Why do I always do this to myself?
April 14th, 2009 | by mbhunter |You probably guessed what I’m going to write about from the title and the date: Income Tax Procrastination. It’s kind of a deadline myopia.
About the only thing that’s pleasant about filling out tax forms is the realization that I have income from which to pay taxes. Beyond that, I’m not really sure why I put this ritual off as consistently as I do. Not a whole lot motivates me to get the stupid returns in. Not even the realization that every day I put it off costs me a little bit of money. Maybe it’s just a general lack of discipline. I don’t know.
At least I have some assurance that I’m not alone. The most popular form at the moment from the IRS Website is Form 4868: Application for Automatic Extension of Time To File U.S. Individual Income Tax Return. It’s even more popular than Form 1040. (The other forms I’m filling out are three copies of Form 7004: Application for Automatic Extension of Time To File Certain Business Income Tax, Information, and Other Returns, one for each of my LLCs.)
I may be able to get away without filing extensions for my Virginia returns. The state income tax isn’t due until May 1st, and the pass-through returns are granted automatic extensions.
Oh well. There’s always 2009.
4 Responses to “Why do I always do this to myself?”
By Financial planning on Apr 15, 2009 | Reply
You are so right.
I can hear the same echo everywhere:)
By Connie on Apr 15, 2009 | Reply
I do my taxes with taxact.com no math, just a bit of plugging in numbers from the forms I get sent every year and the info I gather on my deductions.. simple, cheap (aka free) and fast.
By Kate on Apr 15, 2009 | Reply
Ahh tax returns, i think there must be something about them similar to walking past a policeman. i.e you feel guilty even if you have done nothing wrong.
I put off doing my tax return every year (but aalways manage to do it in the end before the deadline), I think it is just because I am always afraid that I will get an unexpected bill through the post, even though I know I will have to pay nothing as my earnings are too low. But theres always that little voice in the back of your mind just making you worry, just a little bit.
By thomas on Apr 17, 2009 | Reply
Human nature? But like you said, be happy that you actually do have an income and hope that it at least stays constant in 2009.