News Release

It's tax time again and for many that is synonymous with headache time. Possible reasons that tax season is so stressful for so many include things like disorganization of records, fear that additional taxes will have to be paid or that an audit might be made, or resentment at having to pay so much in taxes. These are fairly common concerns, but with a little effort they can be managed.

To unpile some of those stressful feelings that may occur between now and April 15, consider applying some of the following proven strategies.

• Get all your business and tax records organized and develop a system for keeping them organized for future years.
• Avoid procrastination. Start early on tax preparation (like now). Not only will you remove the stressor sooner, you will have a little time to develop a game plan for paying those additional taxes if you owe any. Plus, if you finish and file early, you may get that refund more quickly ­ and if you don't finish "on time," you'll still have a grace period until the true deadline arrives.
• Set aside a specific area for tax preparation: an area with lots of light, lots of space,and no distractions. Be sure you've got PLENTY of room to spread out and organize your work. Try playing soothing music in the background to help keep stress levels down.
• Divide and Conquer. Don't try to do everything all at once.
• Plan ahead: tackle your taxes in a minimum of three separate sessions to avoid that sense of being overwhelmed. Choose a logical stopping point, pack everything up neatly and don't even think about taxes again until your next scheduled work session.
• Get Comfortable. Before sitting down with your tax forms, dress in comfortable clothes and have a cool beverage on hand. Don't try to work if you're hungry or tired.
• Sort before you start. Don't put a pencil to paper or fingers to keyboard until you've got all your paperwork in order. Create clearly labeled folders to hold all the information you're going to need to refer to such as income reports from wages, Social Security, interest, gambling, rent, property sales etc.; cancelled checks and bank statements; credit card statements; charitable contributions; automobile use logs; investment activities and receipts, sorted by type of expense.
• If you prepare your own taxes and you use a computer, consider buying one of the tax­preparation software programs. They are fairly inexpensive and the program walks you through your tax returns with a series of questions that makes it a relatively painless process. Another approach is to use a tax­preparation service in your community. Take your records to a professional tax­preparer and let them get the headache.

More generally, practice good self­care techniques, especially during periods of highstress. For example, learn to slow down. Take time for yourself. Get regular physical exercise, such as a brisk 20­minute walk 3­5 times a week. Relaxation and quality sleep helps prepare your body and mind for the demands placed upon you. Breathe! Deep breathing supplies more oxygen to the brain, relaxes your body,and can help you concentrate. Eat well­balanced, nutritious meals. Don't worry needlessly. Worry by itself won't solve your problems. Worry just long enough to develop a plan of action and then start to work on the plan. Know your limits and learn to say "No" to some requests. Choose to be happy. Laugh and you'll release endorphins that can reduce tension and increase your overall sense of well­being. Spend time with family and friends. Social support is healthy and can reduce stress. Get in touch with your spiritual nature. Take life one day at a time. Talk about your troubles with trusted friends, or perhaps with a professional counselor or clergyperson.

For more information, contact Glennie C Beasley, Extension Agent, Family and Consumer Education