FindLaw.com Launches 2009 Tax Center for Economy-Weary Consumers

EAGAN, Minn., Jan. 28, 2009 It's that time of year again. In fact, consumers weary of the current economic state have probably had tax filing season on the mind for some time. Now consumers and small businesses looking for help this tax season can find credible information and resources on the new FindLaw.com 2009 Tax Center at www.taxes.findlaw.com. FindLaw.com (www.findlaw.com) is the most-visited Web site for free legal information and case law.

The 2009 Tax Center provides current, easy-to-understand information in one place. Visitors will find all the information and resources they need for filing 2009 (tax year 2008) income tax returns with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and with state tax agencies, as well as quick tips, guides, news and links to other resources.

"Tax preparation can be complex and confusing," said Stephanie Rahlfs, attorney editor at FindLaw.com. "Most people aren't aware of all the deductions they qualify for, and missing or miscalculating a deduction could mean paying more taxes, losing money, or worse … penalties, fees and audits. Considering the current state of the U.S. economy, consumers will likely be paying closer attention to these details in the 2009 tax season."

People looking for information this tax season will find trustworthy resources in the FindLaw Tax Center, including:

FindLaw's Top 10 Legal Issues on Consumers' Minds Include:

• Expert content from FindLaw.com legal editors and answers to common tax questions, including topics such as audits and tax extensions.
• Links to additional credible resources, such as government and non-profit assistance, for those who need help filling out their taxes or who can't afford a tax professional.
• Information about taxpayer laws and penalties, including 2009 changes to the Internal Revenue Code and Treasury Regulations, deduction changes and key dates for 2009.
• Helpful tax information for small businesses.
• Federal income tax and IRS resources, including:
  • A step-by-step guide to filing your federal taxes.
  • Federal income tax laws and regulations.
  • Income tax laws: state-by-state.
  • Daily tax tips for 2009 from the IRS.
• State-by-state tax information.

"Tax information can be difficult to find and interpret," said Steve Noel, vice president of FindLaw.com. "U.S. consumers and small business owners don't have time to dig through the Internal Revenue Code or other sources to get the information they need. FindLaw.com's 2009 Tax Center provides the information taxpayers need to know in a simple, easy to understand format in one online location; it helps answer common questions and ultimately, if necessary, connect consumers with a tax attorney in their area."

The FindLaw 2009 Tax Center is now available at www.taxes.findlaw.com.

FindLaw, part of Thomson Reuters, is a leading provider of free intelligent legal information, online marketing and client development services providing the legal industry and consumers with the knowledge to act. The FindLaw team of designers and engineers create results-oriented Web sites for individual attorneys and law firms. FindLaw Web sites are strategically designed to attract and retain clients, as well as support lead generation by leveraging dynamic content and industry leading marketing tools. Attorneys can also be prominently listed on www.FindLaw.com, home to the largest online directory of lawyers that assists consumers in finding an attorney by practice area. FindLaw.com is the most popular legal Web site with nearly four million consumers visiting each month for free information about a legal topic, to solve a legal problem, or to find a lawyer.

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