 I'm always amazed to find people's important tax papers and receipts scattered throughout their home, shoved into shopping bags and randomly strewn about. Don't they know It creates HOURS of needless work (and expense!), not to mention stress and sleepless nights trying to gather the information needed to file a return? April 15th is just around the corner, so RESOLVE TO MAKING TAX FILING easier this year by gathering up your W-2 Form (if applicable) and your various 1099 forms NOW. Don't know where to get the information you need? W2 FORMS - If you haven't received your W-2 by now, contact your employer or call the IRS (800-829-1040) for help. You'll need your social security number, dates of employment and emloyer's name, address and phone number. The IRS doesn't accept the excuse that you didn't get your W2 form in time, should you try to play that card. TAX TRANSCRIPTS - The IRS doesn't charge for tax transcripts, which are available for the current tax year and three prior years. Tax-return transcripts show most line items from your return as originally filed. Order at www.irs.gov (click on "Order a Transcript" or call 1-800-908-9946). 1099 and 1098 FORMS - Obtain them by calling your bank, brokerage, mutual fund company or other financial firm if they haven't already arrived. CAPITAL GAINS RECORDS - Check your statement or on-line account to see if your bank tracks this, or call the company. Basis reporting becomes mandatory starting in 2011 (for stocks), 2012 (mutual funds) and 2013 (bonds and options). IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS REGARDING FILING, you can get free advice from a tax experton-line. In addition, the IRS has many free booklets, yours for the asking by calling 1- 800-829-3676 Some of their publications include: Publication 552 - "Recordkeeping For Individuals," information on what you need to keep for the IRS and for how long. Publication 525 - "Taxable and Nontaxable Income," information on reporting bartering transactions. Publication 463 "Travel, Entertainment and Gift Expenses." KEEPING ALL YOUR TAX DOCUMENTS IN ONE PLACE IS CRUCIAL! I recommend placing all tax-related documents in a single folder as they arrive in the mail, and making a checklist for everything you need. Your checklist should have three columns. In the first column, jot down all the types of income you have (wages, dividends, interest and so forth). The second column should list all the tax deductions you might have (charity, mortgage, interest, college tuition, moving expenses). In the third column, write down various tax payments you've made (which would include federal withholding from your paystubs, state tax withholding and any estimated payments you've made). You may be able to summarize your expenses using a report in your finance software. When you come across the document or receipt, put it in the folder and check that item off your list. And Voila! When your checklist is complete, your return is ready to file. By following these guidelines, you'll have your checklist in place for next year, and the next year and the next. So take time now, Dear Readers, to get your tax papers in order and move on with your life. As always, be well, be safe, be organized! xxx's, Nancy | 
