A couple weeks ago, I wrote about why we procrastinate. I felt so inspired after writing the post that I couldn’t help but procrastinate some more on my taxes. I succeeded.
Over the past weekend, I finally finished doing my own taxes for the first time, a process which I started over a month ago. As all of you know, the tax filing deadline is April 15. That means I finished with a few extra days to spare.
One of the main reasons I put off my taxes was the fact that I knew I was going to owe the IRS a big chunk of change. This was primarily due to the fact that I made a lot more than I expected from my side job and this blog in 2008. I’ve learned my lesson though and will be paying quarterly estimated taxes to avoid a potential underpayment penalty next year.
I think I’m finally starting to understand why people complain about taxes so much.
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I finished mine last night. The reason for waiting was exactly the same. If I thought I was getting a refund I may have been the first in line in January.
Ugh! I procrastinated like I do every year and it doesn’t matter whether I get money back or have to pay. I just hate doing taxes. But, this year I had to pay – a nice round number to the tune of $622. What I find even more funny is that I mailed the check last Monday…they had it cashed by Wednesday. Funny how they get their money right away, but when they owe it to us it takes a couple of weeks. Hmmm?
It’s easy to procrastinate when your taxes lead to something you OWE… but I think that when you are getting money back it’s somehow less of a chore. Imagine the people in CA, though, who have no insurance that they will even get their state returns! I wouldn’t want an IOU from the government right now, thanks.
Jerry
Well, I suppose at least you have the fact that you earned more than you had anticipated last year to cheer you up while you were filing your taxes. Next year, perhaps you should put aside an appropriate amount of money in a dedicated bank account. That way, you’ll have the money available come tax time, but you’ll have the opportunity to earn the interest on it throughout the year.