“Eliminating unnecessary paperwork and storing tax files in one organized, secure place is vital to a stress-free tax filing process,” said Rebecca Smith, vice president, marketing for Master Lock. “By creating and maintaining a master storage system, individuals can not only ease the tax filing process, but also enjoy a feeling of preparedness year-round.”
1. Purge the paperwork
First things first -- clear the clutter. Go through all paperwork and eliminate anything you no longer need, shredding identifying documents to protect against identity theft. Get rid of expired warranties and year-old receipts and bank statements.
2. Safely store crucial records
Designate a specific storage space for vital documents including birth certificates, marriage licenses, passports, wills and social security cards. These items, as well as any important memorabilia, should be stored in a locked, fire retardant box such as Master Lock’s 7142D storage box. Not only will you always know where these items are, they’ll be safe from home mishaps.
3. Create a tax file
Create a separate file for all of your tax documents. We recommend a customizable, portable filing solution such as Master Lock’s 7148D storage box for simple and easy transport to and from meeting with your accountant or tax advisor. Organize this file into 10 categories: income (pay stubs, W-2s, interest statements), medical (medical expenses and health insurance out-of-pocket), donations (cash and non-cash donations), real estate (interest statements from mortgage, tax assessments), child care (payment receipts), tax correspondence (important IRS or state revenue service letters), student loans (statements of payment), miscellaneous receipts (any receipts that might be needed for deductions), payments (records of advance payments) and old tax papers (old tax returns). Continue to use your tax file year-round, and you won’t have to scramble for these documents when it comes time to file next year.
4. Back up everything
Make digital copies of important documents and store them in your fireproof box on a zip or thumb drive. Use a secure online organization and security solution, such as the Master Lock Vault (www.masterlockvault.com) to store log-in and password information for bank accounts and credit cards as well as lock combinations or key numbers to your file boxes. Consider appointing a guardian as an additional security measure who knows where and how your records are stored for easy access in your absence.
5. Make it a tradition
Select a specific time of year (perhaps when tax time rolls around again) and make your review of these records an annual occurrence. This will ensure your information is streamlined and up-to-date and that finding or organizing this information is never an overwhelming process again.
For more information on document storage solutions including where to buy, please visit Master Lock’s website at www.masterlock.com. Visit www.masterlockvault.com to utilize the free, secure online storage application and download a smart phone app for easy access on the go.
GIVEAWAY
One lucky winner will receive his or her choice of a 7142D storage box or a 7148D storage box (both pictured above) from Master Lock! To enter, check out the two storage boxes on their site, and then leave a comment on this post with your choice if you win! You must do this first step to enter the giveaway.
You can earn optional, additional entries if you... (leave a separate comment for each)
- Follow Susan Heim on Parenting (@ParentingAuthor) on Twitter and tweet about this giveaway. You may tweet this giveaway up to 3x a day. (Please space them at least an hour apart.) Leave a separate comment with the URL of each tweet. (1 entry per tweet)
- Subscribe to Susan Heim on Parenting via email, RSS and/or Kindle (see sign-up options on left sidebar). Leave a comment for each subscription method. (1 entry for each subscription method for up to 3 entries)
- Like Master Lock on Facebook. (1 entry)
- Like Susan Heim on Parenting on Facebook. (1 entry)
- Follow Susan Heim on Parenting through Google Friend Connect. Click on the “Follow” button on the left sidebar. Leave a comment. (1 entry)
- Put a button for Susan Heim on Parenting on your blog (the code is in the upper right-hand column of this site) and/or a text link on your blog roll. Post a comment with your blog’s URL. (1 entry for button; 1 entry for text link)
- Post this giveaway on your blog with a link to this page. Leave a comment with a direct link to the post. (3 entries; leave a separate comment for each)
One winner will be randomly selected from the qualified comments received by Wednesday, March 23, 2011, at 11:59 PM ET. Please leave an email address on one of your comments if it’s not available on your Blogger profile. Winners must respond within 72 hours or another winner will be drawn. Contest is open to US residents only.
CONTEST CLOSED. Congratulations to the winner, Dani!
DISCLOSURE: No products or financial compensation were provided for this post.
I would choose 7148D. captainliss40(at)gmail(dot)com
ReplyDeleteI would pick the 7142D storage box.
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I would like the Storage Security - No. 7142D box.
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7142D storage box.
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ReplyDeleteI would like the 7142D box.
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ReplyDeletedebbie
twoofakind12@yahoo.com
I like to file, so the Master Lock’s 7148D storage box
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ReplyDeleteI would pick the 7142D storage box.
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I'd like the 7148D storage box. Thanks.
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follow your blog via GFC
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I want Storage Security - No. 7148D
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ReplyDeleteI like the Storage Security - No. 7142D
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I like the 7142D
ReplyDeleteThanks for the chance.
mogrill@comcast.net
I would like Master Lock’s 7148D storage box
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tweet http://twitter.com/#!/vlbsweeps/status/46183076874825729
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I like the 7142D box- we really need this- i cant find my SS cards nor my 2 babies SS cards either and i'm just sick to my stomach b/c of it.
