Income Tax Day spurns two schools of thought in addressing the procedure for filing returns. Options depend on whether April 15 is met with anticipation or dread.
Thought One
Throughout January, those anticipating a refund from Uncle Sam anxiously await the arrival of their year-end tax documents. Once the coveted stubs of paper are in hand, filers make a quick dash to their accountants or download the least expensive software program.
Every combination of figures gets plugged into the designated spaces in a greedy attempt to ensure the highest refund. The return is completed and filed post haste. Sessions conclude with a dinner of steak and lobster, while visions of vacations dance in filers’ heads.
Thought Two
Those who know, all too well, that no refund is forthcoming, hoard these documents right up until the midnight hour. Family members get out of the way, as hours of cussing, fuming and hair yanking are on uncensored display.
Every combination of figures gets plugged into the designated spaces in a futile attempt to ensure the lowest debt. The return is completed and filed, grudgingly. Sessions conclude with a dinner of tuna casserole and water.
Conclusion
Whether you’re a premeditating refund spender or a procrastinating payer, the day can be fraught with indulgent joy or stress-induced hypertension.
As Income Tax Day approaches, the old motto advising to ‘hope for the best and expect the worst’ seems a sensible preparatory choice. So choose your favorite restaurant, but have plenty of canned tuna in stock.
