I know you hate doing your taxes. But, the IRS gave you three more days this year. Because of the calendar and holidays, your federal taxes are due today- the 18th of April. So, what DID you do over the weekend?
The problem is that you are not alone- and that this is not a new phenomena. Almost from the very first, Americans have procrastinated in filling and filing their taxes- even when it was the proverbial postcard that Ted Cruz claims will work. (Yup. Sure it will. Because he believes in NO government. And, that will the net result of his plan.) But, let’s deal with real life- where we need a government- one that works, as opposed to one that shirks.
So, if you really are still preparing your taxes, your job- tomorrow- is to change what and how you do things. Don’t wait.
Buy yourself a copy of Quicken, enroll in MINT online, or purchase MoneyDance. (That last one is great if you use the other kind of computer- MAC.) Set up your bank(s) to download all transactions into the program. Set up your credit card(s) to download transactions to the program you chose. Link your investment account(s) to the program.
Now, your job is to download the data every week, biweekly, or at least once monthly. (The frequency really depends upon how much activity you have.) As you go through the entries, the system will remember the changes (the categories) you have chosen, so that after a short while, almost everything will automatically be categorized and itemized, as it is downloaded.
Now, you will know each month what is going on with your finances. So, you might even think about making a plan to save and/or invest more. To prepare for your future.
Not the least of which is the extra time you will now have each and every year you need to fill out those dreaded 1040 forms.
(We have sample data files that are usable for many of these programs. To help you comply with the way the IRS wants to see your data.)
Those suggestions for tracking your finances are certainly very helpful. Those should make things a whole lot easier each year.
Keesha recently posted..The Most Common Reason Your Email Campaigns Are Failing
Keesha:
I am glad that you like them. Because they really work- and will make your tax prep next year a breeze!
We have always liked to file early. With some investments we have now we can no longer do that. But, for the procrastinator, good advice.
Yes, those reporting folks really screw things up.
The good thing, Alana, is their deadlines have been moved up effective next year!
Don’t procrastinate next year in doing your taxes – here’s how | https://t.co/E4d5pe6AmZ via @Adjuvancy
Fortunately for the IRS, and for me, my husband is much more organized and punctual than the average person – ours are always done right on time. He calls me over to look and walks me through them (he refuses to let me become the next Geraldine Ferraro, no matter how much I want to be) and I sign, and off they go.
Holly recently posted..5 Tips on How to be Funny When you’re not Funny
I actually don’t think the IRS cares, Holly. Especially since they get MORE money if you are late.
But, it certainly works in your favor. Kudos to your hubbie!