Track The Tax Papers
By: Janet L. Hall

First let me tell you that I do not use a financial software package for my
business at this time. I tired some and found that it was more time
consuming for me then to simply put my receipts in organized folders and
total them at the end of month or year. I also keep a very detailed check
register and I don't find the need to re-enter this information into my
computer.

Here's what I do and might work for you.

I have two hanging folders that I keep in my file drawer in my desk. In
each of the folders I have manila folders for each line (category) item from
my tax form that I use in my business; such as Office Supplies, Utilities,
etc. As I get receipts for those line items, I simply drop the receipt into
the corresponding manila folder. At the end of the month or year I simply
add up the receipts for those categories to get my totals to enter onto my
tax form. This year it took me a total of three hours to total my receipts
and off to the taxman I went!

For days that I'm rushing or too tired to file receipts, I have a small
basket on my desk I can throw my receipts into and on my scheduled day of
filing they get filed away.

When tax season starts, set up a temporary hanging folder to put ALL your
incoming tax paperwork and forms into. This way everything is in the same
place and you won't have to go searching for that W2 when you sit down to do
your taxes.

The Organizing Wizard, Janet L. Hall, is a Professional
Organizer, Speaker, and Author of 'Secrets of a Professional Organizer and How-To Become One.' She is the owner of
OverHall Consulting and Organizing By Phone. Subscribe to
her FREE organizing newsletter at
http://www.overhall.com/newsletter.htm or visit
her web site at http://www.overhall.com

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