• Home
  • Covid
    • Scent Check
  • Facility
    • Cleaning & Breakroom
    • First Aid
    • Healthy Workplaces
    • Keurig
    • Safety Line
    • Saving A Life Is As Easy As AED
  • Furniture
    • Lorell Showroom
    • HON Microsite
    • Gently Used Furniture
    • Accessories
    • Casegoods
    • Conference / Training
    • Display Trophy Cases
    • Education
    • Filing / Storage
    • Healthcare
    • Reception
    • Seating
    • Soft Seating / Lounge
    • Textiles
  • Office
    • Paper
    • Ink >
      • Printing & Technology
      • Elite Toner
    • Back To School
    • Party Supplies
  • Projects
  • Blog
  • Customer Service
  • Careers
  • Catalogs and Flyers
    • Request A Catalog
    • View Catalogs and Flyers
  • Project Management
  • HON Chair Chooser
  • Special Programs
    • Business Offices
    • Government Agencies
    • Health Care
  • Why Buy Twist
Twist Office Partners - Office Supplies, Janitorial, Furniture, Safety, Printing, Breakroom, and More
  • Home
  • Covid
    • Scent Check
  • Facility
    • Cleaning & Breakroom
    • First Aid
    • Healthy Workplaces
    • Keurig
    • Safety Line
    • Saving A Life Is As Easy As AED
  • Furniture
    • Lorell Showroom
    • HON Microsite
    • Gently Used Furniture
    • Accessories
    • Casegoods
    • Conference / Training
    • Display Trophy Cases
    • Education
    • Filing / Storage
    • Healthcare
    • Reception
    • Seating
    • Soft Seating / Lounge
    • Textiles
  • Office
    • Paper
    • Ink >
      • Printing & Technology
      • Elite Toner
    • Back To School
    • Party Supplies
  • Projects
  • Blog
  • Customer Service
  • Careers
  • Catalogs and Flyers
    • Request A Catalog
    • View Catalogs and Flyers
  • Project Management
  • HON Chair Chooser
  • Special Programs
    • Business Offices
    • Government Agencies
    • Health Care
  • Why Buy Twist
Login Cart New Account

​Twisted Pencil Blog

Tax Help Is Here.  Save Time & Money With Our Top Picks

4/13/2017

0 Comments

 
Picture
​Taxes are due April 18th this year - DON'T FORGET! 

Once your taxes are done, take these final steps for a successful season:
  1. Use trusted Hammermill paper to print out a copy to archive for your records.
  2. Gather all supporting documents and receipts and store with Smead or Business Source file folders.
  3. Secure your files in a dedicated Bankers Storage Box.
  4. Use Avery labels on the box to display the tax year for easy reference.
That's not all! Save time and money next year by using smartphone apps to your advantage! Use the Twist Top Picks below to help track mileage, revenues, expenses, and more to keep tabs on your financial pulse
Picture
​IRS2GO
Check your refund status, make a payment, find free tax preparation assistance, sign up for helpful tax tips, and follow the IRS on Twitter, Tumblr, and YouTube - all in the latest version of IRS2Go. Available via Google Play and iTunes.


Picture
ItsDeductible Charity Donation Tracker
ItsDeductible is an easy way to keep track of your donations and get back the maximum deductions you deserve for your charitable acts. Now owned by Turbo Tax. 
Available via iTunes.
​

Picture
​MileIQ App
Whether you are traveling for business, medical, or charitable purposes, it can be hard to remember to write down your mileage. MileIQ lets you track your mileage quickly and easily with automatic tracking and provides a record of past trips.Available via Google Play and iTunes.

Picture
QuickBooks Self-Employed: Track Mileage, Invoices
QuickBooks Self-Employed finds tax deductions and keeps your finances organized by categorizing your business expenses, automatically tracking mileage, and attaching receipts to business expenses. Available via Google Play and iTunes

Picture
​GoDaddy Bookkeeping (formerly Outright)
GoDaddy Bookkeeping syncs your bank account, PayPal, Amazon account, etc and the transactions are automatically pulled in to your account. So, you don’t have complex adding or importing transactions. Available via Google Play and iTunes.

Picture
​Freshbooks Cloud Accounting App
Simply take a picture of your receipts, create client invoices, and follow up on payments, right from the app. Plus, you can print month-end reports and review financial income, expenses and more. You can even give your accountant a separate login (with restricted access) so they can get all the info they need. Available via Google Play and iTunes.

0 Comments

​Three Ways to Be More Organized This Tax Season

1/17/2017

0 Comments

 
Picture
Blog post originally posted on Avery's website HERE. Links below have been changed to order your supplies direct from Twist.

