Whether you prepare your own returns or have someone else do them, you can make tax season a little less taxing by getting organized.

Make use of your resources — Utilize the Internet’s free services. Countless articles on organization as well as free downloadable tax organizers are available that will guide you through the beginning stages of preparing tax papers. Also, a wealth of information is available on the IRS Web site at

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While gathering all the documents necessary to file tax work, make notes of which steps are the most time consuming. Pay close attention to organizing those areas to make filing next year a breeze.

Copy and secure — As soon as your paperwork is prepared and ready to be filed, make a copy along with all the supporting documentation. Most records only need to be kept for three years, but some documents — such as records relating to a home purchase or sale and stock transactions — should be kept longer, according to the IRS.

After copies have been made, place all documents in a central location that is safe and secure, such as a fire-resistant security safe or filing chest.

For example, one type of fire-resistant security safe allows consumers to keep hanging files neatly organized and accessible while protecting important information from floods, fires and prying eyes. Plus, the purchase price is tax deductible.

Moving forward — To prevent tax organization from being an annual chore, start by designating a place to put bills, receipts and other vital documents.

Then, once a month, go through papers, pay the bills and file the rest. At year’s end, take out what you need and throw away everything else.

Keep important family documents — birth and marriage certificates, Social Security cards and insurance policies — in a safety-deposit box or a fire-resistant safe.

A fire-resistant safe will secure these documents, especially in the case of fire damage or water damage.