(no subject)

[per_solo]

I should be happy. Got my W2 today..of course, that means doing Taxes.

Fortunately, I'm not one of those people who puts it off...I try to get them done ASAP once I receive said W2..however, this year, I cannot file using 1040EZ...because I won money in Vegas. So, I have to figure out how to file using the 1040. Fortunately, a woman I know does H&R Block during this season, and offers to help friends...the last time I did this with her trying to help me, I got a good dinner out of the mix as well...she couldn't help me much, as my taxes are generally very simple. Another perk, I guess, for living in a Apt...

This crap just always gives me the heebie-jeebies...never have understood why. I guess from one scary year, when I had 5 jobs, and it looked like I somehow owed the Gov a LOT of money...that was a mistake, but it's likely colored my opinion a tad..hence the "Wanting to get it done, and in, so any refund that I get comes back quickly" mode.

I can't wait til it's filed, and done with.

Comments

[mooncat75.livejournal.com]

Understandable...I had to file in 3 different states for my 2001 return. I ended up having to pay $200 to H&R Block just to file...but at least my refund checks added up to a little over that amount.

[echoweaver.livejournal.com]

Heh, I hate doing taxes too. I'm not quite so intimidated by the forms, but I get frustrated easily.

Tax stuff is rolling in, but I have to wait on W-2s from my two jobs, plus SB's W-2, plus the statement from the bank on the interest we've earned on our savings account (you know, like $20 that nevertheless has to be reported on the form), plus the statement of the interest we paid on the house in 2004. Usually, we're not equipped to do taxes until February.

Owning a house increases hassle, but also increases tax refund, so hey.

[per_solo]

:-) I get frustrated on this crap way too easily...and, lord knows, I've already got enough other stresses going on. Still, it could be worse.

So, owning a house gives you a better refund, Eh, I could see that.

[echoweaver.livejournal.com]

Yeah, mortgage interest payments are one of the time-honored tax deduction institutions. It's one of those big reasons people are pressed to buy a house. When you first buy a home, almost EVERYTHING you pay is mortgage insurance. To give you an idea, my condo mortgage was $645/month, and $45 of that was principle. Everything else was interest. That's $600/12 = $7200 you can deduct at the end of the year, or $1800 off your taxes at a 25% tax rate. Your mortgage company sends you a statement at the end of the year, so you don't have to track it yourself.

It means you have to itemize your deductions, which is a hassle. Goodbye EZ form forever, even if you're not doing anything else weird. But it can have a staggering impact on your refund. And it also means that if you donate anything else, like to Goodwill, you can deduct the estimated value of THAT too, which can make a bit of difference if you're offloading old furniture and the like.

[echoweaver.livejournal.com]

almost EVERYTHING you pay is mortgage insurance

That's "almost EVERYTHING you pay is mortgage INTEREST." Big difference. Bleh.

[confusedjew.livejournal.com]

see, this is why i just have my dad do my taxes. the joy of having a father who used to work for the irs. :)

[per_solo]

T'would be helpful. :-)

[savidya.livejournal.com]

I gave mom all the data she's going to run you through the system tonight. See. Covered.

[per_solo]

Ah, but that doesn't take into account the Gambling Loss I can deduct...I've got all those at home, as I didn't think you'd appreciate getting a crapload of Scratch Offs. :-)

Thanks.

[savidya.livejournal.com]

Actually, it does. I'll explain at lunch.

[per_solo]

Ah, and thank you, that explanation helped a lot. Of course, not doing anything with my taxes til 4/15 will be kinda..weird, but nice for once. :-)

And, now to get the scratch offs to my uncle.