It's Tax Time - Do you know where your papers are?

No one looks forward to tax time, but here are a few ways to make it easier to file this year and the years to follow.

If you have used the “everything in a shoebox method” up until now, you are not alone! In order to organize everything for this year gather three plastic bins and label them Income, Expenses and deductions, and Investments. Then you can categorize each tax-related piece of paper you have, from receipts to IRS letters to W2s. By using plastic bins you can easily put a lid on them and clear the table when you need it for something else.

Don’t wait until next year’s tax time rolls around to start thinking about your 2009 taxes. Start keeping all of your tax related receipts together. Maintain an envelope in your purse or a section in your wallet to hold tax-related receipts. Pull these receipts once a week and file them. Have a folder for each tax category. If you are unsure about which categories to use, refer to your last tax return. If you itemize your deductions, you will see which categories to copy. Duplicate these within your filing system. Next year you will simply total each category to determine the sum for each individual deduction.

If you want to go a step further and really simplify your tax process, put your finances into a computer bookkeeping program. Set aside the same time each week to update this program and keep track of your personal finances. This will also help those of you who have trouble keeping up with your bills or who are trying to stay within a budget.
How long do you have to keep your records? Ordinarily that’s three years from the due date for the return, including extensions, to assess any additional tax. But a return can be audited for six years if the IRS suspects the taxpayer has neglected to report substantial income. If fraud is suspected, there is no time limit. Keep a folder labeled for each tax year which includes your returns as well as any supporting documentation.

For a complete checklist of what papers to keep, please visit our Tax Records page on our website.

The Container Store Coupon

Just in time for spring cleaning, The Container Store is offering 20% off everything online and in there store (and online)! Offer is good till March 1st.

Get Organized and Save $25.00!

This month save $25.00 off any organizing session! Please contact us for more details.

Get Organized for the New Year!

Did you know that getting organized is one of 2009's top three New Year's resolutions?

I appeared live on Fox 25 News this week to provide some great tips to help you get organized in the New Year. Click here to watch the clip



If you'd like some more details, please click here to read some of the organizing solutions that were highlighted.

With over ten years experience and hundreds of happily organized clients, we have the skills and knowledge to help you get organized in 2009!

Get Organized in the New Year!

Did you know that getting organized is one of 2009's top three New Year's resolutions?

I will be appearing on Fox 25 News on Tuesday, January 6th at 8:45am to provide some simple steps to help you get organized in the New Year.

Here are the tips I will be highlighting:

Start with the obvious. The simplest way to begin is to do sweep of your house with a recycling bin and garbage bag and collect the obvious trash, such as expired coupons, holiday catalogs, magazines, old newspapers, and paid bills not needed for tax purposes. This is an easy task that will give you an immediate sense of accomplishment and motivate you to do more.

Identify your clutter hot-spots. You can't hide it all, but you can contain it. Look at where clutter collects and set up attractive ways to organize it. Like placing a decorative bowl on the counter for keys, or a nice basket by the front door for shoes.

Set small goals and stay focused. If you are feeling overwhelmed with a project, break things down into mini de-cluttering sessions. Stay focused on that one project until it is complete. And reward your accomplishments, no matter how small they may seem. You're moving in the right direction and that's what's important.

Sort items into categories and store like-items together. Again start with the obvious, collect all the pens and put them into a desk drawer, get all the toys into the playroom. Choose broad categories to get started and work your way up to the more complicated ones.

Make a home for everything. Clutter usually accumulates because items have no home. Assign a specific home to frequently used items. For example, scissors go into a certain kitchen drawer. Make sure everyone in your family knows where that home is and you'll never have to search for those scissors again.

Find an excuse to let it go. If you're feeling guilty about getting rid of things, then do something good with them. Make some money by selling your items online or through consignment. Or donate them to your favorite charity and take a tax deduction.

Have a Happy and Organized New Year!

Holiday Organizing Tips

These tips will help guide you through a simplified, stress-free holiday season. Well, almost stress-free...unfortunately we can't de-clutter your house guests!
Tip #1 - Be Prepared
1. Create a holiday planner. Use a basic multi-subject notebook. Create sections for gift lists, holiday card lists, menu planning, decorating, coupons, etc. Bring it with you everywhere, so you can always reference it or add to it.
2. Schedule realistically. You don't have to say "yes" to every invitation. Leave time for yourself and stick to the routines that keep you stress-free, like going to the gym and getting a good nights' sleep.
3. Do a wardrobe check. Make sure you have the perfect party outfit. Stock up on a few key pieces that can be mixed and matched.
4. Hire a cleaner. Arrange to have a cleaner come a few days before your guests. Then you'll only have to worry about doing some last minute tidying.

Tip #2 - Shop Smart
1. Start shopping early. Many retailers are already offering holiday discounts. Do your homework. Make a list and check it twice. Include a budget. This will cut down on wasted trips to the mall and over-spending.
2. Shop Online. Online retailers allow you to shop around and find the best prices. Many retailers are now providing free shipping. Visit our Holiday Resources page for some coupons and gift suggestions.

For a complete list of holiday tips, please visit our website: www.organizingboston.com/holidaytips.html

Happy Holidays!

Don't Toss, Recycle!

Does your office have a paper recycling program? If not, it's easy to set one up. There are many recycling companies that will pick up barrels of paper for a small fee. In Massachusetts, I am a fan of Earthworm recycling. But, there are companies nationwide. All you need to do is make a phone call, order some plastic recycling bins (or put a sign on regular trash bins to designate them as paper only), and put them under everyone's desk. I first did this at a small company (40 employees) I worked for 10 years ago. A few people teased me, and my boss was reluctant, but I pushed for it and got the program going. The first month the recycling program sent me a report. We had saved 35 trees that month (that's almost one tree per person!). The company still uses the system today. In 10 years – that's over 4,200 trees saved! All I did was take initiative. You can, too!