he other day, I decided to investigate the best way to start a business. Or at least, the right way under Big Brother's eyes. I had heard that the economy was growing. I had heard the country needed the small businessman. I thought maybe they meant me. But where to start?

Surely, I thought, with my education ... with my practical experience ... I could figure out how to pay taxes on my imagined income.

( Though I had every intention of using the proceeds for educational, scientific, and religious purposes .... I soon discovered there are strict rules for non-profit organizations. Logic didn't have to play a part in the rules. So, instead of fighting the system ... I said, "let's just forfeit ... I' ll pay the taxes. Just tell me how." )

I called the library ...

"Do you have a copy of the US Tax Code?"

"The what?"

"The US Tax Code."

"I will have to connect you to reference."

At the reference desk:

"Do you have a copy of the US Tax Code?"

"The what?"

"The US Tax Code. Or, do you know where I can find it?"

"You will have to call a business library."

I call Temple University Library ...

"Do you have a copy of the US Tax Code?"

"The what?"

"The US Tax Code."

"I will have to connect you to reference."

At the reference desk:

"Do you have a copy of the US Tax Code?"

"The what?"

"The US Tax Code. Or, do you know where I can find it?"

"You will have to call a business library."

Finally, after several similar phone calls, I give up hope of finding it within a thirty minute drive.

End of installment #1.

Next installment - "What good is finding it?"

But until then, this link might make the answers to your tax questions a little easier to find.