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From side hustlers to volunteers — stay organized for tax time

Kara Monroe
5 min readMar 4, 2022

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Photo by Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash

I launched a small business — Monarch Strategies LLC — earlier this year. I have engaged the services of an accountant so when I did my taxes for 2021 a few days ago, I realized it might be the last time that I do my own taxes. Business taxes just feel too overwhelming to me at the moment.

That said, there are still a load of things that I need to do every single day to make tax time easier on me and my accountant. And whether you own a small business, are developing a side hustle, or are just a regular citizen who wants to get the most back on their taxes — here are just a few of my favorite tools — and a few alternate suggestions.

Disclaimer: I am not a lawyer. I am not an accountant. You must consult with your own legal and/or tax professional on whether the thoughts I put here apply to your specific situation.

Tracking Mileage

I’m leading with this one as it applies to nearly everyone. Opening your tax tool or talking with your accountant next February is the wrong time to learn you should have been tracking unreimbursed miles you drive for work (not your commute), miles to and from medical appointments and miles for charity and volunteer work.

My friend Kristen turned me onto the Drivers Note app which makes tracking…

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Kara Monroe
Kara Monroe

Written by Kara Monroe

I am a world traveler, part-time road warrior, and home body all wrapped up in one gadget-loving package. Writer, photographer, chef, and aspiring artist.

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