It is the time of year when small businesses are concentrating on the approaching deadlines for filing tax forms. Not everyone's favorite job not least because it takes away from the important work of actually running your business. It could be that the best option is to hire an expert but when making that decision you would want to be aware of the amount of advice a help that is available online.

Lets start with the IRS's own resource:

Here you will find a pretty comprehensive 'how to ' guide along with learning tools and opportunities. There are down-loadable forms and advice on how to do file your tax returns online. You can also sign up to their free tax newsletter which will keep you up to date with tax related issues throughout the year.

The second most important government, online resource for small businesses on tax issues would be the US Small Business Administration (SBA) site. It is not so easy to find what you are looking for here but here is search result which brought a long list of very informative tax related articles. Subjects range from filing and paying your taxes to state and federal obligations.

As well as the official information available on government sites there is a lot of advice out there from professionals.

Microsoft's business resource center has a selection of  articles available on tax advice. This series by Portland, OR, Tax Professional, Joseph Anthony, might be of particular use if you are facing the decision whether or not to look for professional help.

6 secrets tax pros won't share
6 signs you don't need a tax pro
7 tips for hiring a tax pro
Good reasons to have both: a bookkeeper and a tax pro

John Tozzi's 25 Tax Traps in Bloomberg Business week is an excellent article which is refreshingly and clearly worded.

Bizsugar.com contains a rich resource of articles on tax issues from tax professionals and fellow business owners.

Awareness of available deductions is crucial and two sites set out to help small businesses with this:

bankrate.com

and

Nolo Law for All

If you are looking for a one stop shop then go straight to the IRS, it is a good resource and not nearly as impenetrable as you might expect.