After three years of doing my own taxes, you'd think I'd have this figured out by now.

My biggest problem seems to be staying organized during the year.

• save receipts

• keep pay stubs

• collect statements of various accounts

• record mileage

• keep track of self-employment income

It's bigger things — professional development, health receipts, donations, gig money, and business expenses (phone, internet, etc.). Having W-2s, 1099s, and self employment from two different states doesn't help.

After a full Saturday of sorting papers, crunching numbers, and cursing the software that kept "not responding" (without real curse words, of course), I completed my federal return and two state returns.

I wasn't quite ready to file them, however. I like to wait until Steve does his taxes so I can correct my mistakes. "Did you answer 'yes' to question #43?" He asked. "Yes," I answer, tentatively. "You shouldn't have." He says, then explaining the rationale. By the time I get back to my taxes a few days later, I have a list of things to correct. Sounds pretty foolproof, right?

I am happy to report that as of this weekend, I have filed my federal return and one state. I will mail in my MA return this week.

Maybe next year I will avoid this hassle and buy myself the luxury of a real accountant!