Papers Filed. Life Organized. JOYS!
The JOYS of Getting Your Tax Papers in Order.
Early filing, quick refund and stress free days in April.
So Do One Thing – Create a Tax Document Collection Point
Collect and organize your tax documents for simple tax prep. Make it easy by setting up a "Tax Stuff" file to put papers in their place. It's as simple as adding a file or container to your current system to collect all the incoming tax documents.
Create :
A "Tax Stuff" file. Label a folder, hanging file or envelope "This Years Tax Stuff" or add an extra container to your Action Center
When you receive a document in the mail put it directly into your "Tax Stuff" file, don't let it get lost in your piles.
A Few More Things
If you are unsure of paperwork you need,
Download : Tax Stuff Checklist and put it with your "Tax Stuff" file. This is a editable PDF checklist.
Check : last years return and use as a guide. Add any additional documents you need to your "Tax Stuff Checklist"
If you have not received the required documents by the end of January,
Contact : the financial institution responsible for the information. MSN Money provides details on who you should contact for what.
If you want more information regarding tax topics,
Visit : the IRS website or find Tax Topics by Category at taxtopics.net.
Just Organize Your Stuff for Simple Tax Prep.
Having a system to collect and organize your tax related documents will make tax prep a breeze. There are many software products and web apps that can help you keep track of your information throughout the year. And, if you haven't set up home filing system, now is a pretty good time.
If this weekly tip interests you, try it and
Much Joy
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Declutter and Organize your Seasonal Décor.
Keep the clutter out of your holidays. Don’t be tempted to buy any new holiday accessories. Use what you have and keep it simple. If you need more filler, use fresh cut seasonal blooms and foliage with a bit of ribbon to decorate the house. The beauty in your backyard will amaze you.
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Read more and download storge labels and holiday inventory.
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The JOYS of Using Local Seasonal Ingredients.
Planning your daily meals around local seasonal ingredient will benefit you in many ways. Not only will your food be fresher and even more delicious, you can save a little money and the planet.
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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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The One Essential Element of the Perfect Home Office Space.
01. Make it a space you love to be in.
Create an area the reflects your personality. Whether you have a room, a closet or a corner, you can create a home office space that suits your style. It is best to be distant from distractions but if that is not an option, just go with what you've got.
Before you start, analyze your current mood. Decorating or renovating when you are down can keep you down. You need to be excited about the result. So, make sure you have the perfect space clear in your mind. Clip some inspiration rooms and put them in front of you every day.
Clearing clutter and creating a fresh new space will improve your mood and motivation only if you make uplifting design choices. So...
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