Things have changed radically in the world of housing, education, employment, and other areas where a firm understanding taxes can benefit you financially. While these changes can, and will, have a dramatic effect on taxpayers, all is not lost. J.K. Lasser provides the tips and tools needed to gain a better grip of what is going on and help you save money on your 2009 return as well as plan ahead for future tax savings.

Whether you're an independent contractor, freelancer, or consultant, it all adds up to the same thing: you need to be more aware of laws and taxes than the average person. Fortunately, Working for Yourself provides all the information you need to stay on top of it all. An independent contractor himself, author Attorney Stephen Fishman shows you everything you need to know to: *meet business start-up requirements *set up home or outside offices *comply with strict IRS rules *establish sound business relationships *avoid unfair contracts *draft good agreements *get paid in full and on time The 5th edition now provides information on leasing space for work, Health Savings Accounts and solo 401(k) plans. It also examines how to choose a business name, deal with audits, take a home office deduction -- and much more.

The Tax Law of Charitable Giving, Fourth Edition is completely revised, revamped, and updated. Written in plain English, it can help lawyers, managers, and development directors in tax-exempt organizations make sure they are up to date on all current regulations pertaining to charitable gifts. Detailed documentations and citations are provided. As well, references to regulations, rulings, cases, and tax literature are included. Nonprofit lawyers, accountants, and fundraising professionals can ensure they are well prepared to make decisions about their organization’s fund-development program.

Since the mid-1970s, there has been a dramatic shift in America's socioeconomic system, one that has gone virtually unnoticed by the general public. Tax policies and their enforcement have become a disaster, and thanks to discreet lobbying by a segment of the top 1 percent, Washington is reluctant or unable to fix them. The corporate income tax, the estate tax, and the gift tax have been largely ignored by the media. But the cumulative results are remarkable: today someone who earns a yearly salary of $60,000 pays a larger percentage of his income in taxes than the four hundred richest Americans.