Tax Season: What Can I Deduct?

Keeping your deductions in a designated folder or box is the first step.

Within this you should keep any business receipts and expenses, donations, mortgage interest rate, property taxes, new car info, energy upgrades for home or office, dependent care information, childcare (including preschool which is 100% tax deductible).

Please feel free to comment and submit any more tax deductions, thanks!

Filing Your Taxes: Income? How Can I Find This On My 1040?

Personally I follow the current 1040 down to the T. I will attach this to my post.
Income is determined from line 7 - line 22. If you have any questions about these items you can refer to the irs.gov or feel free to post any questions on this blog.

Well, that's it for now folks. Hopefully you have your income/ deductions sorted, and now you have an idea of what your income is to the IRS. Next I will cover your deductions.

It's Tax Time! Do you need to file?

It's tax season and whether you have a simple return or one that requires a lot of aspirin, you need to be prepared! Starting out at the beginning of each year with a filing system (that you feel works) will save you hours of stress and not to mention the threat of an audit.  I will cover some simple techniques to put in place to make your life a lot easier.

Even if you don’t have to file for 2012, here are six reasons why you may want to:

1. Federal Income Tax Withheld You should file to get money back if your employer withheld federal income tax from your pay, you made estimated tax payments, or had a prior year overpayment applied to this year’s tax.
   
   
2. Earned Income Tax Credit You may qualify for EITC if you worked, but did not earn a lot of money. EITC is a refundable tax credit; which means you could qualify for a tax refund. To get the credit you must file a return and claim it.
   
   
3. Additional Child Tax Credit This refundable credit may be available if you have at least one qualifying child and you did not get the full amount of the Child Tax Credit.
   
   
4. American Opportunity Credit Students in their first four years of postsecondary education may qualify for as much as $2,500 through this credit. Forty percent of the credit is refundable so even those who owe no tax can get up to $1,000 of the credit as cash back for each eligible student.
   
   
5. Adoption Credit You may be able to claim a refundable tax credit for qualified expenses you paid to adopt an eligible child.
   
   
6. Health Coverage Tax Credit  Certain individuals who are receiving Trade Adjustment Assistance, Reemployment Trade Adjustment Assistance, Alternative Trade Adjustment Assistance or pension benefit payments from the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation, may be eligible for a 2012 Health Coverage Tax Credit.

I will begin to cover organizing techniques in my next chapter.

Swiffer vs Bona Kemi

I was a swiffer girl until a couple of years ago I found out about the bona kemi system for hardwood and tile floors. Not only is the product amazingly easy to use, but it is streakless and dries fast. I love LOVE love the attachable pads, every variety. The big fluffy one is a GREAT one to use for pet hair on hardwood and tile.
It works way better than the "swiffer" brand as far as collecting fur and coverage, and it's completely washable -saving our earth and money at the same time. Two thumbs up for this system you can find it at any home depot, bed bath and beyond, online and more ... a bit pricey but worth every penny.

I have had mine for two years and it has not broken.

Any other good floor cleaning products out there? Do you like swiffer better? Do you hate bona kemi and want to rant? Please comment on this blog if you care to share.

Seriously gross, but real. What to do? Pet Accidents.

Growl.

I literally just came home and found a " #2 present" on OF COURSE the white carpet.
All of our pets love to regress on the beloved white carpet. Sigh.

What I always do is an immediate spot clean. I like to use natures miracle which isn't cheap but highly effective and you can find it online and in pet stores. A good soaking will do and then throw many paper towels over it. With gloves, remove and dispose of the paper towels. Next blot like crazy. Blot like your life depended on it. Take that paper towel and push it down as hard as you can, but don't rub.
Have your carpets professionally cleaned regularly. My favorite carpet guy in the Bay Area is Rob Geen of R&A Dynasty. This guy is amazing, I use him myself. 

Whatever you do, don't just walk by your house and ignore a pile or piddle. It will only begin to smell worse and your carpet will be damaged. Not to mention unsanitary, unsightly, and a great excuse for your pet to use the same spot. Don't let your house become a pet potty, your home is your sacred space and has to be treated as such for you to feel better.

That's it for now folks, until next time. And there will be a next time for this one.

Rachel Seavey, Professional Organizer
I am located in Pleasanton Ca, and serve the San Francisco Bay Area.
I specialize in Hoarding Disorder, Chronic Disorganization and helping the overwhelmed with clutter. I love what I do, and I provide realistic expectations and timelines. Don't suffer in chaos any  more. Every breath is a new beginning! Please visit my site at www.collectorcare.com
Tweet me on Twitter : Like my Facebook page : Find me on Pinterest

3 Tips On Maintaining A House With Pets - Pet Hair

Are you swimming in a sea of pet hair?
Does your pet's shedding leave unsightly hair on your clothing?

Below are tips that I personally use to keep the pet hair and dander under control!

1. Vacuum everyday. It's good exercise, and it will save you time ahead with unsightly pet hair on the floor and on your clothes. If you have allergies, this will help with less dander in the house.
2. Brushing your pets - outside and often - is a great way to not bring new fur into the home. Not to mention what pet doesn't love being groomed? I love the Petzoom personally - you can find it in stores or online.
3. Invest in at least three tape rollers for hair. One for at home, one for the car and one for work or emergencies.

Rachel Seavey, Professional Organizer
I am located in Pleasanton Ca, and serve the San Francisco Bay Area.
I specialize in Hoarding Disorder, Chronic Disorganization and helping the overwhelmed with clutter. I love what I do, and I provide realistic expectations and timelines. Don't suffer in chaos any  more. Every breath is a new beginning! Please visit my site at www.collectorcare.com
Tweet me on Twitter : Like my Facebook page : Find me on Pinterest

WELCOME TO COLLECTOR CARE'S BLOG

My name is Rachel Seavey and I work in and around Pleasanton California.
I specialize in hoarding disorder and chronic disorganization. Are you feeling overwhelmed? I will assess your situation and provide you with honest timelines and expectations at a reasonable rate. Together we will tackle the clutter and free your mind. You deserve it.

Welcome to my blog. I decided to start my new organizing business last year. I thought it should include a blog with my thoughts and interests om personal organizing.

Rachel Seavey, Professional Organizer
I am located in Pleasanton Ca, and serve the San Francisco Bay Area.
I specialize in Hoarding Disorder, Chronic Disorganization and helping the overwhelmed with clutter. I love what I do, and I provide realistic expectations and timelines. Don't suffer in chaos any  more. Every breath is a new beginning! Please visit my site at www.collectorcare.com
Tweet me on Twitter : Like my Facebook page : Find me on Pinterest