As 2009 winds down, most people, including business owners, are occupied with paying their bills and planning their busy holiday schedules. However, smart business owners have more on their minds, like year-end tax planning. As we count down to tax season, this is your last chance to make a few smart tax moves. Here are some things you can do now to reduce your 2009 tax bill:

• Review your tax situation today. If you take a few hours to review your income, expenses and potential tax bill today, you still have time to rack up some last-minute deductions and expenses. Take the time to review your documents and make sure you have everything in order, such as receipts and your mileage log. Taking the time now will save your business money.
   
• Pay your bills early. Pay as many deductible business bills as possible before 2009 comes to a close. You get to deduct the amounts paid in 2009, regardless of when the bills were due. So send your January office rent check or pay a few extra invoices before December 31, and deduct them on your 2009 tax returns.
   
• Increase expenses. If your business could use a few more deductions, stock up on office supplies and new office equipment during December. You can deduct the expenses and, if you put them on a credit card, you can deduct the interest you paid, as well. Of course, this isn't the time to waste money on frivolous supplies; it's merely a chance to stock up before the new year and enjoy a slightly larger deduction.
   
• Defer income. Most wage-earning employees do not have this option; paychecks arrive on schedule even if you would rather they waited. As a business owner, however, you can choose to defer some income until after December 31 and avoid paying taxes on the income until next year. Simply delay sending out a few invoices until the new year. Of course, you'll still have to pay taxes on the income, but not until you file your 2010 taxes.
   
• Pay your taxes. Prepay your state and local income taxes before the year is out, and you can deduct the expenses on your 2009 tax return. Remember, you can deduct state and local income taxes or the total sales tax you paid over the course of the year. So do the math to figure out which deduction is worth more to you. In addition, the amount you pay to the government for licenses and regulatory fees related to your job can be deducted, as can some occupational taxes.
   
• Donate to charities. Of course charitable giving is important year-round. However, if your tax bill is still a little high, the end of the year is a wonderful time to donate to charity and receive a tax deduction. Generally, you can deduct donations valued up to 20 percent to 30 percent of your total income, including cash or the fair market value of donated goods. If your donations exceeded your deduction limit, you may be able to carry forward the deduction for up to five years. Just make sure you keep receipts and that you donate to an organization recognized by the IRS. (Check irs.gov to find out whether your organization of choice is approved by the IRS.)
   
• Find a tax preparer now. We know that all tax professionals are not created equal. Finding a qualified tax preparer with experience in business tax returns takes time. So don't wait until April 14 to start your search. Remember, you are entrusting your finances and your compliance with tax law to him or her. Interview several tax preparers, make sure you feel comfortable with the one you select, that he or she has a good reputation in the area, and that yours is not the first business return that individual has ever prepared. Investing in the services of a qualified tax professional can save you hundreds--or even thousands--of dollars in taxes.