Tax Your Brain for Max Rewards

Do you think tax prep guys feel let down when their season is over? I mean, their offices are so crowded and they’re so popular, then … nothing.
Even if “you’ve got people,” admit it. You're way too pretty for that party. And too smart, too.
They might be human calculators with office cubes and refund guarantees but you’re just as powerful. With a few hours of commitment and some confidence, you can do your own taxes. Even if you go to a company or an accountant, they likely will file online on your behalf, anyway. Might as well save some money and cut out the middleman.
Filing taxes online is easy and offers many advantages – the most rewarding that you get your refund faster. And who doesn’t want a chunk of their hard-earned money back right this minute – before it’s handed away as part of the zillion-dollar stimulus package? Then don't put it off any longer.
Before you begin, gather all the documentation you’ll need. This includes:
W-2s, 1099s, Social Security statements, IRA and brokerage statements, records of mortgage interest paid, income and expenses paid for rental properties, as well as other income such as alimony received. You also will need proof of educational expenses (including interest paid on school loans). If you’re self-employed, you will need receipts of income and expenses. To take deductions, you will need proof of child care expenses, health care and dental receipts, moving expenses and charity donation receipts.
As you start the process, take it step by step, box by box – even if you don’t think a particular scenario applies to your situation. You might be surprised by an extra deduction or two. If you didn’t realize that you qualified for a deduction, don’t forget that you have three years to file for back payment, and get an even bigger refund. Just add an amendment for the year(s) in question to this year’s return.
If it happens that you owe Uncle Sam at the end of the road (and I truly hope this is not the case), there are a number of options for paying. You can pony up by credit card, you can set up a payment plan on the IRS web site (http://www.irs.gov), or you can request a hardship forbearance (which plenty of people will be doing this year, given the vast reach of our country’s economic breakdown). Interest and fees will accrue but until your financial picture does not require every cent you have, at least you’ll have a little peace of mind.
If you can’t quite get your act together in time for the April 15 deadline, you can file for an extension by downloading Form 4868. This is especially important if you think you owe.
Don’t forget to print your forms for your records when you’re done.
Then, when you've accomplished this amazing feat of math and perserverence, throw yourself a death-and-taxes bash with the money you saved. You don't even have to invite your accountant. Though it might be nice – he's probably feeling a little lonely.

Success out of a Suitcase

Traveling for work can be a far different experience than traveling for fun, so here are some tips to make the effort less trying.

PREP WORK
Make reservations and check in online before you leave for the airport. Some airlines even let you do it as early as a day in advance.
Check ahead what the hotel will provide for necessities before packing items you don’t need. Many business-class hotels make hair dryers, basic toiletries, an iron and an alarm clock available to their guests. Buy and keep on hand travel-size toiletries that you will need, pack them in your kit and leave them packed. A money-saving solution is to buy refillable bottles and monitor their levels when you get home to make sure you don’t run out.

PACKING
Invest in a set of wheeled luggage that’s light but durable. Take the appropriately sized suitcase for your trip’s needs. When you’re considering what to pack, choose coordinating pieces to cut down on the amount of clothing you need and to maximize ensembles including use of your matching belts, shoes, purses, ties, etc.
Keep your carry-on light and effective. No one wants to drag a heavy bag around from terminal to terminal. It should have inside a change of clothes, toothbrush, medication in the original prescription bottles, glasses/contact supplies, your important documents, your thumb drive, cellphone/blackberry – the essentials you couldn’t live without if your luggage were lost.

PAPERWORK
Prepare a small kit full of office supplies and keep it in your bag, so you never have to waste time looking for paper clips in the hotel store on your way out to a meeting. Limit the number of hard-copy files you need to bring by consolidating and keep them in a pocket of your carry-on.
Don’t print multiple copies of your presentation or handouts before you travel – keep important documents on your laptop and on a thumb drive. Print when you arrive. Or if you need large quantities and it’s more cost-effective, ship them to your destination so you aren’t lugging them along with you.

SECURITY
Keep a copy of your airline and hotel reservations with your ID and passport, everything ready and easily accessible; wear slip-on shoes and nominal jewelry to move effortlessly through security. Make sure your suitcase is easily identifiable and meets size and weight requirements.

TIME TO WORK
Plan for a seamless entry into work mode after your trip. Schedule some time, if possible, when you get into your room to organize and prepare yourself. Take stock of what you need, and make sure you have everything, so there’s no last-minute searching and fumbling. This will help you to focus and keep your cool under pressure. If you’re prepared, the strain of unfamiliar surroundings won’t have as significant an impact.

RECEIPTS
One frequent flyer/biz guru revealed to me his biggest travel organizing challenge: receipts for reimbursement. Depending on company policy, receipts are required for reimbursement unless you’re using a company credit card. There are bound to be some reimbursable costs and if you don’t submit for payment, you’re throwing money into the wind.
Keep a small notebook for expenses (Staples carries small pads specifically made for this task). Make a list of your outflow (cab fares, meals, printing costs) and keep track of cash spent. Get a receipt for everything and keep them all in the small folder at the back of the notebook. When you return to the office, you can transcribe the list from the notebook to a spreadsheet or whatever form is required by your company.

Being organized can’t keep you from having to travel but it can keep you on track so your work is as polished and proficient as it is at home. Organization can help you to reach new levels of personal and professional success.