Editorial Review

Personal-finance guru Andrew Tobias slams online trading and praises the Roth IRA in his newly revised Read more

Reviews (72)

Good Enough for American Investors, Lack International Perspectives
Tobias writes a bible in personal financial investment without the lack of humor and personal touch. He is clear on investing principles he preaches, states his opinions precisely and still provide overviews of investments he believes are pure baloney.
Not rich but comfortable
This is the only investment book I can get my husband to read.I gave copies of the 1987 edition to my sons when they graduated from college and I am giving them the 2005 edition as they approach 40.Tobias has been consistent with his advice over the years.He does not promise to make you rich but he gives guidelines for ending up with a comfortable retirement; partly by getting one to acknowledge what one does not know.
Great book and great author
I can honestly say this book changed my life by opening my eyes on how investing and money really work over the long term. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Business & Economics    2. Business / Economics / Finance    3. Consumer Finance    4. Finance, Personal    5. Investment Analysis    6. Investments    7. Personal Finance    8. Personal Finance - Budgeting    9. Personal Finance - Investing    10. Personal Finance - Money Management    11. Business & Economics / Personal Finance / Taxation   

Reviews (2)

Outstanding and comprehensive coverage of estate planning.
The book is so clearly written, with explanations followed by simple examples.It covers every aspect I could think of, with occasional advice that you could do this yourself, or sometimes that you really need a lawyer.If you have a substantial estate you will probably want to have an expert do the work.But you should read this book so you know what the expert is doing (or you could pay the expert $200-300 an hour to educate you on basics).Simply the best book Ihave read all year.

Plan Your Estate 8th Edition
Excellent resource for estate planning. Readable (plain English) , concise and to the point. Covers many areas of estate planning that most other estate planning books fail to mention ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Estate Planning    2. Estates & Trusts    3. Law    4. Legal Reference / Law Profession    5. Personal Finance - General    6. Personal Finance - Taxation    7. Popular works    8. Practical Guides    9. United States   

Reviews (34)

A Great Reference Book for Small/Home Based Business Owners
It is rare to find a great tax book like this - easy to read, understand and implement, with all authorities referenced. The information in this book is literally worth a ton if taken to heart and implemented - especially for small and home based business owners. A dollar saved by reducing taxes is worth much more of income generated. Pay the price of learning and implementing the concepts laid out in this book - I am confident you will be glad you did. Highly Recommended.
slides over important (and expensive) points
I have 2 small businesses. I own rental property and work freelance. I'm also a professor, so I receive a pay check.
EXCELLENT! THIS IS NOW MY "TAX-BIBLE"!
THIS BOOK IS LIKE HAVING A PRIVATE CONSULTATION WITH THE IRS REGARDING HOW TO LEGALLY AVOID PAYING MOST INCOME TAXES! SANDY TEACHES YOU ALL THE TRICKS OF HIS FORMER TRADE AS A TOP IRS ATTORNEY!
Read more

Subjects:  1. Accounting - General    2. Business & Economics    3. Business/Economics    4. Consumer Finance    5. Income tax    6. Law and legislation    7. Personal Finance - General    8. Personal Finance - Taxation    9. Popular works    10. Tax planning    11. Taxation    12. United States    13. Business & Economics / Personal Finance / Taxation    14. Personal finance    15. USA   

Reviews (1)

mediocre book
This book although it is detailed does not give enough information on how to actualy fill out tax returns.There are many problems in the book but the text does not really help in getting the answers.Read more

Subjects:  1. Accounting - General    2. Business & Economics    3. Business / Economics / Finance    4. Business/Economics    5. Consumer Finance    6. Income Taxes    7. Personal Finance - Taxation    8. Taxation    9. Taxation - General    10. Business & Economics / Taxation / General   

Reviews (5)

Diane Kennedy's the Bomb!
I heard her speak at a recent eBay convention & she's a great speaker with great ideas.The book is a must-read for anyone contemplating selling on eBay.She is a professional with good, sound advice.

Great Book, lots of good tips!
Very useful for online sellers and anyone getting some kind of income from casual ebay sales or any other comparable site. Lots of money saving tax tips.

