Wednesday, April 9, 2014

Tax Season Tips & #Giveaway from Master Lock




On average, Americans spend 13 hours filing their taxes -- nearly half of that time devoted to record keeping to complete the tax filing process*. Today Master Lock is providing consumers with advice to make filing less taxing this year. As an added bonus, consumers across the U.S. and Canada are invited to register for a Master Lock Vault® account -- a safe and secure online storage and organization system -- and submit an entry for a chance to win one of five, $1,000 prizes in the Master Lock "Tax Relief Rewards" Sweepstakes.

Follow these five tips to help you get organized to file your taxes this season:

1. Get your wages in order. When the new year rolls around, begin thinking about your past year's employment. Whether you're self-employed, an independent contractor or an employee, there are certain forms you need to submit to properly file your income.

Employers are required to provide all employees a Form W-2 showing how much was earned, how much was taxable and what taxes were withheld from your wages. If you have more than one job, a Form W-2 is required from each employer. However, if you're an independent contractor a Form 1099 is required from companies you worked for to show gross earnings. Those who are self-employed require a bit more work. Before filing, make sure all receipts and documentation for business-related expenses are in order -- mileage records, office equipment and supplies, utility bills, etc.

2. Go digital. Avoid the mess of a mound of paperwork from income wages, to auto and home loans, gifts to charity and more by storing -- and organizing -- all of your tax-related documents digitally. Scan documents and upload as you go through your paperwork, then shred and recycle the hard copies. Even if you opt to keep hard copies, a digital back-up is an important safeguard should your paper documents ever be lost, misplaced, stolen or damaged.

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. 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 Master Lock Vault so you'll never have to worry about forgetting your username or password.

3. Devise a filing system. Whether you've upgraded to a digital storage solution or are preparing your hard copies for the switch, it's important to decide how to group your paperwork and documents together -- digitally or physically.

It's helpful to group all income statements, documents and necessary forms together as well as paid invoices or other evidence of income. Next, all your deductions should be stored in one place -- mortgage interest payments, property taxes, charitable gifts and medical bills. Finally, keep track of and file or scan all receipts in one place and organize your receipts by type, for example: bills, travel, utilities, insurance, fuel costs, etc. Most importantly, once you devise a filing system, remember to do the easiest thing -- use it!

4. Decide how to file. If you choose to do your own taxes, deciding on a software service can be difficult, and for married or recently married couples, deciding to file jointly or separately can be a hard decision. However, one of the more important decisions is whether or not to electronically file.
With U.S. e-filing becoming more and more popular, faster, safer and generally more convenient than paper, the biggest benefit to electronic filing is that you will receive a confirmation within 24 hours that the IRS has received your tax return. The confirmation can give many taxpayers a sigh of relief knowing that the IRS has received it, accepted it and is beginning to process your paperwork. If something goes wrong, a rejection will be sent within 24 hours and will tell you how to fix it. What's more is that when you electronically file, the IRS issues refunds within 21 days if you're eligible for one.

For more information on how to electronically file, visit: http://www.irs.gov/Filing.

5. Prepare for next year. Once you've nailed down a filing system, remember to think taxes year-round. It's much easier to pick up already-filed papers or digital folder than go through billing statements, piles of papers and online accounts to gather your documents for next year.
It's also important to keep up with changes in tax laws for the new tax year to ensure your documents are in line. If you use a tax preparer, now might be the time to discuss where you could net out next year. Changes in marital status or dependents may impact what you could expect to pay or receive as a refund next year, and if you're self-employed or handle accounting for a business, now might be the time to make a major purchase or sell equipment.


Master Lock "Tax Relief Rewards" Sweepstakes
An added bonus of utilizing the Master Lock Vault to organize the tax filing process this year is the chance to win $1,000 which can be used to supplement your tax refund, or help ease the burden of additional taxes owed. To enter, new users can register for a Master Lock Vault account at www.MasterLockVault.com. Once the account has been activated, users will receive an email containing the sweepstakes entry form. Existing Master Lock Vault users who have opted in for brand communications will receive an email with the sweepstakes entry form once the sweepstakes kicks off March 17. One entry will be accepted per person through April 16, when the sweepstakes closes, and five winners will be drawn at random.



The Giveaway

One lucky winner is going to receive a Master Lock 7148D Document Storage BoxTo enter just fill out the rafflecopter form below Open to the US only. This giveaway will end on 4/29/14 at 12:01 am EST. The winner will be notified via email and will have 48 hours to reply. Thanks again to Master Lock  for offering this fantastic prize.


 a Rafflecopter giveaway


72 comments:

Darlene Jones-Nelson said...

I like the Covered Laminated Padlocks

Anne said...

We could use the No. 8428DPS Motorcycle Lock, both on the motorcycle and the bicycle.

Unknown said...

I would also like to have the Set-Your-Own-Combination Portable Safe.

Marti Tabora said...

I love the 5900DPNK Portable Safe. It would definitely come in handy for small items and cash.

deb c said...

I like the VEHICLE SECURITY - NO. 238DAT

Katie Amanda said...

I like the backpack lock.

