<< 1 >>
Rating: 
Summary: Really glad I found this before April 15
Review: 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.
Rating: 
Summary: A Must Have Guide Book
Review: A lot of words are not necessary to tell you that Jan Zobel's Minding Her Own Business is the book for you IF you are thinking of starting your own HOME-BASED business, you are already in business, struggling with what you can and cannot deduct AND you are confused about all the tax information available. This book is geared more to the sole proprietor than to a corporation, LLC or partnership. Ms. Zobel writes in a simplied language that any novice can understand and appreciate. The tax forms section takes the guess work out of what forms to file. It would be extremely helpful if Ms. Zobel published a 4th edition that would include updates for 2004 and 2005 tax filing.
Rating:
Summary: Please buy the updated edition, rather than this one
Review: A note to potential buyers-
Although I've not been successful in getting Amazon.com to mark this listing acccordingly, this 3rd edition of Minding Her Own Business is OUT OF PRINT. If you buy one of the copies that Amazon.com apparently has left, you will be getting tax information that is 5 years old.
Meanwhile, I have totally updated Minding Her Own Business and a new 4th edition was published in January 2005. It contains everything you need to know to prepare your 2004 small business tax return, as well as do tax planning for 2005.
The ISBN of the new edition is 1572484551 or just click on my name next to the book's title and you'll see the new edition.
Many Happy Returns,
Jan Zobel EA, author of Minding Her Own Business
Rating:
Summary: The only book you need to start your own business!
Review: 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)
Rating:
Summary: Reviews from Previous Editions of Minding Her Own Business
Review: Following are the reviews you'll find if you look at the 3rd edition of Minding Her Own Business. For some reason, Amazon.com hasn't been able to transfer them over to the listing for this totally updated 4th edition of Minding Her Own Business, so I've copied them for you (the potential buyer) to see.
Jan Zobel EA (author)
[4 stars] A Must Have Guide Book, April 10, 2004
Reviewer: C.J. Taylor (St. Louis, MO United States)
A lot of words are not necessary to tell you that Jan Zobel's Minding Her Own Business is the book for you IF you are thinking of starting your own HOME-BASED business, you are already in business, struggling with what you can and cannot deduct AND you are confused about all the tax information available. This book is geared more to the sole proprietor than to a corporation, LLC or partnership. Ms. Zobel writes in a simplied language that any novice can understand and appreciate. The tax forms section takes the guess work out of what forms to file. It would be extremely helpful if Ms. Zobel published a 4th edition that would include updates for 2004 and 2005 tax filing.
____________________
[5 stars] Really glad I found this before April 15,
March 16, 2002 Reviewer: Newton Cantrell (Buffalo, New York)
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.
____________________
[4 stars] A Fairly Good Introduction To Business Taxes,
March 13, 2002 Reviewer: Peter Hupalo (MN United States)
Jan Zobel is an enrolled agent with the IRS and has prepared over 6,000 tax returns. Her book, "Minding Her Own Business: The Self-Employed Woman's Guide to Taxes and Recordkeeping" draws upon her experience to help people new to small business get a basic understanding of recordkeeping, accounting, and taxation issues that affect small business.
The book covers setting up a receipts sheet and a disbursement schedule. "Minding Her Own Business" is written mainly for sole proprietors. The book is much like a "Small-Time Operator" for women.
If you wonder what expenses are deductible or how to minimize the chances of an IRS audit, the book has excellent chapters. One hint from Zobel's experience is "The More you break down your expense categories, the less chance of being audited." The advice is solid.
There is also an excellent discussion of the difference between independent contractors and employees. (this info is widely available free online) And, another great chapter discusses (with worked-out example) of how to make your quarterly estimated tax payments.
The only weakness of "Minding Her Own Business" is that it only teaches single-entry bookkeeping and not the more robust double-entry accounting. (And, there are many good introductions to basic recordkeeping for business owners) Yet, the simplified single-entry accounting is still preferred by many small business owners. Also, given Zobel's vast experience, I would like to see a chapter devoted to S-Corporation taxes and a more thorough discussion of financial statements.
Overall, if you are new to taxes and recordkeeping, I recommend this book.
Peter Hupalo, Author of "Thinking Like An Entrepreneur."
____________________
[5 stars] The only book you need to start your own business!
January 21, 2002 Reviewer: A reader
Fabulous book! I've read several books on this subject, and after reading this one-I'm getting rid of all the others. This book answered every one of my questions. Very easy to find the info you need, and very easy to understand. Highly recommended!!
__________________
[5 stars] TaxMama Says "Buy This",
June 25, 2001 Reviewer: Eva Rosenberg "Your TaxMama" (Northridge, CA USA)
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)
_________________
[5 stars] Excellent source for non-business minded artist...
January 22, 2001 Reviewer: Jennifer D. Bumann "jdbumann" (Greenville, WI)
I found this book to be quite understandable. Jan manages to make herself clear to someone who hates the paperwork involved with running a small business. I have been reading the book over again for the year 2000's taxtime and find that I understand even more what kind of paperwork and records I should be worrying about and how I should be keeping them.
