PaycheckCity.com - Form W-4 Assistant
If you ever wonder how changes in th W-4 form affect your finances, here is a great tool to find out. This simple wizard asks a few questions and automatically fills in the correct information and will even create a PDF file for printing or download.
Very nice 
Getting Finances Done » Tax Preparation Software Pricing Comparison
I have wondered if doing my taxes online would really save me some money and if its worth the time and effort. Well, I discovered this website with a comprehensive, un-biased review of the major tax software. Both online and the packed versions are reviewed and even has price points on whether the online version will save you money.
Do any of you use online tax preparation? Let me know how your experience has been.
This is probably the most comprehensive list of scam and frauds I have seen in a long time. This site is update regularly so check back often. This would be the first place to check if you get that questionable e-mail from your relative in Nigeria
Here are some link I thought you might like:
Adwords and AdSense Tools
Business Owners Toolkit
Airline Fare Predictions - Find Cheap Flights
Let me know if these are useful
A List Apart: Articles: Starting a Business: Advice from the Trenches
All web programmers, designers and other creative types: PLEASE READ.
This is a very well written article about going on your own from a creative artist perspective. Business plan, taxes and other financial dealing may seem boring and menial, but its important and this article explain why and how to go about it.
Home Based Business Opportunities / Job Opportunities
I have been looking for a list of ideas that are legitimate ways of starting a home business. No reading e-mail, posting opinions and such. I cam across this list. It is one of the better lists and the ideas here are worth exploring. Most of them do take work and are not “get rich quick”. I even got some ideas of my own that I am going to try.
Take a look at the list and let me know what you think. Are any of you working with some of the ideas posted? How are you doing ?
Filetaxes.com - Online W-2, 1099, 941 and 944 filing
Most of you are running fairly large business and already know how to file W-2 and 1099’s
Every business in the U.S. must file tax information with the government. This is typically done on an annual basis with W-2, 1099 and 944 forms, and on a quarterly basis with 941 forms. Now you can complete your filing requirements online in a few easy steps.
File forms:
* W-2, W-2C
* 1099-MISC, 1099-DIV, 1099-INT,
1099-A, 1099-R, 1099-S
* 941 & 941 Schedule B
* 944 New for 2006!
Let me know how you like it
The Radioactive Yak: GoogleOffice (Beta): The Google Powered Business
I have been looking to upgrade some if my office applications and I came across this post. This is an interesting idea and I am seriously considering implementing it myself.
Although the series of articles are very helpful, some of the applications are rough around the edges and I found some of the methods a little inconvenient.
All in all, this is a great use of available and FREE resources on the web.
Is anyone using the Google apps for their office administration ? Please let me know how you are using the apps
Gettings Things Done with Google | one cranky coot.
One of the most important thing when running a small business is keeping track of money. Why should you spend hundreds of dollars for software that is available for free? This is a great article on how to use GMAIL to get things done. The great thing is that its fairly simple and web based. Meaning you can use on any computer with a browser. I have been using this method for about a week now and I am already seeing an improvement.
Give it a try.
This website from the folks at the IRS needs to be on everyone’s list to visit. everything you need to know to keep your small business legal and then some. Also has tips and information to help build your business
Independent Contractors vs. Employees
Before you can determine how to treat payments you make for services, you must first know the business relationship that exists between you and the person performing the services. The person performing the services may be -
* An independent contractor
* A common-law employee
* A statutory employee
* A statutory nonemployee
In determining whether the person providing service is an employee or an independent contractor, all information that provides evidence of the degree of control and independence must be considered.
It is critical that you, the employer, correctly determine whether the individuals providing services are employees or independent contractors. Generally, you must withhold income taxes, withhold and pay Social Security and Medicare taxes, and pay unemployment tax on wages paid to an employee. You do not generally have to withhold or pay any taxes on payments to independent contractors.
Caution: If you incorrectly classify an employee as an independent contractor, you can be held liable for employment taxes for that worker, plus a penalty.
Who is an Independent Contractor?
A general rule is that you, the payer, have the right to control or direct only the result of the work done by an independent contractor, and not the means and methods of accomplishing the result.
Example: Vera Elm, an electrician, submitted a job estimate to a housing complex for electrical work at $16 per hour for 400 hours. She is to receive $1,280 every 2 weeks for the next 10 weeks. This is not considered payment by the hour. Even if she works more or less than 400 hours to complete the work, Vera Elm will receive $6,400. She also performs additional electrical installations under contracts with other companies, that she obtained through advertisements. Vera is an independent contractor.
How should I report payments made to independent contractors?
You may be required to file information returns to report certain types of payments made to independent contractors during the year. For example, you must file Form 1099-MISC, Miscellaneous Income, to report payments of $600 or more to persons not treated as employees (e.g. independent contractors) for services performed for your trade or business. For details about filing Form 1099 and for information about required electronic or magnetic media filing, refer to information returns.
Who is a Common-Law Employee (Employee)?
Under common-law rules, anyone who performs services for you is your employee if you can control what will be done and how it will be done. This is so even when you give the employee freedom of action. What matters is that you have the right to control the details of how the services are performed.
To determine whether an individual is an employee or independent contractor under the common law, the relationship of the worker and the business must be examined. All evidence of control and independence must be considered. In an employee-independent contractor determination, all information that provides evidence of the degree of control and degree of independence must be considered.
Facts that provide evidence of the degree of control and independence fall into three categories: behavioral control, financial control, and the type of relationship of the parties. Refer to Publication 15-A, Employer’s Supplemental Tax Guide for additional information.
Who is an Employee?
A general rule is that anyone who performs services for you is your employee if you can control what will be done and how it will be done.
Example: Donna Lee is a salesperson employed on a full-time basis by Bob Blue, an auto dealer. She works 6 days a week, and is on duty in Bob’s showroom on certain assigned days and times. She appraises trade-ins, but her appraisals are subject to the sales manager’s approval. Lists of prospective customers belong to the dealer. She has to develop leads and report results to the sales manager. Because of her experience, she requires only minimal assistance in closing and financing sales and in other phases of her work. She is paid a commission and is eligible for prizes and bonuses offered by Bob. Bob also pays the cost of health insurance and group-term life insurance for Donna. Donna is an employee of Bob Blue.
Running a small business is difficult enough. You have to play accountant, shipper, secretary, technical guru, salesman and a host of other roles to make it successful. That’s where Home Biz Chat will come in. Searching endlessly and delving deeper into the web for articles tips, trick and hacks to make running a small business easier and, dare I say it, fun.
The editor, a small business owner and computer god, will decipher, decode and explain in layman’s terms, the million ways software and hardware can make your small business successful and maybe even gain some time for the family and enjoy your success.
Home Biz Chat Author(s)
