Tax time is something that you can count on coming around at the same time every year. It’s not something you can avoid, hide, or forget. However, you can make prepping for tax time a lot easier on yourself. The whole point of prepping for tax time is to make your life easier. When you’re more prepared, you don’t have to spend as much time stressing out about taxes and everyone knows what stress does to you! Take the time to prep for tax time and your job will be a lot easier. Check out these tips!
Stay Organized: You know that deep down in your heart, doing your taxes is a lot easier when you stay organized. Keep your receipts throughout the year, sign the appropriate tax forms before taxes are due, and keep all of your paperwork in one spot, so it’s easy to find. Organization is the key concept in prepping for tax time and making it easier on yourself.
Paper Shredder: This is necessary whenever you’re dealing with important paperwork around tax time. Keep in mind that you want to keep your important tax paperwork for at least 5-7 years. Instead of keeping paper copies that can easily be stolen, consider scanning copies of your paperwork and filing it away in a secure Internet location. When using a paper shredder, you really need to make sure you have an awesome one that will get the job done right. The Powershred® M-12C Cross-Cut Shredder is super slim, so it can fit on any desk. I love that it shreds for up to 5 minutes before a 20 minute cool down period is needed. It also shreds 12 sheets per pass into 5/32” x 2” cross-cut particles. Also, when hands are touching the paper opening, SafeSense® Technology stops shredding.
Tax Filing Software: Filing your taxes is a lot easier these days than it used to be. If you can plug in the correct information, the tax software practically does your taxes for you. There are tons of different tax filing software you can use. Turbo Tax is one of the most popular tax filing software available for use. However, with a little research, you can find one that you love.
Get help when needed: There are some instances when doing your taxes where you’ll need to hire someone to help you. Taxes can get complicated when you rent out homes, self-employed, or when it comes to retirement mumbo jumbo. Make sure you don’t get too far over your head in the tax department and ask for help when you need it.
This year and the years to come, make tax filing easy on yourself by following these tips. Do you have any tips to offer?