How to Keep your Documents Organized, Year-long

May 15, 2017

When it comes to filing taxes in April, one thing that will make it ten times easier is document organization. As opposed to scrambling last minute for any necessary tax papers, why not practice continual file upkeep and management throughout the year? Here are some organizational tips that will help you keep your documents organized, year-long.

Create a Habit

Put all important papers in a drawer or filing bin and then at the end of the week take some time to properly file what’s important and also digitally scan what absolutely must have a back-up. It will take some time to get this habit going, but the secret to creating a new, good habit is consistency. Set an alarm on your cell phone to re-occur the same time every week so you’re sure to get this done.

Get Colorful

Colored labels will help you visually see the differences between each folder. It will also help you categorize your folders by color if you want to get super-organized. You could make your tax documents red, your payroll documents green, and so on. At the very least, the different colored labels will make it much easier on your eyes to navigate. Over time you’ll find it much easier to retrieve frequently used files due to color recognition.

Get a Good Filing Cabinet

Don’t go out and purchase the cheapest file cabinet you can find; you’ll soon regret doing so. The drawers will get stuck as you start adding heavier files and the drawers will undoubtedly squeak, over time you’ll find ways to even avoid using the file cabinet altogether! Consider spending a little more for file cabinets that offer added levels of security which are, without a doubt, important to possess such as locking drawers and fire-proof features.

Avoid Being too Specific

When creating labels or filing documents, it’s important you don’t get too specific. As opposed to creating a folder just for documents related to things like Mount Dora, FL Asset Management, try and get a bit more broad with your filing such as folders for asset management, or bookkeeping. If you get too specific with your labels and categories you’ll end up with more folders than files and you’ll never be able to find what you want because you can’t remember what you filed it under.

Relate CPA, is a Mount Dora tax accountant and CPA firm with the skills and experience to ensure your finance and accounting needs are met with accuracy and efficiency. For more information on our business CPA services, or for more help with getting your paperwork organized in preparation for tax season, give us a call at 352-720-0321 or fill out the form on our website, today!