Tax Day

Well, I just finished my taxes.

As usual, I owe.

That’s why I waited until the last minute.  I already knew I would.

Good news: it was less than I thought it would be.  Bad news: I owe.

But I try to be positive about the process. I think of all the good things I get from my taxes.  Roads, schools, Social Security (someday, maybe), libraries, insurance company bailouts. I know some of these good things are from property taxes, but I lump all taxes in together.

Also, I have the WONDERFUL sensation of feeling justifiably smug, because I am honest and pay my taxes, unlike some bigwigs, who don’t do it until they are caught.  When  a big cheese does this it’s an “oversight”. (I’m thinking of one person in particular, who also happens to be the big  boss of the IRS.  Mindboggling). When a little guy does it it’s a “crime”.

I do my taxes myself every year.  I can afford to take them to an accountant, but I feel that I have a duty as an American Citizen to do them myself.  It could be that I’m shooting myself in the foot by doing this, and not getting every “deduction” I’m legally entitled to.  But I’m stubborn.  I want to do it on my own. I should be able to do it on my own.  But it’s kind of hard. And confusing.

And what’s more, I use a pen and paper.  I feel like I pay more attention to the process if I don’t have some computer program do all the number crunching for me.

Whew! Doing taxes is almost as bad as cutting up a raw turkey.  It leaves me feeling so yukky.  Time for a lie down!