5+++++ stars!!!!
Even if you don't have an Ebay business, this book is so informative for those of us who just don't understand the behind-the-business scene. My husband and I have had a business for years and FINALLY, I now understand what the heck an "S" corporation is and why we have one, as opposed to the "c" corp that we used to have. I HIGHLY recommend this book to ANYONE starting a small business, whether its Ebay or not. Thanks to the authors for putting it in plain English. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Computer - Internet    2. Computer Books: General    3. Computers    4. Consumer Finance    5. E-Commerce - General    6. Electronic Commerce    7. Income tax    8. Law and legislation    9. Personal Finance - Taxation    10. Popular works    11. Tax planning    12. Taxation    13. United States    14. Business & Management    15. Computers / Electronic Commerce   

Subjects:  1. Business & Economics    2. Business / Economics / Finance    3. Consumer Finance    4. Personal Finance    5. Personal Finance - Taxation    6. Business & Economics / Personal Finance / Taxation   

Reviews (1396)

This book is a must read for any True American!
Why is America's economy in a never ending downward spiral?Why do most Americans think they get back money from taxes, and never think how much they already have paid?This book is a great eye-opener to what is really going on in America's tax system and what needs to be done to fix it.This book is not just about what needs to be fixed, but also what is being done right now, that most Americans are unaware of.For example, did you know that about half of the American popular pays one hundred percent of all income taxes.And did you know that corporations do not pay corporate taxes, we do!

Easy Read
I'm generally NOT a book reader, but managed to read The FairTax book in just over one day, while on the road with the family.I'd already heard a great deal about the FairTax from listening to talk radio, but I was really hooked from just the first ten-page (or so) chapter.I find it hard to believe that anyone could learn about the history of the income tax system, and the 16th Ammendment, without beginning to boil.How could we have been so short-sighted to allow this to happen?
The Fair Tax: The Country needs this badly!
Please read this book,it will open your eyes.The Fair Tax is the way to go,the mere fact that the IRS code needs over sixty thousand pages should tell you that there is alot of legal graft and corruption built into the system.The Fair Tax would eliminate this.Do yourself a favor and buy this book,read it and then take action.
Read more

Subjects:  1. Business & Economics    2. Business/Economics    3. Economic Policy    4. Income tax    5. Law and legislation    6. Personal Finance - Taxation    7. Politics / Current Events    8. Popular works    9. Public Policy - Economic Policy    10. Taxation    11. Taxation - General    12. United States    13. Political Science / Government / National   

Editorial Review

Just about everyone has heard a story about a corporate secretary or twentysomething Microsoft employee who retired early--as a millionaire--not because of winning the lottery, but because she exercised the stock options granted by her company.The fact is, many, many working Americans have access to stock and option plans in the workplace, and although it is a bit of a stretch to assume that such plans are a guaranteed ticket to riches, equity compensation can be an intelligent means for building wealth.The trick, according to Kaye A. Thomas, is understanding and handling it properly, and this is where Read more

Reviews (24)

Mandatory Options Reading!
Barring an extensive endeavor to compile the various option programs offered by industry on you own, Thomas' "Consider Your Options" is an extremely helpful text for both individuals new to the options sphere as well as experienced program administrators to pick up on the nuances of the various qualified and unqualified differences.Definitely a must-have for either executives or financial advisors who work with executives to use as a tool to help establish a strategy to protect and enhance their wealth.A solid addition to your desk reference library.4 Stars.

Covers the basics, but not strategy or advice
This book is good in that it covers all the basic mechanics of stock options -- Incentive and Non-Qualified, and ESPP plans. However, this basic information can easily be found on the web or from your employer. If you have any stock options, GET THIS BOOK!
This is the perfect book for anyone who has any stock options or who can participate in their company's Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP).It starts very simply, and in a series of short, but complete chapters, covers the spectrum of stock ownership, vesting, ISOs vs. NQOs, the effect of AMT, and much more.Read more

Subjects:  1. Business & Economics    2. Business / Economics / Finance    3. Consumer Finance    4. Investments & Securities - General    5. Investments & Securities - Options    6. Personal Finance    7. Personal Finance - Investing    8. Personal Finance - Taxation    9. Securities    10. Stocks    11. Taxation   

Reviews (8)

How to Beat the IRS
Keeping up with all the IRS rules and regulations can be a real hassle. The tax code keeps getting more and more complex every year, in spite of countless promises by politicians to "simplify" the system.
Insightful
I bought TaxCut software, then read this book, I end up with a tax professional to do my 2001 tax.I am glad I read this book though, I avoided making mistakes and I followed carefully to my tax attorney's advice.This book is informative and insightful.

