While driving home I suddenly realized something.

What I just experienced is exactly what most people experience as they sit down to prepare their tax return each year. All those forms, schedules and worksheets, each with their own set of unique codes and convoluted calculations.

Forms, forms and more forms. They might as well be written in Greek.

For some people, mostly folks with "regular" day jobs and simple W2's, doing your own tax return can be a relatively painless process (particularly if you don't itemize deductions and have no investment income).

And with proliferation of user-friendly tax preparation software programs, I'm sure millions of returns are filed by do-it-yourself-er's without a hitch.

But if you're self-employed or own your own business, and you're new to world of taxes, well, I've got news for you -- be prepared to go through exactly what I went through at Best Buy -- lots of pain, agony and frustration.

And be ready to "give up" and do what I eventually did -- call a professional.

For me, that meant giving my friend George a call. George is a client who also happens to be a "computer guy" with all latest gizmos and gadgets known to mankind.

George was very happy to help me out. He told me exactly what kind of CD drive to get, and then he came over to house and installed thing in 15 minutes! I couldn't believe it! Then he installed some software, spent 10 minutes showing me how to use it, and next thing I know, I'm burning a CD like I've been doing it all my life.

If you are a small business owner or self-employed person and you're trying to prepare you own return this year, how's it going?

Do you think you did OK? Or are you getting by on trial and error with a dose of prayer mixed in ("Please, God, please don't let me get audited!")

Maybe it's time you did what I did.

By George, call a professional.

If you're in over your head, admit it, and get some help. Visit your local tax professional today!

Additional documentation is also required when a home-based business owner keeps his or her children, spouse, or other relatives on staff in order to claim their wages as a tax-deductible company expense. For record, always pay every staff member by check and have each person keep a written record of their work, including total number of hours, date of work, and type of activity accomplished. In addition, you should also request a written estimate from a professional for same services. For instance, if your spouse maintains your company's web site, you need to find what a professional Webmaster charges in order to substantiate your spouse's salary.

Besides keeping track of expenses, income, and wages, you must also have proof that your company intended to produce a profit. A business plan can serve as evidence that you are serious about generating revenue with your company. The plan will also provide written documentation of expenses you plan to incur and will help keep you organized.

Overall, best way to ease your concern over an audit is through preparation. By keeping records and documentation on everything, you'll have nothing to fear if you are one of .5% of taxpayers selected for an audit.

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