In the US it is time to start thinking about your taxes, if you haven’t already done so. Fortunately, there is free help available if you need it. This article looks at some of the free offers available to help you with your business taxes and finances.

The IRS has partnered with Federal Tax specialists to provide free small business workshops. They also offer free phone forums which cover specific business issues. To check for a workshop in your area click here.

The IRS also offers a free tax calender for small businesses, a virtual small business tax workshop (available on DVD and online), and a Small Business Resource Guide CD. For more information about these items click here.

Intuit, makers of QuickBooks software, is offering a free version of QuickBooks Simple Start 2008 software. The software is available for PC users only. To get your free copy click here.

Question: I have a question regarding liabilty insurance on my bath and body items. Where do I find it? And do I need it? What if someone has a bad reaction to my items? What should I do? Thank you.

Answer:There are many different types of insurance available to the small business owner. Many insurance companies sell what is called a Business Owner’s Package or BOP for short. A BOP combines several different types of insurance coverage into one package. Usually a BOP will cover:

Property Insurance: This provides coverage in the case of damage to your business. A property insurance policy can cover damage to your building, your business property (furniture, inventory) or both. It may or may not cover your computer and/or phone system.

Business Interruption Insurance: This covers the loss of income that results from a disaster which interrupts or stops your business from functioning.

Liability Insurance: This provides protection if a product that you make or sell causes harm to others.

This is just a general view of business owners insurance. For specific details, ask the company who you are thinking of purchasing insurance from. For more information about business insurance, and to get a free quote click here.