Getting organized at tax time

(Prepared by the Michigan Association of Certified Public Accountants.) During the last month, you've probably received a flurry of important tax-related documents in the mail. They serve as a reminder that the deadline for submitting your tax return is looming ahead on April 15. Do you have everything you need? Getting your tax return done can be stressful, but the Michigan Association of CPAs offers this advice on what you can do to better ensure that your return is completed on time and accurately. They also offer tips on ways to plan ahead so you can take some of the stress out of tax time next year. Get organized. By the beginning of February, organizations should have sent you many of the documents you need to complete your return. This will include a W-2 from your employer showing what you've earned this year, Forms 1099 reporting any additional earnings and investment income you've received and statements from your mortgage company, bank or other lender with details that you'll need for your return. You may also receive other paperwork, documenting medical bills you've paid and charitable donations or financial investments you have made. CPAs recommend that you set aside all of this material as soon as you receive it in a special folder or envelope so that you don't have to search for it when you're ready to do your return. In addition, find last year's tax return so that you have it handy for background information and to see what further documentation you need based on what was used last time. Make order out of chaos. Gathering your documentation is a good first step, but it's also important to put it in workable order. Sort the paperwork into different files or folders based on whether it relates, for example, to income or deductions. Take statements and papers out of the envelopes in which they were mailed so they are easier to identify and access. You might also want to make a list of the documents you have and the amounts involved in each case. That will make it easier for you or your CPA to get a timely start on your tax return. Prepare throughout the year. Not all of the documents you require for your tax return will come in the mail in January and February. For example, you may need credit card or bank statements and records of cancelled checks that you receive during the year that show purchases or transactions you have made. You might also use receipts that verify items you're deducting or donations you have made. You should also set aside documents relating to major events during the last year, including the closing documents and mortgage information for a home purchase. That's why it's a good idea to create a tax file for next year today, to gather the material you'll need for next year's return now. As you gather this paperwork, remember, too, to ask your CPA about any tax savvy steps you can take now to reduce next year's tax burden. Stay informed. It's easier to organize your tax return information if you understand more about how the tax law affects you. The CPA profession's 360 Degrees of Financial Literacy program provides answers to many taxpayer questions, including details on recent changes in legislation. You can find more information at www.360financialliteracy.org. Your local CPA can help. Many people turn to CPAs to help them complete their tax returns and perform tax planning for the coming year. Remember to consult your CPA with all your tax or other financial questions. §§§§§§ Produced in cooperation with the AICPA. © 2010 The American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. Published: Tue, Feb 23, 2010

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