TECHNOLOGY
What to Bookmark
Website of the Month:Tax Resources on the Web
By Susan B. Anders
Tax Resources on the Web, at www.taxtopics.net, is an index of links to a substantial number of Internet tax resources. Creator Alan G. Kalman offers the site as a public service, with two major emphases: providing extensive links to mostly free resources, and providing quick access and downloads. Tax Resources on the Web is user-friendly and well organized, with consistent formats and multiple navigation options.
The homepage consists of hyperlinks arranged alphabetically and color-coded. Main topic headings, which provide access to multiple resources, are in red type. Individual topics are in blue, and downloadable forms are green. Subsidiary pages are displayed in this same format.
Searching the website is made even easier by subsidiary webpages for main topics by category, federal tax library, California tax library, foreign and international resources, and retirement resources. The topical index approach groups a variety of resources together, such as IRS publications, IRS forms, and links to other websites. However, experienced tax professionals can bypass the indices and utilize keyword searches.
The links for IRS forms connect directly to the corresponding form (available as a .pdf) on the IRS website. The IRS publication links take the user to the online table of contents for that publication on the IRS website, rather than directly opening the document. Tested links to other websites all worked well. A few of the links open in separate windows.
Navigability deserves particular recognition. Users simply cannot get lost. Many resources can be accessed from multiple locations. The navigation options will suit the least experienced to the most experienced tax researcher.
Federal and California Tax Libraries
To access the federal tax library, follow the “federal taxes” link directly below the main table of contents from the homepage. The federal tax library offers links to the primary source U.S. Code, the IRC, Treasury Regulations, and federal court cases. Links to IRS forms, publications, releases, and statistics are available. There are also links to House and Senate committees, federal agencies, various tax and nontax rates and indices, and many other federal and state resources.
The California Tax Library is located by the “California taxes” link below the homepage table of contents. This page provides links to California tax law, forms, publications, tax rates, and credits. Users can also access the California Franchise Tax Board and other state agencies.
Other Resources
Tax Resources on the Web provides links to resources for retirement and international tax issues. These resources are not as extensive as websites devoted specifically to these areas; however, there are many useful links on these pages. The retirement resources and foreign and international taxation pages can be accessed from the main table of contents, or from the indices on major subsidiary webpages. Specific topics can also be accessed from the main table of contents.
Retirement resources include links to the Social Security Administration, guidebooks, publications, and calculators. Specific topics include IRAs, pensions, annuities, 401(k) plans, minimum distributions, and early withdrawals. On the foreign and international taxation page, users will find links to tax treaties, IRS publications and forms, and international taxation sites. The links offer country-specific resources, as well as professional service providers.
Tax Resources on the Web offers links to summaries and full text documents of federal and California Tax Acts for 1996 through 2003. The site provides links to a variety of both tax- and nontax-related calculators, such as CCH’s phase-out tax calculator and auto lease/buy calculator. Several tax and legal dictionaries are also available, such as H&R Block’s tax glossary.
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