____________________
[5 stars] And she also does workshops,
October 11, 2000 Reviewer: Constance Hampton (Oakland, CA)
I've used this book and it more than answers my questions. Jan also does workshops in the SF Bay Area and elsewhere. I took one and especially appreciate (and use) her step by step method of figuring one's quarterly taxes.
Those of us who are contractors need this perhaps even more than people who start out thinking that they are "self-employed".
___________________
[5 stars] A Very Helpful Book For Women and Men,
July 8, 2000 Reviewer: A reader
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.
_________________
[5 stars]This book is well written and concise, yet easy to read
January 28, 1999 Reviewer: A reader
I found this book in the library and have taken it out twice renewing it several times each time. I realize I want my OWN copy. I am in the first year of my new business and everything is new, exciting but sometimes a bit intimidating. This book is a great resource. I recommend it to everyone, not just women. It really is not gender based.
___________________
[5 stars] A "must" for all self-employed women.
August 24, 1998 Reviewer: A reader
Jan Zobel's book should be read by every woman who is thinking of going into business for herself--as a business owner, distributor, and/or independent contractor. It is a valuable reference that women can use to understand the principles of keeping accurate financial records for their business.
_____________________
[5 stars] Great Book for Beginning Business Owners,
March 10, 1998 Reviewer: A reader
This is by far the best book I have seen on this subject, and the inclusive language is refreshing. I read the whole book in one afternoon, and felt I had a good understanding of the informtation she presents. The appendices at the end of the chapter are also extremely helpful. Thanks for writing such a great book!
____________________
[5 stars] The ONLY tax book you need!,
March 10, 1998 Reviewer: A reader
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!
Rating:
Summary: Excellent source for non-business minded artist...
Review: I found this book to be quite understandable. Jan manages to make herself clear to someone who hates the paperwork involved with running a small business. I have been reading the book over again for the year 2000's taxtime and find that I understand even more what kind of paperwork and records I should be worrying about and how I should be keeping them.
Rating:
Summary: And she also does workshops
Review: I've used this book and it more than answers my questions. Jan also does workshops in the SF Bay Area and elsewhere. I took one and especially appreciate (and use) her step by step method of figuring one's quarterly taxes. Those of us who are contractors need this perhaps even more than people who start out thinking that they are "self-employed".
Rating:
Summary: A Fairly Good Introduction To Business Taxes
Review: Jan Zobel is an enrolled agent with the IRS and has prepared over 6,000 tax returns. Her book, "Minding Her Own Business: The Self-Employed Woman's Guide to Taxes and Recordkeeping" draws upon her experience to help people new to small business get a basic understanding of recordkeeping, accounting, and taxation issues that affect small business. The book covers setting up a receipts sheet and a disbursement schedule. "Minding Her Own Business" is written mainly for sole proprietors. The book is much like a "Small-Time Operator" for women. If you wonder what expenses are deductible or how to minimize the chances of an IRS audit, the book has excellent chapters. One hint from Zobel's experience is "The More you break down your expense categories, the less chance of being audited." The advice is solid. There is also an excellent discussion of the difference between independent contractors and employees. (this info is widely available free online) And, another great chapter discusses (with worked-out example) of how to make your quarterly estimated tax payments. The only weakness of "Minding Her Own Business" is that it only teaches single-entry bookkeeping and not the more robust double-entry accounting. (And, there are many good introductions to basic recordkeeping for business owners) Yet, the simplified single-entry accounting is still preferred by many small business owners. Also, given Zobel's vast experience, I would like to see a chapter devoted to S-Corporation taxes and a more thorough discussion of financial statements. Overall, if you are new to taxes and recordkeeping, I recommend this book. Peter Hupalo, Author of "Thinking Like An Entrepreneur."
Rating:
Summary: Not Just For the Ladies
Review: The hardest thing about dealing with business recordkeeping for someone not trained as an accountant is to visualize how the records are supposed to look - and how the numbers fit together. Jan Zobel lays it all out for you.
I love all the samples of spreadsheets and worksheets that show you how your bookkeeping entries fit together. She's also filled the book with these campy Q&A boxes. You can see important questions at a glance.
Jan speaks from experience, working with her own client base for decades. So, the cases and situations she brings up are realistic - either from her own client files, or from the people who come to her workshops in California and Hawaii....(C&H - how sweet...just like the sugar?)
And guys, trust me - this book isn't just for the ladies. If you're in business and want great, sensible information, Minding Her Own Business is well worth your while! It's especially helpful if you don't want to use computers. Jan explains how to keep your records on paper, too.
I've been recommending Jan's books to my readers for years. All the feedback has always been excellent.
Eva Rosenberg, EA
Publisher of TaxMama.com
Author of Small Business Taxes Made Easy.
<< 1 >>
|
