get ready for tax season

Yup, it's that time of year again...time to get your taxes ready. This can be a very stressful time of year, especially if you have not be diligent about organizing your tax documents all year long. If you slacked off in 2008, don't dispare. Read the ideas below and make it a goal to be more organized in 2009!

GATHER TAX RECORDS ALL YEAR.

• Save time when preparing taxes by keeping all tax information for the year together in one Colored Expanding File.
• Start a new file for the current tax year in January so you have a place to put records throughout the year.
• File receipts and tax related records weekly so you don’t misplace them.

GROUP RECORDS BY HOW YOU FILE.

• Separate documents into the categories you use for each part of your return.
• Review previous tax returns for help establishing categories.
• Write the categories on the tabs and arrange them in the file in a straight line for quick reference.

KEEP THE FILE FOR SEVEN YEARS.

• Consult your tax advisor for advice on your minimum retention requirements.
• Choose antimicrobial stock to protect the file from mold and mildew damage.
• Store files for all tax years in the same location

For more organizing ideas, visit my website: www.andreadekker.com