An Apel a Day said...

I like: Storage Security - No. 7149D

thscar said...

I could use the portable safe.

Kristie said...

I like the portable safe

rochelle said...

her is where your buttonhttps://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=657410147648291&set=a.112642752125036.21277.100001379346111&type=1&stream_ref=10 is

rochelle said...

I like this STORAGE SECURITY - NO. 7149D

Michele P. said...

Storage Security - No. 7147D the cash box is nice!

Unknown said...

I like the Hidden Shackle padlocks. Interesting design and looks really secure if it will fit on what you are locking up

fearless_fallen_angel said...

the motorcycle lock

Sandy Cain said...

I like the Covered Laminated Padlock (#6127KALJ) - made to be outdoors, and won't rust or get ruined in the weather.

Unknown said...

I love the backpack locks

Kimberly said...

I like the Masterlock BackPack locks

Anonymous said...

I would like to have the Storage Security to hold all of my important papers.

latanya t said...

Heavy duty 730-count rekeyable key cabinet

Unknown said...

The backpack locks are awesome!

Unknown said...

I could really use the backpack lock

Nancy Loring said...

My kids could definitely use back back locks. They keep expensive electronics in their backpacks and they leave them unattended all the time,

Kitty Iecvan said...

I like the Cables - No. 72DPF.

missreneer said...

I would love the Backpack Locks - No. 1547DCM for my kids and husband. Thanks for the awesome giveaway :)

Renee
fattybumpkins at yahoo dot com

DesiredOne said...

I like the computer Security Locks.

BowieTip said...

I like the Bike Lock, cause it is simulare to the handcuffs used by Harry Houdini.

Hope to win!

peg42 said...

I also like the MasterLock Deadbolts. Thanks so much.
rickpeggysmith(at)aol(dot)com

jlee said...

I'd love to win any of the bike locks!

Anonymous said...

I like the backpack lock.
Holly W

Debra Guillen said...

I like the backpack locks

mogrill said...

The bike locks are very cool.

Marysa said...

I like combo lock 1534DPNK!

Unknown said...

i like the Covered Laminated Padlocks 6127KALJ for my house

nickieisis3 said...

I like the backpack lock.

Carolyn Daley said...

I like the Luggage Locks 4689Q in blue.

Unknown said...

The backpack lock would come in handy!

Unknown said...

I would love the Built-In Combination Locks

1690MDPRP

littlebevi said...

I llike the gun locks.

heymissvirginia said...

I would love to have the Cable Locks - No. 8413KA for our lawn mower.
heymissvirginia at embarqmail dot com

Anonymous said...

I would like their Covered Solid Body Padlocks

146D

mecarolks said...

I would also like to have the Set-Your-Own-Combination Portable Safe.

Robin T said...

I would like to get the Vehicle Security - No. 252DAT

rtrexel@gmail.com

Erica C. said...

I like the handcuff bike locks.

Anonymous said...

I like their bike lock (8174DLWPF).

Alyx said...

I like the backpack locks!!

Ronda Patrick said...

I love the Cable Locks, they are great for locking up your bicycle so noone can steal it! :)

sarah said...

I like the Key storage box - handy for keeping track of spares!

Sky Evans said...

I like Built-In Combination Locks

Anonymous said...

I like the backpack locks!!

Charlene S. said...

I like the Backpack Locks - No. 1547DCM

Francine Anchondo said...

VEHICLE SECURITY - NO. 238DAT

SexyBrat said...

I like the Backpack Locks.

Unknown said...

i like their back pack locks.i take a back pack to work with the clothes i may need for rain,snow.ect and i have other things in there and i like to lock it up i cant watch it all the time an dyou know how people are any morel.

cheryle936 said...

I would love to have the Built-in Key Locks.

Unknown said...

I like the bike locks. Ive needed one for quite some time.

Tamar said...

I like the portable safe.

Karrie said...

I love the Compact Lockout Stations

jjspat said...


Adjustable Locking Cables are my fav..... fingers crossed

Sky Evans said...

I like their bike locks!

Unknown said...

I'd love to have the Combination Padlocks from Master Lock. I deal with too many keys.

bbrittbrat1398 said...

I like the portable safe.
Brittney House BBrittBrat1398@yahoo.com

Melanie Montgomery said...

I like the backpack lock!

Jennifer M said...

I like the Backpack locks!

susansmoaks said...

i like the Hidden Shackle padlocks

Clair Shumack said...

I really like the personal safe!

lmurley2000 said...

I would like to have the Storage Security

lmurley2000@yahoo.com

Kathy P said...

I like the
Bike Locks - No. 8118DPF

Brian E. said...

Thanks for the giveaway…we like the Storage Security - No. 5408DCAMO / Portable Camo Mini safe

Rafflecopter: Bryan E.

Nine said...

I liked the bicycle lock. lexbaylor27 at gmail dot com

Buddy Garrett said...

I love the Combination Padlock 1174.

tina reynolds said...

I really like the looks of the portable safe like it comes in different colors

Melanie C said...

I would also love the computer lock
Storage Security - No. 2120DWD from them!