Tax woes

It seems incredible not having had the time to keep up this diary on a more frequent basis lately. In reality, one can find the time, if one wants to. So, what’s the problem?  In my case a lack of motivation, I guess, due to really nothing much worth documenting. Daily routines repeat themselves, and tax work preparation is quite boring!  Some of the latter is actually a maddening experience these days.  

For the past couple of years I decided not to use the services of an accountant or tax preparer, and do the job myself.  I had to smile when the other evening I heard a reportage on tv about the inefficiency and incompetence of these agents, which should be licensed.  They spring up instead everywhere, at tax time every year, and most of them are not certified in this field. What I experienced in the past few years, and what made me drop their services, is the series of mistakes made, the lack of  work quality, and the high fees charged.

So far, so good; although the state forms to be used this year are horrific. The modifications applied to the 2005 returns have multiplied the number of pages in the main form and the published instructions contain more and more worksheets, with references and cross references to drive anyone nuts! Whatever happened to work simplification that was in vogue more than 30 years ago, way before the advent of computerization and electronic processing?  

Today I finally completed my paperwork and I sent my tax returns on their way.  This, however, does not conclude this task for the year…Now,I have to tackle the returns for the business I manage. Alas, a few more days of tedious work! Thank goodness I am alternating it with aqua aerobics at the local pool and enjoying the beautiful sunshine that is blessing New York, which is now again in full bloom!