It's coming. Tax day is less than a week away and if you are like me than you probably have done your taxes already. I don't like to wait until the last minute so our taxes are typically done one month prior to the deadline. This is probably because we don't usually owe money, but rather we see a nice refund and it is like Christmas every time tax season rolls around. :) This year we actually got back a nice amount and it all went into our savings account. Buying a house can really drain your bank account so it is nice to have some of that money replaced. This tax season, Master Lock has some really great tips to help you quickly and easily prepare for tax time! Here are their handy tips that I hope will get you headed in the right direction this year.
1. Request electronic copies of your tax forms. Many employers offer employees the option to receive their W-2 forms electronically, instead of by mail. By eliminating the risk of postal delays or missed deliveries, this ensures that your W-2 will be delivered securely as soon as it is available. Plus, faster W-2s can mean faster tax returns.

2. Securely store documents online. Avoid the mess of a mound of paperwork by storing – and organizing – all of your tax-related documents online. By utilizing a free, secure service such as the Master Lock Vault (www.masterlockvault.com) you’ll have easy access to all of your files wherever you are and help ensure that none of your paper documents will ever be lost, misplaced, stolen or damaged. Not only can you upload PDF forms, but you can upload photos from your phone of important receipts and expenses for your records. All data is instantly synchronized between the website and the App.  Bonus: securely store log-in information for your bank accounts and tax filing site in the Vault so you’ll never have to worry about forgetting your username or password.

3. Think taxes year-round. Don’t wait until you’re ready to file your taxes to start collecting and organizing the supporting documents you’ll need to complete your return. Avoid the scramble by capturing and uploading a digital image of your receipt each time you pay the babysitter or have a tax deductible transaction, fill a prescription at the pharmacy, or make a charitable contribution such as dropping off a clothing donation to your local thrift store.

4. Opt for direct deposit. If you’ve done everything else online, why request a hard-copy check when it comes time to claim your refund? When combined with electronic filing, direct deposit is the fastest way to get your refund. If you’re on the other side of the spectrum and find that you owe taxes, opt to pay online and you can avoid the long tax-season lines at the post office.

5. Call for help. Sometimes, outside advice is necessary, and you can now get the help you need without leaving home. Based on the complexity of your question, there are a variety of resources to turn to. For example, the IRS offers a toll-free hotline for tax questions during weekdays. Several tax-prep software providers also offer guidance via online forums or on their social media feeds.

For me, I think we really have our deductions in the right places, which really helps with getting a nice return. (That, and our three little tax deductions that keep me hopping all day long...LOL!) Also, I would LOVE to start keeping our records electronically as I think that would keep the paper stacks a bit smaller. I always have a huge pile of papers to file and this would certainly help keep things in better order.
If you don't want to go the electronic route though, Master Lock has a really nice Storage Security File Box that would still keep you organized...and secure.
So, for this review I was sent one a Storage Security File Box (No. 7148D) and it is wonderful! I am a file box nut so I have about three HUGE file boxes full of records, important papers, receipts and owner's manuals. I don't have a box like this one yet!!
As you can see, the design is simple and non-complicated. The dimensions are 6" (15.2cm) x 13-1/2" (34.3cm) x 10-1/2" (26.7cm) and so it is the perfect size for file folders...and even taller documents. However, the width is the exact size of a file folder so super long documents will not fit unless you fold them. Most of your documents will be the size of this box so that will rarely be an issue.
The inside of this Security File Box is very roomy and will hold quite a few folders, which is nice. It also has tracks for the file folders to hang on as well. This is a LOCKING File Box and it comes with two keys. Sometimes you have some things (not always papers) that need to be locked up and this is a great way to do that.
One of the features that I love is one that is taken for granted but is very necessary...a carry handle. I am planning to use this for my "documents to file" box and so I will be carrying it back and forth to my large file boxes and this handle will come in handy.
So, if you are looking for a fantastic way to keep all your tax documents organized and easily accessible. I love how Master Lock makes it simple to store my important papers securely and all in one place. Easy is GOOD! The Master Lock Storage Security File Box retails for $21.09.

As an added perk to being a fan of Master Lock, you can enter their Tax Relief Sweepstakes! Here are those details:
As the deadline to file 2012 taxes approaches, Master Lock is rewarding Vault users with the chance to win $1,000 with the Master Lock “Tax Relief Rewards” Sweepstakes. Any registered Vault users by April 16 are eligible. Use the Vault as a secure digital storage and organization system for important tax documents for help with your filing. You can click HERE to enter! Hope one of you wins!!!!!!!!

So, in my opinion...Master Lock's Storage Security File Box is wonderful! I love how it will work well for me in the area of storing my papers that are needing to be filed in their permanent place. Right now, I have a pile that is just sitting on a shelf that is waiting to be filed. This box keeps it all hidden until it is filed! I would definitely recommend this product to anyone..whether you are preparing for tax season or have finished your taxes and are looking for a safe place to store your records.
Master Lock has offered to giveaway a Storage Security File Box to one of you! Here are your entry options...
a Rafflecopter giveaway