Work From Home - Work at Home Jobs, Recipes & Articles For Moms - WAHM.com

Not a Morning Person? Work With Your Natural Body Clock Instead

2009-11-20T21:07:29Z

It may fascinate you to learn that your body clock occupies a physical, albeit small, space in your brain. Your body clock is essentially a bundle of nerve cells that rely on cues from the sun to raise your sleeping blood pressure and heart rate, as well as release hormones that awaken you in the morning.

The Circadian Rhythm and Chronotypes

The human circadian rhythm is made up of the physiological, biochemical and behavioral processes that take place during a 24-hour day. By and large, humans are genetically predisposed to be alert during the day and to sleep at night. Within this predisposition, however, there exists a range of daily rhythms. Your chronotype is the attribute that best defines your body clock and typically identifies you as either a morning person or a night owl. While most people are highly adaptable to the scheduling requirements of their daily life, some people truly function best early in the morning or late at night.

Getting Enough Sleep

The body clock of night owls can be distressing if they need to function during regular daytime hours. The first and simplest method to achieving harmony with your circadian rhythm is getting enough sleep. On evenings when you must get up early the next morning, avoid stimulating your mind with media, and instead opt for a warm bath or a relaxing book to ease your body and mind into an earlier sleep pattern.

Avoid caffeine and alcohol in the evening, and don't eat a late meal that your body will have to work all night to digest. You may still struggle to get out of bed in the morning, and you may need a cup of coffee to clear your head, but at least your body won't suffer from lack of sleep.

Optimal Scheduling

If your chronotype tendency is very extreme, consider choosing a career that allows you the option of working a night shift or an early morning shift. If this isn't possible, another option is to rank your daily tasks by their mental difficulty, and avoid doing more difficult tasks during your less optimal waking hours. For example, if you are a morning person, schedule your most rigorous mental activities for early in the day. If you are a night owl, save the most difficult tasks for later.

Seeing the Light

It is easy to forget that the sunlight is at the core of our circadian rhythms. If you are experiencing difficulty reconciling your daytime schedule with an extreme chronotype, in addition to getting enough sleep, you may also try making adjustments to the types and amount of artificial light you take in. A more primitive dawn to dusk schedule might allow your body to achieve harmony with its own circadian rhythm, and allow you to accomplish everything you need to accomplish during the day.

Many people don't give much consideration to their natural circadian rhythms. Finding a way to work with your body clock can make a great difference in your quality of work and in your overall quality of life.

5 Legal Regulations Employers Need to Understand

2009-11-20T20:32:39Z

If you are hiring employees for your personal business, you should be aware of the legal regulations in your area. Though there are federal employee regulations there may be state regulations as well. It would be wise to know these work regulations and comply to them so that you are not in danger of breaking the law and creating legal problems that could have been avoided.

1. Hiring Regulations

Even while advertising for employees, you must be careful in "who" you advertise to work for you. In recent years, discrimination has become a big deal, and even innocent mistakes could get you into a lawsuit. For example, make sure you are hiring for a "salesperson" not a "salesman", or a member of your "wait staff" instead of a "waiter". In some states it is not legal to specify that a specific degree is needed. In these cases, you could mention that a degree or experience is preferred.

When you interview an applicant, make sure you document what was said throughout the interview. Do not discuss personal items unless it would pertain to the position. Keep your discussion to the experience of the potential employee and what the responsibilities they would be expected to perform if hired. Hire the person best for the job. Do not discriminate against anyone because they look different or have different views that you. Keep the documentation of your interviews as proof of why you have made your decision.

If you are interested in checking out an applicant's past or issuing a drug test, check with your county clerk for the regulations for businesses in your state. In most cases, you are allowed to do background checks if you inform the potential employee upfront, but some states do not allow a formal investigation.

2. Filing Regulations

After hiring an employee, it is good to create a file specifically for interactions with that particular employee. Place their application, resume, interview notes and other HR information into this file, both for safekeeping and for use if a legal issue does arise. Also keep any references from former employees or performance reviews in the file as well. If the employee quits or if you have to fire them, keep their "final exit" with you as well. Check with your state to see how long you should keep the file after an employee leaves your company. Do not discard it immediately.

3. Wages

Know your state's minimum wage and make sure that you are paying your employees at least the minimum wage. In most states, if an employee works more than 40 hours they are entitled to overtime pay. This usually means 1.5 the amount you usually pay per hour.

If you are hiring independent contractors, check the law on what would be appropriate for them. In most cases with contractors, you will pay per project and not per hour, though this is not always the case.

