How to Organize Your Tax Papers

Organizing your tax papers throughout the year can save you time and decrease stress when it comes to filing your taxes or sending your tax documents to a CPA. Here are some supplies that I recommend to help you get started:

• File box

• Label maker

• File folders

• Hanging file folders

Once you have your supplies, dedicate the file box solely for the use of tax documents, so you stay organized over time. Use the label maker to make a label for the front of the file box that says, “Taxes,” so you and the rest of your family know what’s inside.

Then, use the label maker to print off labels for the tax year and stick it to the tab on the hanging file folder, i.e. – “Taxes 2024.” Next, print off these 5 labels and stick them on the file folders:

1. Income – 1099s, W-2s, federal/state tax refund statements

2. Expenses – receipts for supplies, meals with clients, travel

3. House – property tax statements, renovation receipts

4. Childcare – receipts for daycare and summer camps

5. Donations – receipts for cash and non-cash donations

The last step is to place the 5 file folders into the hanging file folder that you just created, i.e. – “Taxes 2024.” Now your tax papers have a home where you can put them as you receive them throughout the year.

​Thank you for inviting me into your homes, lives, & hearts.

​xo,
Sarah Larsen

Home Organizer in Portland, Oregon