Tax season is over and if you’re like most, it’s a glaring reminder that we need to be better organized as we scramble to make sense of our expenses and earnings. And each year we promise ourselves that next year we will be more organized!
I have three magic words for you that will make next tax season easier:
File It Now!
Pretty simple, right? But what does that mean in terms of organizing?
It means going through those piles and files, and purging the paper you no longer need. Today.
If you’re lacking a filing system, hanging file folders are a simple and easy way to store documents you need to refer to later. When creating a system, keep these tips in mind:
- Sort papers into categories that make sense to you.
- Create labels for your folders. Whatever you normally call the document should be the name on the label. I recommend using a label maker so the labels are clear and consistent.
- Alphabetize or categorize your files. Choose the option that seems most logical to you.
- Position tabs in the same location on all folders so your eyes can quickly & easily find what you need.
- Don’t create a “misc.” file. If it isn’t good enough to have a name, it isn’t good enough to have a file.
- Don’t bother filing papers you can easily find somewhere else. According to a study by Leader-Post newspaper, 80% of what we file never gets looked at again.
With a little bit of discipline and an organized filing system, you may not dread April 15 in quite the same way as you have in the past!
Happy Organizing!
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