MILWAUKEE, WI--(Marketwired - Mar 15, 2016) - While tax season arrives at the same time each year, it's inevitable that many Americans are not prepared to meet the April 15 deadline. In fact, according to the IRS* in recent years approximately 12 million taxpayers requested extensions beyond the filing deadline.

"Often times, people feel rushed through the tax filing process, which can already be confusing and time-consuming," said Rebecca Smith, vice president, marketing for Master Lock. "Master Lock is providing organizational tips and solutions to help Americans master tax season in 2016 and provide peace of mind for everything worth protecting year-round."

Master Lock offers simple strategies** to get and stay organized during tax season:

Utilize Digital-Savvy Solutions
 Instead of shuffling through piles of paperwork when filing your taxes, store personal expenses and documentation in the secure, easy-to-use Master Lock Vault app. The app eliminates the worry of lost or stolen paper documents that contain confidential information and provides reliable, convenient 24/7 access so you can easily pull up information whenever and wherever you are. Beyond tax season, you can use the system year-round, via the website or by installing one of the free mobile apps on either of your Apple®, Android®, Kindle® or Nook® devices.

Keep Important Documents Secure & Organized
 Whether or not you file documents digitally, it's important to store the original, physical copies in a trusted, safe place. Designate a file folder for all important tax papers as you receive them, such as your W-2, charity contribution letters, donation receipts, health bills, etc. and keep these in a secure lock box until it's tax time. SentrySafe offers reliable storage options like the SentrySafe Extra Large Digital Alarm Safe, which is fire- and water-resistant and provides ample storage for important, irreplaceable documents, such as legal forms, birth certificates, passports, social security cards, CDs, digital files, photos, and other valuables.

Create a Tax Day Count-Down Schedule
Navigating the many steps for filing taxes can be daunting. Instead of trying to tackle them all at once, create a master to-do list with all the tasks you need to accomplish and schedule dates and times into your personal or smartphone planner. Break it down step-by-step -- such as: Step 1: make list of documentation needed, Step 2: gather documentation, Step 3: schedule appointment with CPA and so on. With each deliverable scheduled in your planner, it's easier to manage and less overwhelming.

Research Tax Implications and Potential Credits
 No matter which life stage you are in this tax season, pay close attention to possible credits that apply to you. For instance, qualifying taxpayers can write-off interest on student loans with the Student Loan Interest Deduction. Also, parents welcoming a new child may qualify for the Child Tax Credit. Other tax benefits are offered for various life stages, such as newlyweds and senior citizens (65+), so it's important to properly research the various credits and benefits from the IRS with plenty of time to secure any necessary paperwork.

Beyond tax season, Master Lock is offering educational information and security solutions for everything worth protecting throughout the year. For more information, safety tips and trusted solutions, please visit the Master Lock website at www.masterlock.com or the Master Lock Facebook page at www.facebook.com/masterlock. 

About Master Lock
 The Master Lock Company is recognized around the world as the authentic, enduring name in padlocks and security products. Master Lock Company offers a broad range of innovative security and safety solutions for consumer, commercial, and industrial end-users. Master Lock Company LLC is an operating unit of Fortune Brands Home & Security, Inc., a leading consumer brands company. Headquartered in Deerfield, Ill., Fortune Brands Home & Security Inc. (NYSE: FBHS), is included in the S&P MidCap 400 Index. For more information about Master Lock visit www.masterlock.com.

* Risen, Tom. "Tax Day: Some Facts About the IRS Filing Deadline." US News & World Report. 15 April 2015. Online.
**Master Lock is not a legal, tax or accounting advisor, and the information in this press release should not be construed as legal, tax or accounting advice. Master Lock recommends that consumers consult a professional advisor for advice concerning specific tax or other matters. 

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