Tax Time

     Taxes. I love doing our taxes, seriously. I, at one point in my life, thought about becoming an accountant (even took 2 years of accounting classes at the community college), but then, REALITY smacked me upside the head.
     Anyone who knows me...knows that I wouldn't enjoy living the solitary life of an accountant. Mostly accountants interact with numbers, and quite frankly I need people time!
     So, that's why I actually enjoying doing our taxes, and I would totally do other people's taxes, too. I figure out Rick's taxes for him every year, too. I have even thought about volunteering to help the elderly (I have a friend who does this.), and I might later in life.
     Good news! I have a healthy tax return on its way. This means I am going to go car shopping (used). I plan on finding a nice little Honda to replace the Buick.
     I must say I will be sad to see the Buick go, as we have some tender family heartfelt moments in that car! And, I always laugh when the snow tires are replaced by the "blinging" regular tires, and the kids at school always tease me about the "pimpin" rims!
     Now, I am in the car hunt. Thankfully I have Rick on board because I know we will find the right car for the right money, and it always helps to bring along a mechanic!!
     Good news, too, about the tax refunds we will receive later in the summer. That will be a nice little income infusion for the little people of the world. If nothing else, it will help subsidize the massive amounts of money spent on gas this past year!
     Now back to filing your taxes this year.
     Word of caution: Don't use those rapid refund sort of options for your taxes. I don't, but I do have friends who do. It's much the same concept as the payday loans. WHAT a rip-off!
     Do your taxes. Mostly likely you can even file on-line (people who make under $54,000 can file for free on-line). If you have your refund deposited directly into your checking account, you can have it within 10 days of filing!!
     So, instead you go to a rapid refund place, they charge you a fee (based on your refund amount)to give you a "loan" for your refund. You are essentially paying them to get your money a little earlier!!!
     Think about it. Is receiving your check maybe 5 days earlier worth whatever fee you are giving them? If you are patient (waiting just a few more days), you will receive your FULL refund!!
     OK, sorry for the rant, but I feel bad for the people who go this route, because really they are getting ripped off!
     If you are interested in free filing online, go to the IRS website! http://www.irs.gov/
     As well, you can use this site to look up any forms, instructions, etc. I also like how I track my refund to see when it's on its way!
     Happy taxes to you!