It’s the start of a new year. A sense of optimism and renewal is in the air. But those pleasant feelings can fade away once those pesky reminders that tax season isn’t far away start to invade your mailbox – such as W-2, 1099-INT, 1099-DIV, and 1099-MISC forms.

While you can’t avoid tax season, you can make it less stressful through better organization. So, let’s look at some quick ways to do that.


1) Be kind to your eyes with clearly identifiable folders

It’s frustrating enough dealing with taxes. Don’t compound matters with folders that feature indistinguishable labels and indecipherable handwriting.

With bright, distinctive colors, Avery Removable File Folder Labels help your folders stand out, and make it easier to put your tax records and receipts into the correct folders. Clearly marked labels can speed the file-sorting process and promote accuracy.

Plus, it’s a snap to create easy-to-read labels with customized categories exactly the way you want them. Just use the free label templates available on Avery Design & Print Online. Then print, peel and stick.

Want to feel really organized? Color code the folders to keep related tax records together. For example, use green for banking and financial records and red for medical receipts.

2) Keep your mind on track with reusable calendars

On the way to April 15th, you’ll have some important dates or goals to keep in mind. These could include:
-  Deadlines to receive forms from employers and financial institutions
-  Personal deadlines for organizing or preparing tax paperwork
-  Meetings with your tax preparer
-  Filing for an extension
-  Signing and mailing your return

Dry Erase Calendars are perfect for this! Choose your favorite and then use Avery Dry Erase Markers to write down your tax-related dates. Afterward, simply erase your notes with a quick swipe – and enjoy a clean calendar month after month.

3) Snap your paperwork into place

Avery Heavy-Duty Binders are a home safety deposit box for all your tax paperwork. Organize information into categories with Avery Dividers. For small, loose items such as receipts, tuck them into three-hole punched Avery Sheet Protectors for safekeeping. For paperwork that needs your immediate attention, use the spacious pockets inside the cover to hold records, forms and notifications. Be sure to include the tax year into the spine holder for easy reference. And keep copies of your return in the binder, so you can refer to them next tax season.

Chances are you’ll never look forward to tax season. But you might be surprised at how a little more organization can make you feel less overwhelmed by the tax preparation process.
0 Comments

5 tax tips for small businesses

2/29/2016

1 Comment

 
Picture

Make tax time easier when you follow these year-round guidelines:

  1. Consider hiring an internal bookkeeper or an outside accounting firm.  If you are not a tax whiz, your investment in an expert can save time, money and headaches.  Professional fees are often tax deductible, too.

  2. Keep Records...and keep them organized.  Hang onto expense receipts and other documents that you will need for tax time, and organize them by month, throughout the year.

  3. Often, start-up expenses, equipment, software and other business needs are tax deductible.

  4. Business travel is usually deductible, too.  Even if you spend part of your vacation doing business, a percentage of your expense can usually be deducted.
    ​
  5. Even entertainment can be a deduction.  When you entertain clients, it is considered a business expense.  For these and other tax opportunities, document all your business expenses with receipts and records, and ask your tax pro for advice on what rules pertain to your particular situation. 
1 Comment

Quick Tax Tips for Last-Minute Filers

3/24/2015

0 Comments

 
By Avery Products Corporation
Picture

Haven’t filed your taxes yet? Neither have about 25% of other taxpayers. So, chin up. Take a deep breath. Then power through the process with these last-minute tax tips—and a little help from Avery.

Focus. Feel sharpest at a certain time of the day? Tax preparation requires concentration. And that’s especially true when you’re under pressure. So, work on your return when you’re peaking mentally. Snack on foods that fuel mental agility (such as almonds or walnuts), or boost your energy with a cup of green tea or coffee.

Gather that paperwork. Yes, it’s a pain. But, working on your return without first having all the necessary paperwork only makes the process longer. So, find whatever you need—which could include Forms W2, 1099-INT and 1098, as well as receipts for business, medical, real estate tax and charitable contribution payments. Use last year’s tax return to guide you. Make sure to only submit the forms and schedules the IRS requires.

Make organizing easier. Simplify the process of sorting paperwork by using different file folders for categories such as income statements, deductible expenses and investment information using Avery File Folder Labels.

Double-check your Social Security number. Believe it or not, many people incorrectly enter their Social Security number. This confuses the IRS—never a good thing. Besides, you’ll need an accurate Social Security number to qualify for credits, exemptions and deductions.

Make last-minute contributions. Many contributions must be made by December 31st of the previous year. But, you can often sneak in some tax-deductible contributions—such as IRA or Health Savings Account payments—before the April 15th deadline, and lower your tax burden. Check with your tax professional for more information.

Itemize. It’s tempting to just take your standard deduction when playing beat-the-clock with the IRS. But, itemizing could result in huge savings, especially if you’ve made large charitable, medical or real estate tax payments.

