As a tax professional, I prepare hundreds of tax returns every year. When I first started out, I used to think that the best way I could help people was to prepare a return as accurately and as quickly as possible. You know, provide great customer service.

And it is very important that your return be done “right” –all the numbers on the right lines, using the right forms, etc.

But no matter how good a job I did preparing tax returns, every year I would hear the same complaint over and over again from my clients:

“I pay way too much tax. The government is getting way too much of my money. What can I do to pay less tax? How can I lower my tax bill — legally?”

Sound familiar? I’d bet a lot of money that you’ve felt this way, too. Most people feel this way. And I know that most small business owners feel this way.

And most people really don’t know what to do about it. I mean, what can you, the typical self-employed person, do to lower your taxes?

I’m here to tell that there is plenty you can do. So let’s get started. Here are 4 simple steps you can take to drastically reduce your taxes:

» Read more: 4 Steps to Reduce Your Taxes