I am certain because I study and read. I also have an accountant who was in IRS enforcement for 10 years. I started minimizing my tax burden through specific means over 20 years ago. As far as items required by the IRS and items important to business we can disagree. I learned my business operation philosophy from Wharton programs - they have served me well.
You are the exception. Most individuals and business people don't, won't, or can't do what you have done. For most business people, just taking care of business is a big enough task.
As far as items required by the IRS and items important to business we can disagree.
It is generally true that "items required by the IRS and items important to business". I would agree with you on that. The point that I was making was about the data required for financial reporting and financial planning. For instance, if you need to produce audited financial statements that comply with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) your tax returns and Quicken reports won't do.
I would love to discuss this further, but we are kind of getting off topic.