Sign the return. Sounds simple, right? Believe it or not, many taxpayers forget to sign and date their return. And that’s a problem. The IRS views an unsigned return as being invalid.

File electronically. Tax software speeds the preparation process, provides reminders about eligible deductions and catches most math mistakes. Many tax preparation companies offer free e-filings for basic returns, and the IRS provides free tax software to individuals who earn less than $60,000.

Ask for more time. Sometimes the smartest move is to request an extension. It’s better than rushing through your return, forgetting valuable deductions, overlooking required paperwork or making silly math errors. Filing Form 4868 usually gives you another six months to get your act together. You can also avoid late-payment penalties and possible interest charges by paying at least 90% of the estimated amount you owe. Can’t afford to do that? File for the extension, pay as much as you can and then set up a payment plan with the IRS.

Store in a safe place. Once your taxes have been filed, hold onto that paperwork. Keep your tax files in a protective storage container for future reference. Indicate what’s inside the container with Avery Full-Sheet Labels so they’re easy to identify at a glance. Use the free pre-designed templates on Avery Design & Print to create custom labels right from your printer in no time.

While Avery can’t figure your taxes for you, we can make the filing process simpler this year—and beyond. But don’t be too hard on yourself for being a tax procrastinator. It’s a busy world, and preparing your taxes may not be a priority for you. And, take solace knowing you have plenty of company. Just apply these tips to make the job a little easier…and then reward yourself when you’re finished!
0 Comments

Beware - it's Tax Time

1/17/2014

0 Comments

 
You're not the only one who's busy at year end. With tax season upon us, scammers are working overtime to create new, slicker ways to trick you into divulging personal data in order to steal your money and identity. Watch out for these popular tricks aimed at catching you off guard.

 Email scams
Email scams take many forms, but the best ones come from email addresses that sound legitimate like service@irs.gov or tax-refund@irs.gov. They use the IRS logo with names and signatures of actual IRS executives. If you click on a link within the email, it takes you to a site that looks just like the official IRS website and asks you to provide personal information such as name, address, bank account number, PIN, social security number, or even your mother's maiden name or your place of birth. Often the emails contain misspellings or ungrammatical phrasing common to non-native English speakers, a red flag that it originates overseas. Some of the specific hooks they use to trick you include...

1. Economic Stimulus. The fraudster claims the government has just announced a new, easier way to receive refunds as part of the Economic Stimulus program. To take advantage of it, all you need to do is have your refund direct deposited through an online form. It adds a sense of urgency by saying refunds will be delayed if the online form is not completed by a certain date.
2. Take the survey. In this scam, you're invited to participate in an IRS customer satisfaction survey that pays you $80. It starts with standard questions but ends with asking for your account details so they can credit you the $80.
3. Return errors. This email states that your return has inaccuracies that will delay your refund. For example, your social security number filed does not match the IRS records, or you forgot to sign and date the return. You are asked to confirm personal details before the return can be accepted.
4. You're under investigation. This fraud preys on the fear of every tax-paying American - an IRS investigation. It claims the IRS suspects you of tax fraud and as part of its investigation it demands answers to personal data.
5. Additional refund due. This scheme claims you're owed a refund just discovered by a recent IRS recalculation. It's usually an odd, but legitimate-sounding amount like $156.29. In order to claim it, you must submit a form accessed via a link. Clicking on the link automatically downloads malware that enables crooks to spy and collect your passwords and logins.

If any of this happens to you, email the IRS at phishing@irs.gov to lodge a complaint.

Phone scams
Although phone scams typically target seniors, they can trick any unsuspecting soul.

1. Social security refund. The fakers tell the victim they can get his or her Social Security payroll taxes refunded for an upfront fee based on the size of the refund. Of course, the refund is inflated as is their upfront fee. The problem is, the law doesn't allow a refund of taxes paid into Social Security.
2. Early bird reward. The caller offers a reward for filing your return early. All you need to do is provide your bank details. They'll even get you on a three-way call with your bank to "help" ensure you'll be properly credited.

Think first
The IRS doesn't reward early birds, and for official business they NEVER contact taxpayers via email. They may send out emails with general information, but they will never request personal information online. It uses US Mail for all authorized communication. The only official IRS site is www.irs.gov. You should never go there by clicking on a link but only by typing the address directly into your browser. Tax refunds are strictly obtained through an annual tax return, not a separate application form or any other process. Never give out personal information to unknown callers via the phone.

Start preparing now
Whether you're an early or last minute filer, there's a lot to be aware of this tax season. Stay on the look out and make sure you've got everything lined up to make year-end preparation less taxing.  Twists OP has an enormous array of official IRS tax forms and materials to streamline the process. Make your list, check it twice and call them today!

