Acting as a bridge between the theory and the practice of the two most substantial areas of tax, the INCOME TAX & GST STRATEGIES MANUAL puts expert guidance at your fingertips. Updated to 1 July 2008, INCOME TAX & GST STRATEGIES MANUAL highlights specific requirements that must be considered when applying the principles of tax law to the circumstances of individual taxpayers, highlights tax traps that may not be apparent from a reading of the legislation and advises you on how to take advantage of the favourable application of particular provisions of the tax law. Strategies are specific, topic-based, practical and easy to use, with worked examples and calculations to further aid your understanding. The strategies are cross-referenced to relevant AUSTRALIAN TAX HANDBOOK chapters for related background information, saving you valuable research time.

This work talks about the basics of filing (Chap. 1) including: which form to file, Chap. 1; filing as head of household Chap. 1; filing for your children Chap. 1; filing for married couples Chap. 1; what must you report as income? (Chaps. 2 11) including: Fringe Benefits Chap. 3; capital gains and losses Chap. 5; traditional and roth IRAs Chap. 8; Rental Income Chap. 9; What Deductions Can You Claim? (Chaps. 12 21); including: Moving expenses Chap. 12; Casualty Loss Chap. 18; Charitable deductions Chap. 14; Who is a dependent? Chap. 21. It also includes: How Much Tax Do You Owe? (Chaps. 22 27) including: Withholding Allowance Chap. 26; Your child's tax Chap. 24; Personal tax credits Chap. 25; Estimated taxes Chap. 27; Strategies to Save You Taxes (Chaps. 28 39) including: Tax-free residence sales Chap. 29; Investing in securities Chap. 30; Armed forces rules Chap. 35; Tax credits for education Chap. 33; Planning Ideas for Your Business (Chaps. 40 45) including: Home office deduction Chap. 40 Keogh, Simple, or SEP Chap. 41 Auto expenses; Chap. 43 Self-employment tax Chap. 45; Now That You're Done (Chaps. 46 48) including: Electronic filing Chap. 46; Filing extensions Chap. name in tax for over 60 years, more than 38 million Americans have trusted J.K. Lasser to help them save money at tax time Now with: usable forms online; free online bonuses and tax prep; guidance for all your tax needs; and covers all 2005 tax law changes. It is in easy-to-use format, and explains complex Tax Laws. It includes filing tips and filing instructions that help you prepare your 2005 return. Planning Reminders highlight year-end tax strategies for 2005 and planning opportunities for 2006 and later years. Cautions point out potential pitfalls to avoid and areas where you might expect IRS opposition. Law Alerts indicate recent changes in the tax law and pending legislation before Congress. Court Decisions highlight key rulings from the Tax Court and other federal courts IRS. Alerts highlight key rulings and announcements from the IRS.

Easy-to-use format explains complex tax laws. Filing tips and filing instructions help you prepare your 2005 return. Planning reminders highlight year-end tax strategies for 2005 and planning opportunities for 2006 and later years.

Strategies from an IRS insider for slashing taxes, maximizing legal deductions, avoiding audits, and more Completely updated for all of the new 2005 and 2006 Tax Laws! Through his years as an IRS tax attorney, Sandy Botkin discovered that most Americans could legally and dramatically cut their tax bills by establishing themselves as independent contractors or businesspersons. In Lower Your Taxes--Big Time!, fully updated for 2005 and 2006, Botkin explains how, outlining a straightforward program for writing off everything from family vacations to movies and plays, and receiving a subsidy of $5,000 or more from the IRS each and every year. From tips for launching a business to strategies for audit-proofing a return, Lower Your Taxes--Big Time! is a gold mine of information for every frustrated taxpayer. Tax-cutting strategies include: How, why, and when to incorporate Fail-safe methods for deducting a home office and family car Simple but essential record-keeping tips Tax advantages of being a consultant,independent contractor, or independent businessperson