Ah, the Joys of Tax Season
Mar 8th, 2009 by Jennifer Lynn
That time of year has arrived where Uncle Sam determines how much of my earnings will be restored back into my eager little paws. I took a certified tax preparation course last year and am getting pretty decent at completing these buggers. After helping friends and family file these past few weeks, I’m officially taxed out!
I felt like the Mother Hen as they fluttered around and oohed and aahed over their refund amounts. (“Ok, where is your 1099-INT, dear? Whaaa..? You’re only receiving .25% interest on your savings account?? Dear god. And of course you have records of your dividend amounts. I need that documentation!”) I raised my eyebrow a few times at the thousand dollar plus refunds as they squealed in elation. (“Here you are, hon. But why are you giving the government such a large interest-free loan over the year?” – blank stare- “Sigh, never mind. Congratulations. But use it wisely!”)
I’m astounded by how many friends have no clue what interest rates are attached to their bank accounts, especially when their rates are so extremely low. As they deliriously indulged in the ‘happy money tax refund’ dance, I showed them how to access Bank Rate to compare more competitive rates for savings and money market accounts. At least I tried, although I’m not sure it did a lick of good. 
I’ve been trying to convert my family to online savings, because most of them have been using local banks, with rates well below 0.5%. Most have been receptive, but some are too lazy to do it.
That’s great. I’d like to take a class like that, so I don’t have to pay an accountant to take care of a lot of my stuff. I have a small business and a fairly complicated tax situation.
Maybe I can just hire you.
Love the blog! I found you on Wisebread’s top 100 pf blogs. Keep up the good work and come and visit financialnut.com if you get a minute!
I use TurboTax to do my taxes. Taxes are so easy to do, I don’t understand why people make a big deal about doing them.