     E-mail this Article to a Friend.

  


0 Comments

    RSS Feed

    Looking for something specific? Search our site below for more content:

    Categories

    All
    America
    Animals
    Back To School
    Brand Spotlight
    Buy Local
    Celebrations
    Christmas
    Cleaning
    Cold And Flu
    Communication
    Company Culture & Fun
    Contests & Giveaways
    Coronavirus
    Custom Print
    Cyber Security
    Design Ideas
    DIY
    Eco Friendly
    Education
    Emergency Planning
    Employee Wellness
    End Of Year
    Events
    Facility & Breakroom
    Fall
    Family
    Food & Drink
    Fourth Of July
    Freebies & Giveaways
    Fun
    Furniture & Design
    Gift Ideas
    Guest Blogger
    Halloween
    Health
    Healthy Office
    History
    Holidays
    Holidays & National Days
    Home Office
    Ideas
    Innovations
    Janitorial
    LifeStyle
    Mailing & Shipping
    Management
    Mental Health
    Non Profit
    Office
    Office Furniture
    Office Supplies
    Organization
    Paper
    Party-ideas
    Productivity
    Product Review
    Purchasing
    Recipes
    Recycle
    Safety
    Saving Money
    Security
    Shipping
    Small Business
    Social Media
    Sports
    Spring
    Summer
    Tax Time
    Technology
    Thanksgiving
    Time Management
    Top 10
    Toy Drive
    Travel
    Trivia
    Twist Tips & Ideas
    Vacation
    Valentine's Day
    Winter
    Women Owned
    Workplace Ergonomics

    Archives

    October 2020
    August 2020
    April 2020
    November 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    March 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014
    October 2014
    September 2014
    August 2014
    July 2014
    June 2014
    May 2014
    April 2014
    March 2014
    February 2014
    January 2014
    December 2013
    November 2013
    October 2013
    September 2013
    August 2013
    July 2013

Company Information

Twisted Pencil Blog
Rebates
Why Buy Twist?
Customer Service
Shipping & Delivery Policy
Return Policy
Privacy Policy
Project Management Services
We Mean Green
Printable Order Form
​Get our e-newsletter
Quick Links 

Custom Stamp Form
Catalogs and Flyers
Paper Center
PrintSmart Solution
Referral Program
Online Ordering Tutorial
Cash Back Program
Business Offices
Government Agencies
Health Care
Churches, Schools, and Nonprofits
Picture
Memberships & Certifications
Twist is a Certified WBENC Women's Business Enterprise
Twist is a Keurig Authorized Dealer
Twist OP is an HP Qualified Supplies Partner and Authorized Reseller
Picture
Picture
Contact Information

Minnesota Offices:
1981 W. County Rd. C2
Roseville, MN 55113
Local Ph: 612.379.2832
Fax: 612.379.9446

New Prague
Local Ph: 952.758.5040
Fax: 952.641.3502

Wisconsin Office:
1351 Planeview Drive
Suite 1
Oshkosh, WI 54904
Local Ph: 920-236-3420

Welcome to Twist!
Please contact us at 
800.62.TWIST, browse our website to view specials, or search for a service below.

​
​Illinois Office:
945 North Edgewood Ave
Suite A
Wood Dale, IL 60191
Local Ph: 630.766.3700
Fax: 630.766.4513 

Indiana Office:
Local Ph: 219.932.0500
Fax:  219.932.2216

​
​

Picture
Connect With Twist
Follow Twist OP
My Favorite Business
Website by Navante LLC                                                                                                                                                        Copyright Twist Office Partners 2021
  • Home
  • Covid
    • Scent Check
  • Facility
    • Cleaning & Breakroom
    • First Aid
    • Healthy Workplaces
    • Keurig
    • Safety Line
    • Saving A Life Is As Easy As AED
  • Furniture
    • Lorell Showroom
    • HON Microsite
    • Gently Used Furniture
    • Accessories
    • Casegoods
    • Conference / Training
    • Display Trophy Cases
    • Education
    • Filing / Storage
    • Healthcare
    • Reception
    • Seating
    • Soft Seating / Lounge
    • Textiles
  • Office
    • Paper
    • Ink >
      • Printing & Technology
      • Elite Toner
    • Back To School
    • Party Supplies
  • Projects
  • Blog
  • Customer Service
  • Careers
  • Catalogs and Flyers
    • Request A Catalog
    • View Catalogs and Flyers
  • Project Management
  • HON Chair Chooser
  • Special Programs
    • Business Offices
    • Government Agencies
    • Health Care
  • Why Buy Twist


  • Login Cart New Account