You're still reeling from the holidays and just when you think you can take a breather, boom ? it's tax time. Your palms start to sweat and your stomach starts to churn. You ask yourself if you've saved all the appropriate receipts and numerous other scraps of paper you need for filing. There's a lot to account for if you have given to charity, done errands for the boss in your car, had investment gains or losses ? and even more if you have a business. You need all the backup you can get to do your taxes correctly.

If you're single, renting, making less than six figures working a regular job and just have a business ?on the side,? you're probably good to go for doing your own taxes, at an online service or the old-fashioned fill-out-the-forms method. If there is anything you are unclear about, however, it is probably a good idea to go to an H&R Block office or another tax preparer.

More business, more tax forms

On the other hand, if you're a small business owner there are a few things you must do in order to prepare for tax season. First, unless you are the only employee and you run your business from the house, you should hire an accountant or CPA, someone qualified (and licensed, or ?enrolled?) to do the preparation and who is knowledgeable about tax laws. Next, make sure you have all your documentation. Keep in mind the IRS can audit you, so take the time throughout the year to make separate files for your business and personal paperwork. Keep every receipt, note every mile driven and write dates on everything.

Frankly, you should give some thought to what is called ?tax planning.? This is the way to ensure that you have deductions that are beneficial to you, such as retirement plans and other strategies that will help reduce your tax liability. You should plan your business operations with taxes in mind. It involves much more than simply keeping good records and looking for deductions. You may need to do some research here, or call on a professional financial planner of some kind, to organize your business in such a way as to minimize taxes. And the bigger your business gets ? when you go from sole proprietor to partnership and on to incorporation ? you will have more planning to do, more forms to fill out and, probably, plenty of reasons to get some professional help.

Common sense things

Try to get your taxes done on time. Waiting to do your taxes can be costly in fines, even with an extension. Don't put it off, because hurrying through a business return on April 14th is a surefire way of making a mistake. It is wise to be ahead of the game and do your taxes early, just as it is wise to seek the counsel of a reputable tax professional to advise you on where and how you can save yourself from making tax blunders.

If you're having trouble finding a good tax professional, ask! You should seek referrals from your trusted colleagues and business acquaintances. Get a few names and then check them out yourself. Interview those individuals and see if you like the way they do business, then go from there. Word of mouth is often the best way to make a great connection. However you decide to handle your business or personal taxes, make sure you do things honestly, on time and with your documentation in order, so you will feel comfortable signing on that most important bottom line.