Know benefit laws in your state as well. Some businesses are required to give paid leave for different circumstances or help with health insurance and other benefits. Talk to a member of the county clerk about regulations in your state.

4. Discrimination

Do not let yourself or any of your employees discriminate against one another or to an employee. Make sure your employees know what is inappropriate to talk about to ensure that they do not offend anyone, which may bring up a lawsuit. Enforce these rules and regulations.

5. Termination

If you must fire an employee, make sure to have a formal meeting and escort them out, making sure that they do not take any business information or documents with them. Keep a record of what was spoken about at the final meeting and save it in your employee's file.

Know any state laws for termination. Make sure that you give adequate warnings and are not firing your employee because of anything that could label you a discriminator.

You do not want to face any legal hassles. Know the law before you act to ensure you will be safe.

5 Tips for Becoming an Online Teacher

2009-11-20T20:24:21Z

Becoming an online teacher may appear to be a daunting task but can be rewarding. Teaching a new skill to someone is fulfilling, and the advantage of teaching online is that you can do it while still at home, taking care of the things that demand your time. Here are a few things to keep in mind when deciding on a career as an online teacher.

Tip 1: Get a Degree

If you already have a degree, that's great! The type of degree you have will determine what kind of online teaching positions will be available to you. A Bachelor's degree will be enough to get your foot in the door, but online colleges typically require you to have a Master's or PhD. You should ask around and see what the colleges are asking for, but typically you'll need the same degree to be an online teacher that you need to teach in a classroom.

Tip 2: Get Some Experience

If you have teaching experience already, wonderful! You're on the right track. If not, however, don't get discouraged. There are plenty of ways you can get it. If you have a local college in your area, consider tutoring students in subjects you know. You might also consider checking with your local senior activity center. They sometimes offer classes for senior citizens and will have a need for teachers.

Tip 3: Familiarize Yourself with Online Courses

As an online teacher, it will be important to understand how online courses work. This can be as simple as taking an online course yourself. If you haven't taken any online classes, consider the option. Not only will it broaden your knowledge, it will give you valuable experience that you will be able to use in your career as an online teacher.

Tip 4: Decide on What to Teach

To be a good teacher, you need to have a firm grasp on the subject you want to teach. Make a list of the subjects you know and the skills you are good at. From that list, decide what you would enjoy teaching to others. This will be important when you move on to the next tip.

Tip 5: Find a Place to Teach

Now that you know the subjects you want to teach, look around and find places that match your skill set. Your options will be limited by some of the factors discussed earlier. For example, if you only have a Bachelor's degree, you may not be able to teach in online colleges, but you could still teach adult education.

Check out the websites of online colleges and see what they have available. Make sure to check their course loads and see if they offer classes that you want to teach. Also be sure to check out career websites and see what jobs are available. Finally, don't forget about networking. Asking around to people you know will sometimes reveal opportunities that you wouldn't otherwise find.

Follow these simple tips, and you'll be teaching online courses in no time.

Can an Out-of-Work-At-Home Mom Qualify for Unemployment Insurance?

2009-11-20T20:16:52Z

Unemployment insurance was founded by the Federal-State Unemployment Compensation (UC) Program whose goal was to provide temporary and partial wage replacement to involuntarily unemployed workers, and to help stabilize the economy during a period of recession.

Who is Covered?

Work-at-home-moms and other employees can qualify for unemployment benefits as long as their employer contributed to the federal and state unemployment program. If, however, a worker is designated as an "independent contractor," and a W4 form was not completed and submitted and taxes were not withheld, that worker is not covered under the federal and state Unemployment Compensation Program. One way to check this is to look at pay check stubs for evidence of taxes withheld. There should be a reference to unemployment insurance premiums, such as "UI" listed on the pay check stubs.

Contract Workers

Contract workers who submit W9s instead of W4s to companies that they work for, will not have taxes taken out of their checks and are therefore not eligible for benefits, because the program is funded by taxes imposed on employers and their employees. This is usually made clear in an independent contractor agreement which is executed prior to starting to work with a company.

The U.S. Department of Labor oversees the program for unemployment benefits, but each state administers its own system individually. The unemployment benefits program is funded by a) The Federal Unemployment Tax Act (FUTA), which imposes a tax to employers for each covered employee; and b) individual state taxes.

