(Radio Iowa) — You still have weeks before you need to file your federal tax returns — but an I-R-S spokesman says now is the time to be sure you have all the paperwork ready. Chris Miller says organize the 2019 tax documents you already have and add to them as the other year end information comes in. “Gather up your canceled checks, your property tax bills, any forms you get from your employer or your bank — like W-2’s and 10-99’s — and put those in one place,” Miller says. “Make sure they are altogether, so when it comes to file your taxes into the new year, you’ll have it all in one place. You won’t need to go looking for any paperwork.”

He says it’s also a good idea to get a copy of your 2018 income tax filing as you may need it to filed this year. “For example, anyone using a tax software product for the first time may need to use their adjusted gross income — their A-G-I — from last year’s tax return to file their 2019 return electronically,” Miller says. Miller says by having everything together, you will know what you have and don’t have for tax filing. Another suggestion for the start of 2020 is that you be sure your withholding from you paycheck is correct. Miller says if you get a bigger refund than expected – or got back less than expected — it’s a sign your withholding is not right. “Then you’re going to want to be someone who checks their withholding as quickly as possible in the new year to be sure that the amount that’s being withheld from your paycheck by your employer is correct for your situation,” according to Miller.

He says you can check it online. “It’s called the withholding estimators. It’s a lot more improved than earlier versions — and you simply put in some information like your filing status and how much you earn — and you’ll be able to find out whether or not the amount you withhold is correct for your situation,” Miller says. He says you may have been happy with the withholding last year — but have had things happen in your life that impact your tax status. “Checking your withholding is always a really good idea — especially if you have had a change in your life situation,” Miller explains. “If you have gotten married, or divorced, or had a baby or adopted children. These are some of the reasons you would want to check your withholding to be sure the right amount is being withheld for your situation.”

Miller says you can go to the I-R-S website and use the withholding tool to see if those life changes require a withholding change.

Atlantic, IA – SHIFT ATL, a 501(c)3 nonprofit, will kick-off off their first SHIFT Network event, by hosting an informational happy hour on Thursday, January 23rd, 2020, from 5:30 – 6:30 p.m., at The Venue. The SHIFT Network is a group comprised of local residents coming together to help SHIFT ATL and Atlantic make their vision a reality through planned giving. Jessie Shiels, SHIFT ATL President, says “Planned giving is a crucial piece for any nonprofit’s success. This is a great opportunity for those who are passionate about seeing the Atlantic community thrive, but maybe don’t have the time to give to large scale projects, to get involved in SHIFT ATL.” All ongoing funds received through the SHIFT Network will allow SHIFT ATL to be an active catalyst of growth within the Atlantic community. Shiels says “We hope this will be a great place to join our cause, share ideas and get involved.”

Anyone is welcome to attend the event and appetizers and refreshments will be provided and a cash bar will be available. Attendees can expect to hear from the nonprofit organization more details about what the SHIFT Network is, how it will work and what they can expect from becoming a member. Interested community members will have the opportunity afterwards to commit to their planned giving donations.

For more information about SHIFT ATL, the SHIFT Network, or if you are not able to attend the event, visit their website at shiftatl.org, Facebook page at facebook.com/shiftatl or by email at shiftatlantic@gmail.com.

(Lane re-opened as of 7:55-a.m. 1/6) The Iowa Dept. of Transportation reports (as of 6:58-a.m.) Interstate 80 eastbound, between South 24th Street and the South Expressway (in Council Bluffs), is partially blocked due to a crash.The left lane is affected by the partial blockage. Drive with caution through the area.

COUNCIL BLUFFS, Iowa (Jan. 6, 2020) — The American Red Cross currently has a critical need for blood donors of all blood types – especially type O – and platelet donors to make an appointment now to give and help replenish the blood supply after the holiday weeks. Right now, the Red Cross has less than a three-day supply of type O blood. To help tackle the critical need, the Red Cross and NFL are working together to offer one lucky winner a trip to Super Bowl 54, in Miami.

During the weeks of Christmas and New Year’s, about 500 fewer blood drives were hosted by volunteer sponsor groups than required to meet patient needs. Many groups postpone blood drives during the winter holidays when travel and holiday activities may make it challenging for many donors to give. In fact, AAA estimated that a record 115.6 million Americans traveled during the holiday period of Dec. 21 through Jan. 1.

Donors are urged to make an appointment to give now using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enabling the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device. As a special thank-you, those who come to give blood or platelets from now through Jan. 19, 2020, will automatically be entered for a chance to experience the Super Bowl live. The Red Cross and NFL have teamed up to offer one winner two tickets to Super Bowl 54, entry to the official NFL Tailgate, tickets to Super Bowl Experience at the Miami Beach Convention Center, round-trip airfare to Miami, three-night hotel accommodations at The Alexander® – All Suite Oceanfront Resort (Jan. 31 to Feb. 3), and a $500 gift card for expenses.* Additional details are available at RedCrossBlood.org/SuperBowl.

Some upcoming blood donation opportunities:

Adair County: Orient. 1/15/2020: 11 a.m. – 5 p.m., Orient-Macksburg High School, 201 School Street

Audubon County: Exira. 1/27/2020: 12 p.m. – 6 p.m., Exira Recreational Center, 106 N Jefferson

Cass County: Atlantic. 1/16/2020: 12 p.m. – 6 p.m., Atlantic YMCA, 1100 Maple Street; Griswold. 1/10/2020: 8:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., Griswold High School, 20 Madison; Lewis. 1/29/2020: 12 p.m. – 5:30 p.m., Lewis Community Center, 400 West MainStreet

Montgomery County: Red Oak. 1/27/2020: 11:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m., Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 1101 East Summit; Villisca. 1/15/2020: 12 p.m. – 6 p.m., Community Center, 201 S. 3rd Ave

Page County: Clarinda – 1/7/2020: 10:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Regional Health Center, 220 Essie Davison Drive; 1/16/2020: 8 a.m. – 2 p.m., Clarinda Academy, 1820 North 16th Street; 1/21/2020: 11:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m., Westminster Presbyterian Church, 322 N 16th; Essex – 1/24/2020: 8 a.m. – 1:30 p.m., Essex High School, 111 Forbes St.; Shenandoah – 1/8/2020: 7 a.m. – 1 p.m., Shenandoah Medical Center, 300 Pershing Ave.

Pottawattamie County: Council Bluffs – 1/14/2020: 8 a.m. – 1 p.m., Methodist Jennie Edmundson Hospital, 933 E Pierce St; 1/24/2020: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., Council Bluffs Public Library, 400 Willow Avenue; 1/26/2020: 8:30 a.m. – 1 p.m., Community of Christ, 140 Kanesville Blvd.; Underwood – 1/7/2020: 8 a.m. – 2 p.m., Old City Hall, 218 2nd St.

Shelby County: Elk Horn – 1/28/2020: 11:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m., Elk Horn Lutheran Church, 4313 Main Street; Harlan – 1/21/2020: 11:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m., Veteran’s Memorial Building, 1104 Morningview; Westphalia – 1/22/2020: 11 a.m. – 5 p.m., St. Boniface Parish Center, 305 Duren St.

Union County: Creston – 1/15/2020: 8 a.m. – 2 p.m., Creston High School, 601 W. Townline

All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.

Blood and platelet donors can save time at their next donation by using RapidPass® to complete their pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of their donation, before arriving at the blood drive. To get started, follow the instructions at RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass or use the Blood Donor App.