Business memo 01/13/03

Business center offers guide on CD-ROM

A new resource is available through the Missouri Business Center for anyone planning to start a business. The Missouri Small Business Resource Guide is now being offered on a CD-ROM and contains all the information needed to begin planning a small business in Missouri.

The CD-ROM mirrors information that is available on the business center's Web site through the Missouri Department of Economic Development at www.missouridevelopment.org/mbac. The CDs are available for $5 each.

The CD-ROM contains information on writing a business plan, legal issues, taxes, hiring employees, financing, resource providers, links to helpful Web sites and frequently asked questions.

Printable state and federal forms are included on the CD-ROM. In addition, MBC's two popular publications, "Starting a New Business in Missouri" and "Doing Business in Missouri" are included.

The CD-ROM contains general information that will not become quickly outdated, however. The CD will likely be updated annually as minor details change. Update notices will be posted on the MBC Web site.

The Missouri Business Center plans to make another CD-ROM available in late January, this one targeted for anyone wanting to start a not-for-profit organization.

IRS tax tips available daily for filing season

The Internal Revenue Service has a daily series of tax tips for the 2003 federal tax filing season available at www.irs.gov under "the newsroom."

The IRS says its tips are concise, useful information on topics affecting millions of taxpayers. Topics include child credits, higher education benefits, IRA accounts and Social Security issues.

-- From staff, wire reports