Unemployment Benefits and Eligibility

To qualify for unemployment benefits, an individual must usually have worked recently for a certain period of time and earned a certain level of wages, from a "covered employer." A "covered employer" is a business involved in any industry or activity affecting commerce who is liable for payment of unemployment insurance tax under federal and state UC mandates.

Under state and federal laws, employees either fired for misbehavior or who quit voluntarily are ineligible for unemployment compensation.

States have individually developed diverse methods for determining eligibility. There are 3 major factors used by states to determine unemployment eligibility: (1) total of recent employment and earnings; (2) proof of ability and willingness to seek employment; and (3) certain disqualifications related to a claimant's most recent job separation or job offer refusal.

Monetary Qualifications

The general average requirement is that workers have been employed for 2 quarters of the year and earned at least $1,734 for the minimum monthly benefit. However, wage requirement amounts vary from state to state.

Unemployment Claims

Unemployment eligibility can be checked by contacting state unemployment departments. The name of the actual program can also vary in each state.

File for Unemployment Online

In most states, it is possible to file for unemployment online. The online filing procedure information can be found at every state's official government website.

Sometimes, employers will contest an unemployment claim, but the disqualification of benefits usually includes one of the following reasons.

Not being able or available for work.
Voluntary separation from work without good cause.
Misconduct discharge related to work.
Refusal of work without good cause.
Unemployment as a result of a labor dispute.

Once eligibility is determined, it is important to file for unemployment benefits as soon as a job is lost, in order to receive all entitled benefit payments as soon as possible.

Double Chocolate Chip Cookies

2009-11-20T18:20:14Z

Double Chocolate Chip Cookies, so good it will make any chocolate enthusiast beg for more. You may use vanilla pudding for a light cookie. Ingredient:

2¼ cups unsifted flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 cup butter, softened
¼ cup granulated sugar
¾ cup brown sugar, packed
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 (4 oz.) pkg. Jello chocolate instant pudding and pie filling
2 eggs
1 (12 oz.) pkg. chocolate chips
1 cup nuts, chopped

Procedure:

Step 1 Mix flour and baking soda.

Step 2 Combine shortening, sugars, vanilla and pudding mix in large bowl. Beat until smooth and creamy.

Step 3 Beat in eggs.

Step 4 Gradually add flour mixture. Stir in chips and nuts. Batter will be stiff.

Step 5 Drop by rounded teaspoons 2 inches apart onto ungreased baking sheet.

Step 6 Bake at 375 degrees for 8-10 minutes. .
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Kale Mashed Potatoes

2009-11-20T18:16:21Z

Kale Colcannon is traditionally made from the leftovers of mashed potatoes and cabbage, or kale. Ingredients:

1½ pounds russet potatoes peeled, and
cut into quarters
½ garlic clove peeled
¼ cup butter
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon freshly-ground white pepper
½ cup milk or heavy cream heated until warm
5 ounces frozen kale cooked, squeezed dry

Procedure:

Step 1 Place the potatoes and garlic in a large pot with enough cold water to cover, . Bring to a boil and cook until tender, about 15 to 20 minutes.

Step 2 Drain well in a colander and return the potatoes to the pot.

Step 3 Add the butter salt and white pepper, and mash with a potato masher.

Step 4 Continue mashing, while gradually adding the warm milk.

Step 5 Stir in the kale and serve immediately.
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Crockpot Beef Tips

2009-11-20T09:50:48Z

Looking for a great way to make Beef Tips? Just throw them in the crockpot! Super easy recipe, just serve with rice, noodles, or potatoes. ]]> Ingredients

2 lbs. beef tips
1 can cream of chicken soup
1 can cream of celery soup
½ c. water
1 pkg. dry onion soup mix

Preparation

Step 1- Mix all ingredients. Cook in crock pot on low for 8 to 12 hours. (May also be cooked in casserole dish for 3 hours at 300 degrees)
Yield: 8 Servings

Pumpkin Pie Custard Tarts

2009-11-20T09:43:14Z

Pumpkin Pie Custard Tarts make a great addition to any holiday celebration. Quick, easy, tasty, and fun! ]]> Ingredients

1 envelope Unflavored gelatin
4 teaspoons - cornstarch
¾ teaspoon - pumpkin pie spice
⅛ teaspoon - salt
1 teaspoon - cinnamon
15 ounces can - pumpkin puree
12 ounces Can - evaporated Milk
2 eggs (beaten)
½ cup - sugar
2 molasses cookies crumbs
12 graham cracker tart shells