Solid, up-to-date tax advice for 2002
Now available in a revised and updated eighth edition, What The IRS Doesn't Want You To Know: A CPA Reveals The Tricks Of The Trade is a compendium of solid, up-to-date tax advice for 2002. Chapters survey such topics as what the latest IRS targets are; ten ground rules one must never break to win with the IRS;the thirty-four greatest taxpayer misconceptions; commonly overlooked credits and deductions; what forms should never be filled out; new tax laws enabling an innocent spouse to get out of debt; how to plan IRA and pension plans; the latest taxpayer rights; and what IRS people are really like and how to work with them. What The IRS Doesn't Want You To Know is a highly practical book and strongly recommended reading for every taxpayer! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Accounting - General    2. Business & Economics    3. Business / Economics / Finance    4. Business/Economics    5. Income tax    6. Law and legislation    7. Personal Finance    8. Personal Finance - General    9. Personal Finance - Taxation    10. Popular works    11. Tax Accounting    12. Tax administration and procedure    13. Tax auditing    14. Taxation    15. Taxation - General    16. United States    17. Budgeting & financial management    18. Business & Economics / Personal Finance / General    19. USA   

Reviews (5)

good book, but needs further improvement
It is very clear and accurate in explaining the rules. It is not vey clear in certain chapters like Alternative Minimum Tax, or quantifying, even approximately, who can pass the trading activity test. Great Book for Learning About the Taxation of Investments
Ideal for those new to investment portfolio management
Kaye Thomas' Capital Gains, Minimal Taxes: The Essential Guide For Investors And Traders is a "plain language" guide to stocks, mutual funds, options, and tax strategies for maximizing returns and minimizing tax liabilities. Complete, authoritative, practical, "user friendly", this guide is ideal for those new to investment portfolio management and will prove both practical and invaluable in creating a personal financial investment plan with allied strategies. Indeed, Capital Gains, Minimal Taxes has much of value to offer even experienced investors with respect to tax rules for short sales, stock options, and "straddles". Highly recommended reading for sensible small investor strategic financial and investment planning. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Business & Economics    2. Investments & Securities - General    3. Legal Reference / Law Profession    4. Personal Finance    5. Personal Finance - Taxation    6. Taxation    7. Taxation - General   

Subjects:  1. Business & Economics    2. Business / Economics / Finance    3. Business/Economics    4. Consumer Finance    5. Military    6. Personal Finance - Taxation    7. Taxation - General    8. Business & Economics / Taxation / General    9. Taxation   

Reviews (2)

Jeff is my FAVORITE tax planner!
I started getting and reading his books in 2003 (see my Listmania), and have begun visiting his MSN message boards and article indexes.I now have a brand new tax issue, and am looking to the 2006 and 2007 books for guidance in how to handle/shelter a coming $10k raise.
You have to be serious about it.
I've been reading this author's columns on the web for some time.You can not read this book and look at it as a "self-help" tool.It's not that at all.You must be at least semi-business minded to execute these types of tactics and strategy or you will fall on your face.For me, a well read business person (at least I think so) this book can be summarized like this:It's a Cliffs Notes version of the Tax Code, written for the savvy tax payer.He takes the aspects of the tax code that pertain to a lot of people and breaks it down.There are times when a law degree would be helpful to read this.But, if you read it carefully, you'll do better than you had, were you not to read it. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Business & Economics    2. Business / Economics / Finance    3. Consumer Finance    4. Personal Finance    5. Personal Finance - General    6. Personal Finance - Taxation    7. Tax planning    8. Taxation    9. United States    10. Business & Economics / Taxation / General   

Reviews (3)

Updates with latest laws mean always up-to-date legal documents.
Great software.Simple to use.The legal team at Quicken/NOLO appear to constantly be surveying the legal findings in the courts and automaticly push the implications into the software as updates.The best part is that as the laws change, the software alerts you when you need to reprint and resign your legal documents so that they comply with the latest laws.It is the perfect balance of accurate legal advice at a very fair price.

Incredible Guide for Peace of Mind
This book & CD set are all you need to do proper, professional looking Wills, Durable Powers of Attorney for Health Care & Finance, and related documents.Peace of mind at a fraction of the price for an attorney's clerk to do exactly the same things you can do with WillMaker Plus.

