Book excerpt: Plan Now-Save Later With just a little foresight, tax time can be less painful. If you're looking to avoid unwelcome surprises at tax time, pick up J.K. Lasser's Year-Round Tax Strategies 2004 and learn how to pay less in taxes by simply planning ahead. Whether you invest in stocks or mutual funds, own a home, work from home, or own a business, this invaluable book provides tax-saving strategies that will guide you throughout the year-ensuring a shock-free April 15th. Plan ahead, prepare for new tax laws, and pay fewer taxes with the help of J.K. Lasser's Year-Round Tax Strategies 2004. This comprehensive guide provides you with: * Detailed coverage of new tax legislation and IRS rules * Special sections highlighting tax-planning and tax-saving opportunities for investors, business owners, and individuals planning for retirement or other special circumstances * Plain-English explanations of income-reporting rules, tax deductions, and tax credits * Questions and answers that illustrate tax-filing and tax-planning techniques