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The only thing I dread about the new year is that I know that tax time is coming. I don’t care whether you expect to get a refund or to have to have to pay additional taxes – nobody likes doing their taxes. At least no one I’ve ever met.

Getting organized for tax season

Most of the dread, at least for me has to do with organization. Even though I wasn’t totally on top of my game this past year when it comes to tracking blog income and expenses, I’ve made small improvements every year. Ideally I’d be able to digitally organize everything. I’m not a fan of storing paperwork, so if I can store or track things electronically, I do. But that’s not always possible and as much as I hate paperwork, it wasn’t realistic for me to think that I would be able to scan and file every little piece of information. So this year, with the help of my new DYMO LabelWriter® 450 Value Pack, I developed a new system for keeping my blog financials organized.

#1 Pick a decent label maker

I found my new label maker in Staples on a special display. The DYMO LabelWriter® 450 Value Pack was a great deal compared to some of the other products available because right in the box were four different label sizes including a roll of LW Appointment Card Labels, LW Shipping Labels, LW File Folder Labels and LW Multi-Purpose Labels.

Not only can I label files but I’ll also be able to print address and postage labels without having to buy another thing. With the DYMO, you don’t have to worry about purchasing ink as the unit uses heat to “print” your labels. Gone are the days of fighting with the label sheets and my printer; I love that I can easily print just one label without wasting expensive label sheets. I’m going to have a lot of fun working with the DYMO whether I’m creating address labels with one of the 60+ label styles and layouts or printing crystal clear barcodes thanks to the 600 x 300 dpi resolution all while saving time and money.

I may not be the most organized person in the world but I am an expert procrastinator. The DYMO is going to help keep me from procrastinating and in the long run help me save time preparing my taxes.

#2 Choose your file storage method

While there, I also snagged an accordion file. I prefer pockets to file folders because they help keep little items like receipts in order. This particular one will stand upright on my desk and it features a super cute pattern so I can leave it out and it adds to the decor.

#3 Decide on file categories

I labeled each section to keep it easier to file and store any documents I might need to save for my taxes. Pick and choose what sections you might need based on the logistics of your business and how you run it.

I still keep track of my sponsored post income and strategies digitally, but I love this no nonsense approach to filing paperwork. After I file this year, I’ll use my new file folder for my 2016 taxes and so on.

#4 Keep up with your filing

None of this will help if you don’t keep it organized. Do whatever you have to do to ensure that you don’t abandon your filing system or you’ll end up on a wild goose chase come tax time at the end of the year. I like to set reminders for myself on my phone. Another idea is to choose one day a month to get everything in order.

The DYMO LabelWriter® 450 Value Pack is now free when you purchase 4 LabelWriter label rolls! Check out how others are using the DYMO LabelWriter® 450 and get inspired. Find a Staples store near you that carries the Value Pack to get started on your own organization project.

How do you keep your financials organized for tax time?