Last month I started talking about tax preparation, this month let's put a plan in place:
If you give your self time you can break the task down into smaller pieces and smaller chunks of time to make it more tolerable (I was going to say fun).
You have already decided on your tax system for 2009 right? So what is the next step? This might not be the order you want to put them in but this is how my mind goes about the task.
(If you file your own taxes skip step 1. Read tax information to see if you qualify to file by phone or online. If you qualify wait for your W-2 and 1099's and you are almost done)
1. Call accountant, CPA, HR Block or whomever you have do your taxes and set an appointment date. Why do you want to start by setting the date? It gives you a goal and a due date before April 15th. If you are like most ADDer's you will put off the things you do not like to do so if there is not a due date you will not even start the task.
2. Start finding your receipts for your 2008 taxes. Put a date on the calendar to have this part completed. Just find the receipts and old checkbook register along with bank statements, no more.
3.Create a file or place to put all tax information that will be coming in the mail in the next few weeks.
4. Put your 2008 tax forms in the same place you will keep you incoming tax documents.
5. Organize the tax receipts, and statements into income, expenses, and donations. If you have a business do the same for the business. Have a due date.
6. Take the separate receipts and put all heating bills together and total them, (this is why I like to use an Excel spread sheet to keep track of my information then I don't have to add it Excel does that for me) all the house maintenance bills together and total them ECT. Once you are done with your receipts, income and donation totals take a break.
7. Enter totals into the tax organizer sent by the accountant, or if you do your own on to your tax forms.
8. Wait a day and
recheck your figures and math.
9. Take your information to the tax preparer or sign your tax forms and put them in the mail. Don't forget to add your check if you owe money.
10. Sit back and wait for your refund to arrive.
You might have more or less steps but at least this gets you thinking, planning and moving forward.
