Papers Filed. Life Organized. JOYS!
I Had a Wake Up Call a Few Days Ago, I Need to Step Out.
I haven't been spreading much JOY lately.
If you read Have You Ever Danced on a Bar, you might have an idea where I am going with this. If not, in a few days, I am going to do it again. Not literally, dance on a bar. But totally, step out of my comfort zone.
I am excited and scared. But mostly, I am determined to find my focus and discover how I can best help you get your life organized and find your JOYS. Creating JOYS and giving you fun solutions has been very rewarding for me. It has also provided challenges I hadn't anticipated. The biggest is having so many ideas the next step seems impossible.
Most of us want the same things out of life, more time for family and friends, more money for whatever, happiness and health for ourselves and those we love, a safe comfortable home and plenty of good life enhancing experiences. I truly believe being organized can help you achieve many of these things. Because it has for me. At the very least, being organized gives me the peace of mind to focus on the important things.
While I am off learning the best way grow my heart centered business,
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Tell me what kind of solutions you are looking for and what your current challenges are, so I can help you find your JOYS. One lucky person will win the whole JOYS system (a $137 value) I will pick a winner on March 1st. Thanks and much JOY. |
Paper and digital technology each has certain capabilities, functions, and conveniences the other lacks.
The Myth of the Paperless Office.
Reality Check. Paperless Home Office.
Love the convenience of modern technology or do you just want to save a tree? If you think digitally storing your paper records will help you clear your clutter, you are not alone.
Small portable scanners and online scanning services are becoming more available. Going paperless is still a hot topic. Technology has simplified bill paying, bank services, information access, research and communication with family, friends, and colleagues.
BUT, and yes it’s a big but, technology is limited when it comes to accessibility.
More importantly, the IRS does require original paper documents to support computerized records and a scan is a computerized record.
If you use a computerized system, you must be able to produce legible records of the information needed to determine your correct tax liability. In addition to your computerized records, you must keep proof of payment, receipts, and other documents to prove the amounts shown on your tax return. IRS Publication 552
The reality is, nine times out of ten, you are keeping a piece of paper to prove yourself to the IRS. So before you jump into your “paperless” home office also consider the following:
- There are a limited number of support records you need to satisfy the IRS and smaller number of vital documents you must retain for personal and financial reasons. Would a digital copy of these items give you peace of mind?
- The majority of people would only need one file drawer to keep the IRS required three years of records. This same drawer would have plenty of room for important financial, health and home records. Would it be easier for you to scan receipts and digitally log the details required by the IRS than make a quick note on the back of receipt and place it a yearly tax file?
- Only those who run a home business would need one additional file drawer to store the six to ten years of recommended support documents. Will your bank and Credit Card Company provide six to ten years of statements online? If not, how will you access these if requested by the IRS?
- Technology doesn’t cure procrastination or fix a poor system. Good categories, action and maintenance are still required. Do you currently have a categorizing system for filing your papers and are you actively maintaining your records?
- You still need to know what papers to keep, why you should keep them and where you will find them. Do you know this information?
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