Preparation

Step 1- In a large saucepan combine the gelatin, cornstarch, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, and salt. Stir in pumpkin and evaporated milk then let stand for 5 minutes to soften gelatin. Cook and stir over medium heat until the mixture bubbles: cook and stir for another 2 minutes. Remove from heat then gradually stir 1 cup of the hot mixture into eggs; return all egg mixture to the saucepan. Cook and stir over low heat for another 2 minutes. (Do not boil) Remove from heat and stir in the sugar. Place 1 ½ tsp. of the cookie crumbs into the bottom of each tart shell then fill the shells with the custard. Place into the fridge to chill for 6 - 24 hours.
Yield: 12 tarts

Wild Rice & Ground Beef Bake

2009-11-20T09:04:11Z

Quick, easy and delicious, this recipe for a Wild Rice and Ground Beef Bake is sure to be a winner! ]]> Ingredients

1 ½ lbs. ground beef
3 ribs celery, sliced
1 lg. onion, chopped
½ lb. fresh mushrooms
Oil if needed to saute vegetables
1 ½ c. wild rice, uncooked
4 c. chicken broth
1 green pepper, chopped

Preparation

Step 1- Brown ground beef. Drain. Transfer the meat to a 3 quart shallow, oblong casserole. In the same skillet adding as little oil as possible, saute the vegetables until they begin to soften slightly, about 3 minutes.

Step 2- Combine the sauteed vegetables with beef and wild rice, salt and broth in the casserole, stir well. Bake covered at 350 degrees for 2 hours, stirring once or twice during baking. Uncover during last 15 minutes of baking time to evaporate any excess liquid and brown the top of the casserole.
Yield: 4-6 servings

Orange-Lemon Chiffon Cake

2009-11-19T19:07:29Z

It is important to use correct measurements of eggs in this recipe. If using eggs other than large eggs, should measure 1 cup egg whites and 1/2 cup plus 1 tablespoon egg yolks. Separate eggs white cold; let stand until room temperature before mixing.
A 10 - inch tube pan can be used. ]]> Ingredients:

2¼ cups sifted cake flour
1½ cups sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon baking powder
½ cup oil
6 egg yolks, room temperature
1 cup orange juice
2 tablespoons grated orange peel
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 tablespoon lemon juice
8 egg white, room temperature
½ teaspoon cream of tartar

Procedure:

Step 1 Preheat oven to 325 F.

Step 2 Sift flour, sugar, salt and baking powder into a medium size bowl. Make a well in center. Add oil, egg yolks, orange juice and peel, vanilla and lemon juice. Beat until satiny smooth.

Step 3 In a large bowl, beat egg whites and cream of tartar until stiff peaks form. Whites should be stiffer than for angel food cake.

Step 4 Using a rubber spatula, gently fold egg whites, 1/4 at a time, into yolk batter just until blended. Pour into a ungreased 10 - inch bundt pan.

Step 5 Bake in a preheated oven for 55 minutes. Increase temperature to 350 F. Bake 10 minutes more or until lightly browned and springs back when lightly touched. Invert pan into a cooling rack until cake is cooled.

Christmas Rainbow Cookies

2009-11-19T18:41:38Z

This recipe sound complicated to make, but the recipe is easy to follow, one step at a time.
The pink, white and green cookie makes an attractive addition to any Christmas Cookie Tray. ]]> Ingredients:

2½ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
¼ teaspoon salt
1 cup butter, softened
¾ cup sugar
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla
4 drops red food coloring
¼ cup finely chopped, well-drained maraschino cherries or candied cherries
¼ cup flaked coconut
4 drops green food coloring
½ teaspoon almond extract
¼ cup chopped pistachio nuts

Procedure:

Step 1 Line the bottom and sides of a straight-sided 8 x 4 inch loaf pan with waxed paper of foil.

Step 2 In a medium bowl, stir together the flour, baking powder and salt.

Step 3 In a large bowl beat together butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in egg and vanilla. Stir in flour mixture until well blended.

Step 4 Divide dough evenly into 3 parts. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate about 15 minutes.

Step 5 To make pink layer, remove 1 portion of dough from refrigerator. Add red food coloring one drop at a time. Stir in cherries. Press dough firmly and evenly in the bottom of the prepared pan . Refrigerate dough.

Step 6 To make white layer, stir in coconut into second portion of dough. Press i firmly and evenly over pink layer. Refrigerate dough.

Step 7 For the green layer, add green food coloring a drop at a time to remaining portion of dough. Add almond extract and pistachio nuts and mix well. Press it firmly and evenly over the white layer. Cover with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for several hours or overnight.

