Beech Tree News Network

“Death, taxes and childbirth! There's never any convenient time for any of them,” according to Margaret Mitchell, Gone with the Wind. Although the official deadline for filing income tax returns is usually April 15, this year it’s April 17. Because I’m one of those people who dreads the income-tax-filing process, I usually file fairly early – to avoid the dread.

Wondering how others felt about filing their taxes, I asked friends and family: “Are you an early or a just-in-time tax filer? And how do you feel when you file your tax forms?” Their responses were:

·       Always a last-minute payer. I am always relieved to get filing over with. I am very nervous/anxious until I know it’s done.

·       Ok. I file whenever my wife says we’re doing it.

·       I am a just-in-time filer because I usually have to pay and don’t get a refund. People who get a refund a lot of times file in a hurry. I always feel relieved when it’s over.

·       Just in time. We have an appointment tomorrow afternoon. We’re always apprehensive until we know how they come out, afraid we’ll have to pay a lot more….

·       We filed last Saturday. Early or late? I feel that I am supporting many people.

·       Very early! The earlier I file, the sooner the money comes in. We take our tax information and drop it off at a tax company, so we just let someone else deal with the forms and things.

·       I file as soon as I can because I still get a refund. I’m not sure how I’ll feel about filing once that goes away. I am always anxious to get my refund to try to pay bills and get caught up after Christmas.

·       Just in time and relieved.

·       We normally file toward the end of March or the beginning of April. How do we feel? Nervous.

·       I give information to an accountant in March as the necessary information doesn’t arrive until then. After that, I’m at her mercy so not sure how to answer that question. I think next year I may do my own because I think I’ll just have a standard deduction with the new tax laws. That should save some money!

·       Early! Relieved.

·       I file as early as possible. I’m glad it’s done. Grateful/blessed to have a job. Frustrated I pay so much. Happy if I’m getting a return.

·       I file early – in February or March. Up until I retired, I never had to pay. Now that I am retired but have three incomes, I am always anxious. Then usually I am shocked at how much I have to pay.

·       My husband always said to “keep all you can for as long as you can.” I tend to do that. Look forward to April 15 with fear and trepidation.

·       In time. I feel relieved to be done with a chore, but depressed at the realization of how much income is wasted on unnecessary or misguided expenditures.

·       We file early, and I am always excited looking forward to getting money back.

Most people seem to have an attitude about filing taxes similar to mine: a necessary task bringing little joy. As tax season nears its end, I hope your tax forms have already been submitted. If not, you still have time.