…death and TAXES.

We spent our weekend preparing our taxes. Yuk! Ask my dad or my husband – tax day is the most dreaded day of the year. I have a wonderful husband who has learned how to say “leave me alone”. Last year he told me to go shopping on tax day to get out of the house, but like all families we’re cutting back where we can to save, save, save! So this year, I spent the day doing laundry, cleaning, and trying to stay out of his way (without spending more money!).

Getting organized for tax time is no small task. The best advice is to learn from your mistakes, set up a system and use it ALL year long. You’ll be so glad you did come tax time next year. Know the information you’ll need, set up a system to save the necessary receipts and documentation – use envelopes, shoe boxes, folders, file folders, etc. Regardless of what you use to keep the information in – label it. With labels, you are more inclined to use it and keep the system you set consistent all year long. Categories of information might include: Income, Investments, Medical, Property, Loans, Donations/Charity, Child Care, etc. The more you keep the better – your accountant – or your husband, in my case, will thank you.

As you can tell, I am no expert when it comes to preparing taxes. For some quick references here are some websites that will help with organizing tax info:

Organizing Tax Files at about.com

Getting Organized for the IRS at the Motley Fool.com

H&R Block (scroll down to choose a topic)

When you complete your taxes, create a file folder called ‘TAXES 2008’ put all the documentation that proved to be necessary and useful when completing your taxes. Include copies of the actual tax forms.

If you have another website with tips – please share. Let’s face it – we need all the help we can get. Ok, I need all the help I can get. If you’ve completed your taxes already – congrats! If you’re like us, get a move on…time is running out!