Step 8 Preheat oven to 350 F. Invert pan of cookie dough onto a cutting board. Remove waxed paper or foil. Cut crosswise into 1/4 - inch thick slices. Then cut each slice vertically into 3 equal pieces. Place 1 inch apart on ungreased baking sheet.

Step 9 Bake 8 to 10 minutes or until edges are lightly browned. Remove to a wire rack to cool.

Honey 'n' Oats Bread

2009-11-19T18:34:22Z

The egg and oats give a wonderful rich, creamy flavor to this bread. Serve it with sweet butter and homemade preserves or with cream cheese. Ingredients:

½ cup old-fashion rolled oats
1½ cups whole wheat
1½ cups bread flour
1 egg
1½ teaspoons salt
1½ tablespoons honey
¼ teaspoon baking soda
1 cup buttermilk (or 4 tablespoons dry buttermilk powder and 1 cup water)
2 teaspoons active dry yeast (or one package)

Procedure:

Step 1 Place all ingredients in bread machine pan, select Light Crust setting and press Start.

Step 2 After the baking cycle ends, remove bread from pan, place on a cool rack and allow to cool 1 hour before slicing.

Step 3 I remove after the second kneading cycle, form dough into a loaf and place in a greased 9 x 5 loaf pan. Let rise for 1 to 1 - 1/2 hours or until doubled in size. Brush with melted butter.

Step 4 Bake at 350 F for 40 to 45 minutes or until loaf is golden brown and sound hallow when tapped.
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8 Pre-Teen Activities to Keep Them Occupied

2009-11-19T15:08:31Z

"Mom, I'm boooooored!" If these words are ringing in your ears, you are probably in need of some preteen activities to keep your kids occupied. Fortunately, there are lots of ways to get kids involved in the world around them. They're at an age where they're able to do many things without direct supervision and yet, still need guidance. Here are 8 great activities to get your kids moving and thinking (and even out of your hair!):

1. Video Games

Most preteens love to play video games, so this one is a given. But make sure these video games aren't just mindless violence. There are many educational games out there that enlighten as well as entertain, and even get the kids moving, like the Wii Fit, Guitar Hero, or Beatles' Rock Band.

2. Youth Sports Programs

Youth sports programs are great ways to build confidence and self-esteem. Kids learn to be team players, become active and healthy, and even give you some free time. Check your local YMCA or community recreational center, or gymnastics and cheerleading center, for some ideas.

3. Charitable Giving

Charity begins at home, and it's important to teach your children the value of giving of their time to others. Have your preteen fill a shoebox with toys for Operation Christmas Child, or write letters to the troops. There are dozens of ways for kids to get involved in helping others.

4. Get Crafty

Get kids involved in their favorite crafts such as knitting, crochet, or scrapbooking. If these ideas are too "girly," boys can get in the crafting spirit too by making model airplanes or cars. They can also create camping kits or "survivor pouches."

5. Youth Groups

Youth groups, whether at your church or synagogue, or community groups, such as the Boy Scouts or Girl Scouts, are great for getting your kids involved. They interact with their peers while doing worthwhile projects for the community. It's a win-win situation.

6. Art

Develop that right-brain thinking! Kids love to create artwork. Whether it's painting, drawing, photography, or even something as simple as making collages out of old magazines, it's important for kids to develop their artistic sides.

7. Snail Mail

In these days of texting and email, the simple art of letter writing is fast disappearing. Having a pen pal to write to, especially one in a foreign country, broadens your child's understanding of the world and brings back the old-fashioned delight of letter writing. Take the time to vet out a legitimate pen pal exchange, and then be prepared to buy stamps!

8. Read a Book

Make reading an integral part of life in your household. Take special trips to the library, and encourage your child to pick out new and fascinating reads. Read a chapter together every night before bed. If your kid finds a book they really love, encourage them to write a letter to the author. With these simple acts, you will foster a lifetime love of reading.

These are just a few of the wonderful activities out there to keep your preteens occupied and engaged in the world around them. Keep this list nearby, and you are sure to keep boredom at bay.

______________________________
Sarah Baker is a documentary filmmaker and writer currently living in New Bern, NC. Her first book, Lucky Stars: Janet Gaynor and Charles Farrell, will be published December 2009. Read more about her.

Using the Internet to Advertise Your MCAT Tutoring Business

2009-11-19T14:57:34Z

Now that you have decided to start your own MCAT tutoring business, how are you going to advertise it? You can always use fliers around town, hand out business cards, and advertise at your local universities, but you should also incorporate the Internet for your advertising as well. So how do you do that?

