Minding Her Own Business: The Self-Employed Woman's Guide to Taxes and Recordkeeping

A friend recommended this book to me because I just started my own computer consulting business last year and I also was paid as an independent contractor. At first I wasn't going to get it because the title made it seem like it was directed to women. But I looked through my friend's copy and realized I wanted my own. The examples used in the book are all women's names but otherwise there's nothing that's just for women. It's really clearly written and has a lot of information about deductions and estimated tax payments -- the two areas I was the most unsure of. Also, the tax forms that need to be filed are shown and, although I'm using Turbo Tax to do my return, I was able to compare those forms to what came out of Turbo Tax so that I know (or at least am pretty sure!)that I've done everything right. I think this book will really save me hundreds of dollars in accounting and tax prep fees.

After working with small businesses and taxes for over 20 years, I've come to the conclusion that the fastest way throw money away is to start a business - without knowing how to do your books. About half of my tax practice involves working with new clients who have gotten into trouble with IRS because: 1) Once they started a business, they didn't know how to figure out their tax returns. 2) They got into trouble with payroll taxes - by not filing them, or not paying them, or thinking they didn't have employees 3) Their business did well, but when it came time to pay the taxes on their successful business, there was no money.Well, I don't want to see more people in trouble. So, ever since I discovered Jan's book, I have been telling my readers and clients to buy it. They LOVE the book (and not just the women, either). Jan puts information in terms YOU will understand. And with all of her years of experience, she knows just what kind of problems real people run up against. So there are lots of practical tools and tips to help you succeed, not just to keep your taxes in line. And let me tell you, the price of Jan's book is much less than a three-hour consultation with me! (or any tax pro)

My wife bought this book because she is just starting a small business and Minding Her Own Business had been strongly recommended by the small business development center counselor that she saw. I've been in business for 7 years but decided to take a look through the book too. I was surprised at some of the new information I learned. Althogh this book's title indicates it's for women, the author explains in the introduction that it's really for anyone, particularly those with what she calls "numberphobia". I really agree with her -- there was nothing in it that was unique to women but my wife appreciated that all the examples given were of women in business and there were no assumptions made about the reader having prior knowledge of finances, taxes, etc. I'd really recommend this book for anyone.

I just wanted to rave about Jan Zobel's book! I bought several books geared towards taxes...they all dragged on and on, I didn't find the information I needed and/or I ended up more confused than before! None were as helpful as MHOB so if you have your own business, you need to get this book! I especially appreciated the domestic partner references and examples. No other books take DPs into account so I had a hard time figuring out how it'd work for me. Jan cuts down alot of common fears among small business owners and provides a number of tips to avoid audits and keep better records. I learned more from this single book than I have with the other 3 books COMBINED. I wish I bought this book before I started...it would've saved much stress!