Creating a Stress-free Tax Organizational System

It is that dreaded time of the year.  Some of you may already be ahead of the deadline but for many this is a time of anxiety, panic, worry, stress and more.  The key to making the tax season less stressful is to set-up a system that you use year round.  By creating a physical paper filing system or electronic system to control your tax information, you eliminate the rummaging through documents and files come January, February, March or {{GASP}} April!  I use a system created by Freedom Filer.    I set-up their filing system to follow the IRS 1040 forms including the Schedule A and Schedule C.  I itemize my deductions since I operate a small business.  Depending on the number and type of deductions you have, you may also be required to complete the Schedule C.  I mirror my paper filling system electronically (the IRS does accept electronic copies of documentation) for all of the e-receipts I receive.  I set-up files for all of the same categories.  Throughout the year as information comes in that will be used for completing my taxes, I file that information in the appropriate folder.  When it comes time for filing out the tax forms and collecting the paperwork, all I need to do is cull those files.  No rummaging and searching.

Check out this video featuring me demonstrating my filing system.  Let me know what you think and if you have any questions.  

 Wishing you good luck with submitting your files.  If you have already checked them off your list, a big WOOHOO and congrats!