Create a Website

First, you must create a professional looking website. This does not mean that you have to go out and spend a lot of money by hiring a graphics designer to have something fancy. A simple and inexpensive website is best; it needs to be easy to navigate to find all of the information.

Web hosting starts at around $10 per month. It is advisable that you create your own website address instead of using free sites, which can have a lot of advertisements and pop-ups and are difficult to remember. When you choose to be hosted on a free site, your URL will be a subdomain on that site. This means that you will not be able to build the popularity of your own online business. Instead, it is recommended that you have a site that is called "your business name".com instead of "your business name as part of Something.something.com" (which is how it will appear as a subdomain). You want people to be able to remember your site, and you want the traffic that is driven to it to increase your site's status in the eyes of search engine spiders.

Utilize Appropriate Keywords

When creating your website, you must remember to use Meta tags so that search engines will be able to find you. This means using lots of keywords such as "MCAT tutoring." It might help to have sections of your websites that are devoted to articles such as study habit tips, common mathematical errors, and other things related to the MCAT so that you can use keywords even more. Plus, the more content you have to read, the longer people will stay at your site. It has been proven that the longer a person stays, the more likely they are to purchase the goods or services.

Start a Blog

With that being said, it is not a bad idea to start a blog either. With a blog, you can update it on a weekly basis and add some MCAT tips. Link your blog to your website. Why a blog? Because search engines love them; it provides fresh content to be indexed by the search engines and gives your viewers more material to read.

Advertise on Local Sites

Next, think about advertising on local sites, such as Craigslist. Many tutors have luck going this route, as it helps get your name out. Smaller advertising sites work well too, but by using a larger one, you are guaranteed that it will reach more people.

Enlist in a Tutor Directory

Lastly, enlist your website and link in a Tutor Directory. This is a good way for tutors and students to connect with one another. Sometimes, the directories themselves will even offer websites to tutors, but make sure that you play around with them and really look into one before agreeing to it. You might be better off on your own.

With these tips, you should be on your way to using the Internet to advertise for your MCAT tutoring business. Always remember to sign your outgoing emails with your website URL, and keep business cards handy to hand out to people that you might randomly meet. You will learn that your clients can come from very unusual places.

Reliable Resources for Tax Help

2009-11-19T14:49:22Z

Especially if you've been working from home, you may find that you need tax help before tax time comes around. When dealing with the IRS, you want to be very accurate about your income and the taxes you owe as a self-employed business owner or as an independent contractor. Below, you will find several reliable resources for your tax related questions.

IRS Website

First, take your questions to the official IRS website at www.irs.gov. There you will find a useful FAQ section, as well as a search function. You can also find current news regarding changes to tax laws and the tax code, as well as filing recommendations and information about tax filing software. The IRS website can also help you find free and low cost tax software for completing your taxes and filing electronically.

Your Local Library

Most library branches have a copy of the current tax code and laws on hand in the reference section. If you are looking for specific information about the tax code, this is a good option. You can also find tax forms at the local library during tax time.

Internet Tax Advice

There are many places on the Internet to go for tax help. Articles, forums and tax preparation websites abound. Just be certain to double-check any information you read or advice you receive before making a decision about your taxes based on information you find on the Internet. There are several free forums devoted to tax help like the About Taxes forum at www.about.com or www.forum.freeadvice.com. Note that you are not necessarily getting expert legal advice on these forums, but suggestions and ideas from people who have been in a tax situation similar to yours.

Tax Software

If you work from home and you simply need reliable software to complete your taxes (without paying a tax preparer hundreds of dollars), then there are many choices for tax software. TurboTax and TaxCut by H & R Block are popular tax software programs that also both offer audit support should the unthinkable happen to you. If your gross adjusted income is less than $56,000, you can qualify for free tax filing services. More information about free file is available at www.irs.gov.

Consult an Expert

If you have tax related questions or concerns, possibly the best and most reliable option is to ask an expert. This could be a certified public accountant, tax attorney or other tax preparation specialist. Because it is their job to know the tax code and tax laws, they are a natural choice for answering your specific tax questions. They may even offer a free up front consultation that you can take advantage of to get your tax questions answered, whether you decide to use them in the future or not.

Whether you try all of the above or go straight to your CPA, be certain to get the tax help you need before you file your taxes to avoid unnecessary headaches with the IRS.