I Got That Behind Me….

taxes

Tax season is so over.

Here in the US we have a ritual which begins shortly after the new year and ends promptly on April 15th: tens of millions of taxpayers spend hours upon hours gathering paperwork, downloading forms, uploading tax software, and entering data. I believe the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has said the average return now takes about 27 hours to do, this despite so many people relying on software to help them get the job done.

I sent off my state and federal returns late last week, but I then remembered yesterday that the state’s corporate filing was also due. Thankfully, it is an easy four-page form done online — basically I confirmed the information previously inputted, submitted my payment information, and I was done. Poof — there went a couple of hundred dollars.

Though the pictured sign says “county taxes” those aren’t due until September as part of our property tax filing for our home. We also pay property taxes on our vehicles (bright idea, isn’t it?) and I pay a token tax to the town for an annual license. Sales tax is 7% and the feds and the state get their chunk at the pump every time we go for fuel. Restaurant food is taxed at 8%, groceries at 2%, and yes there is a tax for hotel stays.

After a few days rest I’m heading up to Boston to reprise a certain tax rebellion held there in 1773 — I’m kidding of course, but the sentiment is still there.

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categories General, Humor | , 16 Apr 08

  • By Lilly, April 16, 2008 @ 7:31 am

    The picture is very nice and funny. Thanky for sharing it. I like you blog its so interesting to read here.

  • By Matt, April 16, 2008 @ 7:35 am

    Thank you, Lilly. I am breathing a sigh of relief…until the next taxes are due!

  • By Porch Lifts, April 16, 2008 @ 10:40 am

    Yeah, I am alsso glad to have it behind me. I can be a pretty big procrastinator and for the past few years have done mine online on the 14/15 of April. It is funny though because I often get my refund before people who sent theirs in much earlier.

  • By Western Truck Driving Schools, April 16, 2008 @ 11:53 am

    I’m still a student and didn’t make enough money to pay – so I did mine in January and got taxes back!!!!!!

  • By Matt, April 16, 2008 @ 11:59 am

    Porch, this is the first year I’ve ever waited until the very end. Turns out I am getting a refund, so my wait probably helped.

    Western, you’ll also see a check in May or June when the government hands out stimulus checks. Very good for you!

  • By automatic translation, April 16, 2008 @ 2:10 pm

    Your post reminds me that I need to finish my tax declaration as soon as possible.

  • By Best Coffee Maker Guru, April 16, 2008 @ 2:58 pm

    Taxes went out 2 weeks before the deadline this year! Not the usual trend of the last day sweats.

  • By Peaches, April 24, 2008 @ 6:28 am

    No comments! Taxes are always big head ache! The bad thing is that we should live with this the hole life!

  • By Nancy, May 20, 2008 @ 5:03 am

    oh i hate the declaration of my taxes. it always takes a long time and after all my head is aching *lol*

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