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tcogbill at live dot com
i get your emails
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I would like to get the 7148D ~royalegacy at gmail dot com
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I subscribed to your emails and RSS feeds
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I like Master Lock on Facebook ~Danielle SG....s
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I like Susan Heim on Parenting on Facebook ~Danielle SG....s
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I put your button on my blog; rt sidebar; http://royalegacy.blogspot.com
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1 I posted this giveaway on my blog; http://royalegacy.blogspot.com/2011/03/giveaway-linkys-from-march-6-to-march.html
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2 I posted this giveaway on my blog; http://royalegacy.blogspot.com/2011/03/giveaway-linkys-from-march-6-to-march.html
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3 I posted this giveaway on my blog; http://royalegacy.blogspot.com/2011/03/giveaway-linkys-from-march-6-to-march.html
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7142D storage box
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ReplyDeleteI choose the Storage Security - No. 7142D
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I follow you on twitter and tweeted
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http://twitter.com/shopgurl/status/46374844996141056
ReplyDeleteThis is tough. They are both great. I might choose the 7142D storage box.
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I follow you on twitter as 1blessedmommi and tweeted
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I would choose the 7142D storage box. mommy2rylie@ymail.com
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I'd pick 7148D
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I would love the 7142D storage box. Thank you. chaselhoff at usa dot net
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ReplyDeleteIf I were to win I would want the 7148D storage box.smheart999atgmail
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baazinga9 at yahoo dot com
I would like to get the 7148D
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I would go for '7148D storage box'. Thanks for the giveaway.
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Daily tweet: http://twitter.com/#!/Thabal628/status/47403003526922240
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I like the 7148D storage box the most! THanks :)
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http://twitter.com/shopgurl/status/47842916529479680
ReplyDeleteI would pick the 7148D File box.
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ReplyDeleteI like 7148-very nice and handy!
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If I won I would like the 7142D for storing documents and other important items.
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Follwowing you on Twitter and tweeted
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Tweet http://twitter.com/ASDsupportNC/status/48129144411795456
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ReplyDeleteIf I won I would pick the 7142D storage box. Thanks
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My choice if I win is the Storage Security - No. 7142D Box.
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Follow you on Twitter(kellywcu) and tweeted
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I follow & tweeted
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I Like Master Lock on Facebook
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The 7142D storage box would suit my needs a lot better!
ReplyDeleterainpendragon2684[at]yahoo[dot]com
DT
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tweet
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baazinga9 at yahoo dot com
I would choose the 7148D, mainly because I like the hanging file storage; would make it easier to organize necessary paperwork.
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I follow via GFC as jewelknits!
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Tweet http://twitter.com/ASDsupportNC/status/49364341002215425
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I'd choose the Master Lock 7142D storage box because it's fire retardant. mcgillrmcgill(at)charter(dot)net
ReplyDeleteI follow Susan Heim on Parenting through Google Friend Connect. mcgillrmcgill(at)charter(dot)net
ReplyDeleteDT
ReplyDeletehttp://twitter.com/#!/s8r8l33/status/49566434430423041
I would chose the 7148D because we have one similar to the other already.
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I would choose 7142D ourkidsmom @ gmail dot com
ReplyDeletetweet
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baazinga9 at yahoo dot com
http://twitter.com/shopgurl/status/49660859370315776
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I would choose the 7142D storage box.
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Following via GFC: JennS
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tweet
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http://twitter.com/shopgurl/status/49995891788103680
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DT
ReplyDeletehttp://twitter.com/#!/s8r8l33/status/50037436214022144
7142D storage box is the one i would choose i like the laying flat look and it would be easier for me to find things.
ReplyDeletetexaswaitress (at) live (dot) com
tweet http://twitter.com/#!/vlbsweeps/status/50155672100274176
ReplyDeletevlbsweeps at gmail dot com
i would like the 7142D storage box,could could add a lot of different size items in it.
ReplyDeleteI would love to get the 7142D storage box, thanks!
ReplyDeleteHotsnotty2@hotmail.com
I would choose the 7142D. Thanks for the chance.
ReplyDeleteI would pick the Storage Security - No. 7148D, but they are both very nice. Thanks for the giveaway.
ReplyDeletemlynnw83 at gmail dot com
I could really use the 7148D box...what a great way to keep things secure!
ReplyDeleteI'd go with the 7142D - I need a general lockup box, not one specifically for files. Do people really still use files?
ReplyDelete7148D
ReplyDeleteGladys P
@sueparks2003
sps1113 at yahoo dot mine
Subscribe via email
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@sueparks2003
sps1113 at yahoo dot mine
Subscribe via RSS & email whichever I didn't say last comment
ReplyDeleteGladys P
@sueparks2003
sps1113 at yahoo dot mine
I like the Storage Security - No. 7142D.
ReplyDeletetdlsfm(at)gmail(dot)com
Like Susan Heim on fb
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@sueparks2003
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Like Master Lock on fb
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@sueparks2003
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GFC public follower
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@sueparks2003
sps1113 at yahoo dot mine
I would like the 7148D storage box.
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DT
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