These resources are brought to you by the Cooperative Extension System and your Local Institution

Personal Finance Home

Have a question? Try asking one of our Experts

Which program is best for keeping records needed for the IRS—Access, Lotus, or Excel?

Last Updated: May 27, 2009

View as web page


The IRS does not specify a computer application or format for records storage; therefore, the best computer application for storing and tracking IRS-related records is the one you will use and do so consistently. If a computer application is hard to use, then you will likely not use it effectively. Try a few software programs and decide which one you would most likely keep up-to-date. Many people prefer Excel because you can program in mathematical functions (e.g., addition to total up tax-deductible charitable contributions).

We would like your feedback on this Personal Finance Frequently Asked Question.

Browse related Faqs by tag: personal finance, incometaxes


Have a specific question? Try asking one of our Experts

Unlike most other resources on the web, we have experts from Universities around the country ready to answer your questions.