Book and software
This "book" is basically a printed user's guide to the Quicken Willmaker Plus 2006 software, which is included on the accompanying CD-ROM.That is, you get the software itself and a thick printed guide, not a bad deal at all.The guide is actually more than just a manual; instead it gives you a lot of background information on property rights, wills, living wills, living trusts, estate planning, etc.I think this is a better bundle than the software itself which doesn't even come with a printed manual. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Administrative Law & Regulatory Practice    2. Business & Economics    3. Consumer Finance    4. Estate Planning    5. Estates & Trusts    6. Forms    7. Personal Finance    8. Personal Finance - General    9. Personal Finance - Taxation    10. Popular works    11. United States    12. Willmaker    13. Wills   

Reviews (7)

Excellent and to the point
This book answered all my tax and property questions quickly and precisely. It was well written and perfect for someone who is not a CPA or property specialist. Highly recommended.

Best real estate tax book. Period.
I have read a number of books about real estate tax planning, and this is by far the best.It is clear, to the point, and very readable.The author goes through the basics of how a capital gains basis is calculated, rules about stepping up basis, primary residence exclusion rules, etc.He then discusses various ways of deferring or eliminating capital gain consequences via 1031, installment sales, private annuity trusts, charitable remainder trusts and Roth IRAs.The chapter on private annuity trusts is one of the least known, yet most valuable strategies that exists.Buy this book!

Great Book!!
This book is very well written; logically organized and concise.The information is priceless!For the cost of this book you could be saving 30% of your capital gains money!That's what I call positive ROI.This book is a must have! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Business & Economics    2. Business / Economics / Finance    3. Business/Economics    4. Capital gains tax    5. Law and legislation    6. Personal Finance - Taxation    7. Real Estate - Buying/Selling Homes    8. Real Estate - General    9. Real property and taxation    10. Tax planning    11. Taxation    12. United States    13. Business & Economics / Real Estate    14. Property & real estate    15. USA   

Editorial Review

Talk about an audacious title! But Suze (pronounced "Suzie") Orman means business in this anecdote-rich compendium of tips on 401(k)s, marriage, homes, and happiness. The PBS star/financial adviser has made plenty of the mistakes she warns against, like getting a 30-year mortgage instead of a cheaper 15-year, using Visa cards as magic carpets to calamity, and losing $20,000 in borrowed bucks to bum investment advice. Then she became a Merrill Lynch broker and an author capable of selling 10,000 books in 12 minutes on QVC. Read more

Reviews (135)

First step to getting rich
This book is so important. I swear she should write school courses for children K-12 & beyond because she is so wonderfuly full of knowledge and sound advice. I strongly urge everyone to buy this book if not for yourself then for someone you love. It is so enlightening you will not want to put it down.

Commen Sense Not Courage
This book is concisely written and reader-friendly.
LAW OF ATTRACTING MONEY
I have long been a fan ofThe Suze Orman Show on CNBC so I do not know why it took me so long to read one of her books.Her advice is always right on the mark about finances and this book is perfectly in line with that. She has plenty of great advice on buying a home, explaining mortgages, and how to decide which life insurance policy, annuity, or bonds are best for you. The book will be very useful for anyone who needs easy to understand descriptions of these financial concerns.
Read more

Subjects:  1. Business & Economics    2. Business / Economics / Finance    3. Consumer Finance    4. Finance, Personal    5. Moral and ethical aspects    6. Personal Finance    7. Personal Finance - Financial Planning    8. Personal Finance - Taxation    9. Personal Growth - Success    10. Psychological aspects    11. Wealth    12. Advice on careers & achieving success    13. Business & Economics / Personal Finance / Taxation    14. Mind, body, spirit: disciplines & techniques    15. Popular psychology   

Reviews (2)

Taxes For Dummies
GREAT BOOK.Go out of my way to purchase every year.

Great for starters...
This is the first time in my life that I am doing tax stuff, It's a great book for me as the first time filer specially someone that is totaly new to the society. I didn't need to read the whole book as my filing is pretty simple this year, but I'll keep the book for coming years. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Business & Economics    2. Consumer Finance    3. Income tax    4. Law and legislation    5. Personal Finance    6. Personal Finance - Taxation    7. Popular works    8. Tax planning    9. Tax returns    10. Taxation    11. United States    12. Business & Economics / Personal Finance / Taxation    13. United Kingdom, Great Britain   

Reviews (3)

Wow - this book has saved me thousands!
Great book, nice level of detail. Mix this with QuickBooks and you have most of your small business financials covered.

