Check deadlines at the IRS

The Internal Revenue Service has a helpful Web site with detailed, digestible instructions for small businesses.

I recommend: The IRS has a super helpful online tax calendar with dates and deadlines on its small business Web site. Click on the month and then click "dates and actions" for details of when to do what. Order up to five free copies of the tax calendar. Get industry-specific information, resources and forms at the agency's one-stop resource for small businesses. You can view and download other IRS forms, including extension forms.

Get a free organizer

If you don't like the IRS' calendars, get a free one organized differently from a private company.

I recommend: MSN Money offers a tax calendar with important deadlines. Small Businesses Taxes and Management has a federal taxes "To Do" list and one for state taxes.

Use the government's free e-pay system

Electronically pay all federal taxes, including income, employment, estimated and excise taxes. It's secure, convenient and reduces penalties by ensuring you'll never miss a deadline by scheduling payments to go out by due dates.

I recommend: Go to Electronic Federal Tax Payment System to register.

Subscribe to a payroll service that includes deadline reminders

Why sweat the deadlines on your own? Get a notification service to send you reminders.

I recommend: Microsoft Office's ADA Payroll automatically calculates federal, state and local taxes, and gives handy reminders to alert you to deadlines. It costs $169 a year with a 30-day free trial. PayCycle gives e-mail reminders of payroll tax deadlines with a 30-day free trial, followed by two months at $9.99 each.

Pay attention to state deadlines, too

State deadlines for various business returns may be different

I recommend: Check state filing deadlines.

Ask your bank if it offers a tax-paying service

Never miss a deadline by using an automated service to submit payments.

I recommend: Bank of America's ExpressTax for business checking account holders lets you pay taxes electronically.