Tax Time; A Tip from Avery.com

Tax 
Organization Time Savers
There’s a reason why tax season is often the most dreaded time of year—on average, we spend 26 hours, 40 minutes just preparing Form 1040 (the form filed by most individual taxpayers), according to the IRS Taxpayer Advocate Service. What’s the key to making tax time easier? Instead of hustling to get organized at the last minute, plan ahead by doing a little organization all year round. Here are some small and simple things you can do during the year to help you save time and avoid the tax time crunch.

Flag your files, find things fast

One of the easiest ways to get started is probably sitting right in your home office. We’re referring to your tax records from last year! Unless you’ve had significant changes over the year (such as a new baby, investments or home), your past records can provide a good start on what information you’ll need to gather this year. As you create your checklist, flag items included in last year’s file with Avery NoteTabs. That way, you’ll know where to include them as you prepare your taxes this year.

Organize paperwork in a zip

It’s a cinch to organize documents with a simple filing system that’s easy to stick to. The three-folder filing system from The Motley Fool® makes it easy to get your paperwork in order in a zip. Use one folder for your income documents, one for your expenses and deductions, and the third for your investments. For more details, see Tax Time Organization—Prepare to File.Create custom labels with Avery File Folder Labels with TrueBlock® Technology and this eye-catching template so you can identify the right folder at a glance. And with TrueBlock® Technology, the labels completely cover up old labels or markings underneath—so you can reuse your folders year after year and still give them a neat, professional appearance.
Spend less time looking for loose receipts

Americans spend nine million hours a day looking for lost or misplaced items, according to the American Demographics Society. That’s where Avery PocketTabs™ come in so handy. Use the convenient pocket to store receipts for all your deductible expenses you collect throughout the year. The removable, repositionable pocket can be attached easily inside your file folders, and has a closeable flap to keep your contents secure.
Use reminders to keep you on track

Even the best organization tactics won’t work if you don’t stick to them. Use reminders to make sure you stay on track throughout the year even when the thought of filing taxes seems far, far away. Create recurring reminders with Avery Label Pads to make sure the receipts and statements you’re collecting are to-date (instead of having to hunt for them later). And be sure to include a reminder to make an early appointment to see your tax preparer—before the rush!
If getting ready for taxes has always been a white knuckler, here’s to making tax time a little less painful this year. Take a little stress out of preparing your taxes with these simple, time-saving tax organization tools.