Very Helpful Book
I found the information in this book to be very helpful.She really covers all the bases.great resource and highly recommended

Very concise - but it did not help me..
This book gave me a good introduction to the issues, but also made it clear that I would not manage without solid advice from a tax consultant - maybe even a tax lawywer - on some of the issues that I had in my business. Maybe there is no simple way to do your taxes today? ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Business & Economics    2. Business / Economics / Finance    3. Business/Economics    4. Personal Finance - Taxation    5. Small Business - General    6. Taxation    7. Taxation - General    8. Business & Economics / Personal Finance / Taxation   

Reviews (3)

Full of Useful Information But Needs an Editor
This book is full of useful information and strategies for active traders and investors. However, it is poorly written. The author repeats himself often, while omitting important information that I guess he assumes the reader knows (for example that the mark to market election can only be changed once chosen with the specific consent of the IRS). Sections and subheadings are poorly organized. Often the author writes something like: "we recommend X for the following reasons" and no reasons follow. The book desperately needs editing. If you are prepared to put up with this and have a good understanding of the basics of the tax code as they apply to investing already then this book is very worthwhile reading. I am just starting Ted Tesser's book on taxes for traders. It is a MUCH better read. I have yet to see if it is as useful.

Everything you wanted (and need) to know...
If you are an active trader, this book MUST find its way into your hands. It covers every issue necessary to help you in filing your taxes with trader status. If you can file as a trader, a whole new world of business expense deductions will be open to you. I found that this book answered every question I had, along with some I hadn't even thought of yet.
Read it before visiting your CPA
The book discusses issues that should be considered before filing as a trader.It also discusses factors that traders should consider before electing mark-to-market accounting.The guidance here is consistent with what I've read and heard from other credible sources.
Read more

Subjects:  1. Business & Economics    2. Business/Economics    3. Consumer Finance    4. Floor traders (Finance)    5. Investments & Securities - General    6. Law and legislation    7. Personal Finance - Taxation    8. Securities    9. Tax planning    10. Taxation    11. Taxation - General    12. United States    13. Business & Economics / Taxation / General   

Reviews (8)

Shipping SUCKS!!!!!!!!
I ordered this two months ago.Got an extension on 2006 filing because AMAZON said it wouldn't ship until yesterday April 29 (yeah right) Now today Amazon says it will not ship until May 19. WHAT IS GOING ON AMAZON?!?!?!

JK Lasser Taxes
Book is well written and comprehensive. It catagorizes the tax laws and give easy to understand examples.

Taxpayer's Reference Guide
Your Income Tax for 2006, by J.K. Lasser
Read more

Subjects:  1. Business & Economics    2. Business / Economics / Finance    3. Consumer Finance    4. Handbooks, manuals, etc    5. Income tax    6. Personal Finance    7. Personal Finance - Taxation    8. Tax returns    9. Taxation - General    10. United States    11. Business & Economics / Taxation / General    12. Taxation   

Editorial Review

Read more

Reviews (14)

Crucial Information
This book contains must have information for anyone owning an IRA. I had a previous version and wanted to keep current as I approach the magic age. This book tells you how to avoid fines and penalties from the dastardly IRS. Keep as much of your hard earned savings as possible for as long as possible by reading this book several times then saving it for future reference. I also marked many pages for my beneficiaries just in case. Do yourself a favor and invest in this book.

Very User Friendly!
The book is well organized.I was able to use it, immediately, to answer 'basic questions' to help a relative avoid a costly mistake and, more importantly, to learn 'options' that could help.Though I am an insurance agent, I've had little exposure to the 401(k), IRA, etc., market.This book is quickly moving me to the 'top 20% group' of informed agents and financial advisors.I highly recommend it, thanks to Ed Slott!

Pay attention to the sub-title
The reviewer plugging the "MarketBuster" book has totally missed the point of this NOLO book, which is given in the subtitle: Taking Your Money Out. The reviewer is talking about strategies for growing your account.
Read more

Subjects:  1. 401(k) plans    2. Business & Economics    3. Business / Economics / Finance    4. Consumer Finance    5. Deferred compensation    6. Individual retirement accounts    7. Law and legislation    8. Personal Finance    9. Personal Finance - 401k    10. Personal Finance - General    11. Personal Finance - IRA    12. Personal Finance - Retirement Planning    13. Personal Finance - Taxation    14. Popular works    15. Retirement Plans    16. Tax Law    17. Taxation    18. United States