AA Credit Union

F O U N D A T I O N Laying the groundwork for fi nancial success 04 | | Winter 2016 With the April 15 tax deadline coming into view, now is the time to take a few steps to ensure the most stress-free tax season possible. Here are fi ve steps that you'll want to take right now: SparkGift reinvents the thought behind gifting. Whether it's for birthdays, weddings or graduation, give the gift of investment for a present that will grow. The all-digital platform makes giving stock easy, aff ordable and fun. You can choose from more than 6,000 stocks and index funds and start an investment with as little as $20. Simply log in to the website, enter the lucky recipient's contact information, buy your stock and hit send. It's an easy way to teach kids (and grown-ups) the value of investing without the hassle of fi ling forms, signing papers or mailing checks. — Racheal Aarons Be organized Create a fi le folder and call it "2015 Taxes." Fill it with all tax-related materials that you receive in the mail (1099s, W-2s, interest statements, etc.). Connect Use social media to connect with the IRS, which tweets tax- related tips and posts tax news on Tumblr and Facebook. Be proactive If you moved in 2015, make sure all tax- reporting entities have your new address (banks, employers, insurance companies, etc.). Most importantly, don't wait until the last minute to fi le or to send your materials to your paid preparer. — Bridget McCrea Think ahead Consider deductions and/ or credits that may apply to you, like those that cover smoking-cessation programs, new additions to the family (who need Social Security numbers to be eligible) and the $1,000 Child Credit. steps to a stress-free tax season Give the lasting gift of investment 4

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