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Tips of the Season
January to April – Tax Season

Income Tax FormsIt’s a bright sunny day, the birds are singing, all is well! You go to your mail box, and what do you see there – the dreaded tax forms for the year! The harsh reality of this “college term paper of the real world” can be softened with these tips.

Create a master file for all tax related papers
Even before your 1099 papers arrive, start a master file using an expanding red folder and manila files. Label the files with the important tax categories –W-2 information, interest and dividend income, capital gains and losses, charitable donations, medical and dental expenses, deductible business expenses, and miscellaneous deductions (educational expenses, safe deposit boxes, financial planning). Even before your papers arrive, this file will be their “home” and papers will not get lost! And to prepare for the current year, begin a master file for incoming documents for the current year, so you will not have to search for them at this time next year.

Set aside time on your calendar to collect tax related information
Around January 15, mark your calendar for a 2 hour tax session with yourself! Go through your checkbook and files to find important items to copy for accounting purposes. If you already use an accountant, usually a tax preparation document will arrive for you to base your information. Three weeks later in February, again mark a 2 hour tax session to wrap up those loose ends and file your documents in your master file. If necessary, two weeks after this set up one more session for yourself to complete your work. You are then prepared to begin your actual preparation or send your information to your accountant.

Use technology as your assistant
Financial software can rescue you from your tax nightmare! Beginning this year, load Quicken on your computer! Enter your checking information using the pre-set categories, and Quicken has tax information categories set. So as you pay your monthly bills, you are also categorizing items for your taxes. Simply go back to the program and create your tax information with a click of the mouse!

File electronically
Nothing is more of a nightmare than to have finished your tax work, and then to stand in the long line at the post office! File electronically with the IRS, and upon receipt, you will receive confirmation!

And finally, don’t delay and put off your work! The earlier you file, the earlier you receive that wonderful refund check! If you owe taxes, you will feel better if you complete your tax work, and know the amount due. And remember - if I can assist you in your document organization, please call!


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