Simplify your life with good recordkeeping

Did the April 15 tax filing deadline fill you with dread?  Was the prospect of a tax refund check overshadowed by the misery of pulling together your tax records?  Here are a few basic steps you can take to simplify your recordkeeping.

• Keep records as you go through the year, rather than trying to remember and organize 12 months' worth of activity in January or February of next year.

• Color code your checkbook register.  At the end of each month, go through your check register and highlight any charitable contributions with a colored marker.  If you deduct miscellaneous business expenses, mark those in a different color.  Use a third color if you write checks for property taxes or other deductible taxes.

• Get organized. Buy a multi-pocket folder.  Label the pockets for different categories of deductible expenses and use this folder to store receipts as you accumulate them.  Set up file folders to hold the tax-related papers you receive, such as investment statements, reports on your mortgage, and year-end tax forms.

• Keep track of deductible mileage.  Buy an inexpensive car mileage log and get in the habit of writing down trips for charitable, medical, or business purposes.

If you really want to improve your recordkeeping, you can use a computer program that provides detailed reports for the various tax-related categories.  But even if you don't go that far, following the simple steps above should make next year's tax season a little easier.