Review: Comprehensive, easy-to-read, and well organized. I recommend the book to anyone preparing their own taxes, either by hand or by computer. Next best thing to having a CPA sitting next to you.
Pros:
Comprehensive and easy-to-read. Very well organized. Find information on specific tax topics using the Form 1040 with chapter or sections listed right on the form. The pages are designed for maximum ease of reading, letting you find your information quickly. As hard as it sounds, this book actually helps you understand your taxes. The writers have done a superb job of turning the technical, obscure, and confusing IRS publications and instructions into something you and I can actually read and figure out. One of the few books to tackle the perennial topic of tax planning. Covers tax planning for students, investors, homeowners, real estate investors, senior citizens, military personnel, expatriates, and the tax aspects of getting divorced. The chapter on the Alternative Minimum Tax (chapter 23) is the best explanation of AMT that I have ever read. If you have to tackle AMT, this chapter alone is worth the price of the book. The book includes a complete set of tax forms for the do-it-yourself taxpayer.
Cons:
Binding seems weak. My constant looking back and forth, opening and re-opening the book, has caused a few pages to become unglued.
Very Minor Problems:
No book, however comprehensive, can include everything. At particular points, the reader is directed to IRS publications and instructions for further details. A do-it-yourself taxpayer may need instructions and worksheets not found in this book.
Rating: 
Summary: Jus' like I be sayin
Review: This book consistently provides da necessary tool fo' preparaing uh tax return an' iz also uh great all around tax planning book.
Among da most useful features iz da examples dat put often complicated rules in ta action an' provide uh template an' da internal references dat direct ya ta sections in da book dat iz relevant ta da subject matter being discussed. It iz helpful fo' both novice an' expert.
Rating:
Summary: Complete and easy to use
Review: This book consistently provides the necessary tool for preparaing a tax return and is also a great all around tax planning book.
Among the most useful features are the examples that put often complicated rules in to action and provide a template and the internal references that direct you to sections in the book that are relevant to the subject matter being discussed. It is helpful for both novice and expert.
Rating:
Summary: I Love This Book
Review: This is my constant companion as I prepare my taxes. The information and explanations are clear and easy to read. If your return is at all complicated, you will get temendous benefit from this book.
Rating:
Summary: The King Of Income Tax Guides!
Review: This is the most wonderfully complete and comprehensible tax preparation guidebook on the market, and I buy the new edition every year. It never fails help me with the tortures of tax season. My favorite features are the wide margins that allow me to make notes in the book as I go. I also like the 'Caution' and 'Law Alert' notes in the margins pertinent to the matter being discussed. These clarify confusing issues (particularly about deductions) and make the tax code a mite more comprehensible. Other good features are the complete tax tables in the back of the book, a planning section, and a set of tax forms, although I personally don't use them as I traditionally use TurboTax. My one minor critique is that sometimes an entry will refer you to a website to find the ultimate answer to a question. This is very rare, but does occasionally happen, for instance in this year's edition I needed some information on per diem reimbursement rates, and they weren't in the book, which was a mere annoyance, but at least the book told me where to get the information. As tax preparation software becomes more all encompassing I use this book a little bit less every year, but at some point it always bails me out without fail. I highly recommend this book to anyone, especially people with moderately complex returns or small business owners filing Schedule C.
<< 1 >>
|
