I AM OFFICIALLY....DONE!!!!!

In the 30+ years I have been preparing tax returns, I have always crammed until the very last minute. Working hard, getting signatures and running last minute returns to the post office to hit the midnight deadline.




This year is so completely "out of the norm" for me. The last return was picked up 15 minutes ago and I have no more pending. Whatever will I do with myself tomorrow? The official DEADLINE day.





Originally, I had these last three people scheduled to be picked up tomorrow, but as soon as the news broke that NO post office was staying open to the usual midnight...the clients must have felt the need to "hurry it up" a little. Past tradition held that I worked late, headed to the Post Office and then off for a late Chinese dinner. Now, I have to rethink tomorrow's schedule.

I may just park my ass on the couch (haven't been on it in months) and veg out to TV all day. I certainly don't want to shock my system and jump right into CLEANING! I am considering NOT even answering the telephone. Why would I want to hear from some poor sucker who "forgot" to take care of this necessary evil? Compassion would intercede I'm sure and yes, I would see what I could do to help. But, my fingers are crossed that this doesn't happen.

Now, I'm getting excited about moving all the files back to their rightful sanctuary in the basement, and bringing some sense of order back to this kitchen. An official office would be great, but that would involve adding on to my house.

I am now going to start my "chill" process, so have a good evening and I will definitely return....later..............

UPDATE: I do believe that those responsible for the theft of theson's electronics, may have been caught. I'm waiting for the police to notify me. The person arrested, so far, is the son of a former co-worker of thedaughter's. (His father is in prison for....theft!!)

Crazy, busy, need time to breathe....or not!

Yes, it's tax season, my busiest time of the year. Don't get me wrong, I truly love the activity, since I have been doing this for over 30 years, I must. I have no secretary or receptionist, just thedaughter who helps me file, answer the phone (when she is awake), and call clients for pickups. Although technically tax season begins January 1st, I normally do not get busy till February 1st, as I prefer my clients to have ALL documentation before I prepare the return. This year has been a little out of the norm, as the IRS requirements of a January 31st deadline for taxpayers to receive documents has been changed to February 15th. It never fails that at least a couple of clients are in a rush to file - and WHAM - after preparation, they call because they have received additional information. Tsk. Tsk. Then they have the nerve to get upset because I charge a fee to redo a return.

I have a decent clientele of almost 500 - and that is probably because I am quick and efficient and I CHARGE NEXT TO NOTHING. When my former partner and I started our business in the 70's, we named our business such that it implies "low prices." Our philosophy was and remains to this day - that people pay so much in taxes, they should not have to pay an arm and a leg to get their money back. Thus the reason for a large client base.

My partner and I split up in 1996, and we each developed our individual business, with me keeping the original business name. At first, the split was a little strained, but after five years, we caved and let bygones be bygones. Now, we split the cost of our tax program, which eases my financial burden. Some have no idea what this business entails - I will try to be brief here in describing what I provide.

• a paper copy of prepared return
• a presentation folder w/ all pertinent info regarding my business (address-phone #'s)
• a cover sheet with detailed info on refund/payment and how to sign documents
• all necessary envelopes - addressed to proper agencies
• normally a 24-48 hour turn around period for preparation
• will schedule evening and weekend appointments at convenience of clients
• will pick up information at homes when requested - and deliver (usually the elderly)
• I keep a paper copy and backed up copy of all returns
• will help clients deal with any problems from tax agencies
• will assist with any audits that may be required (no audits since 1998)

I'm sure there are many other things I provide, but can't think of any at the moment. In all honesty, I kept most of our original clients - for reasons I will not relate here. I get referrals every year which is a good thing, as I usually have the occasional "death" of a client also.

Today was one of those crazy days...two clients show up within 10 minutes of each other...4 clients appeared to pick-up their returns at the same time...the phone rang constantly...had to meet a client downtown in between all this turmoil. And then the dog decided she had to puke - which entirely capped off a terrific morning. Psycho kitty will make an appearance soon I am sure.

I promise not to neglect any of my fellow bloggers, but right now, I have decided to step back for the remainder of this day and chill. Later this evening, after thegrandson has gone to bed, I will try to catch up on your postings. So, play nice everyone, and check with ya later...........

WOOHOO - Travel plans made for Egypt!

I have the best son in the entire world. He is flying me to Cairo, Egypt for a visit/vacation! We talked online this morning (if you can call his shite internet connection "talking") and he was making the flight reservations at the same time. He was shocked at the Business class rates ($4000-$8000), so I am flying economy. I have visions of sitting next to a grossly obese, hairy, smelly guy with a chicken in his lap - but hey, nothing lasts forever.

I am leaving Pittsburgh Airport May 6th to Washington, DC, to Frankfurt, Germany and on to Cairo. This is going to be so great. My friends can't believe I travel alone, but doing things (dining, shopping, travelling) alone has never bothered me. Theson was trying to send me through Amsterdam, but was worried about his mother getting stoned and missing the plane...DUH!! Took all the fun out of that! Did I mention how liberal we are??? I will be returning home on May 17th. Considering travel time of a day each way - this is super.

I started my tanning last week (late for me) so I won't burn to a crisp. Now I have to get on the stick and buy my new camera. I may go the way of ETW, and purchase the Canon digital camera. I don't know that I need the additional lens at this time, but we will see. Amazingly, my fellow bloggers and I have trudged along with our Sony Cyber-shots, but now we want quicker shutter speed for better pictures for our blogs and posterity. We are such an eclectic group.

Now, the big question...do I get on a camel or not? I think that would be so cool also, just to say "I have been on a camel", but do I want a saddle sore like the son? Oh, the decisions I have to make. Thesons'college roomate and his wife will be visiting at the same time, so I know we will have fun. I always got along well with theJay! When my husband died, thesons college friends were right here for him - which was a terrific act of thoughfulness.

I am so excited right now, I could jump out of my skin. I have been telling everyone I am going to Egypt, but no plans were actually made - NOW THEY ARE CARVED IN STONE!!! Hell, pull me off the ceiling now!

Gotta clean this house (always falls down around my ears during Tax Season), work on returns (have to pay for new camera), and maybe throw in some laundry. Thank heavens, thegrandson can entertain himself - or I would go completely bonkers. The sun is shining, travel plans made and I am happy - what more could this old bag wish for?!!?!?!?!

EVERYONE HAVE A SUPER, WONDERFUL, HAPPY, MARVELOUS WEEKEND....TTFN!
OH - STAY HEALTHY AND WELL.

***Just an aside...thegrandson has always called me NINA - and now he is in to this "GRANDMA" thing...we can't have this. I may duct tape him to the wall later.

It really is "Crunch time" for me...and i love it!

Here it is April 4th, and it always amazes me how fast tax season flies by. I have done several hundred returns, and believe it or not, I would enjoy doing them all year long. Every year is rather predictable as to who appears when. The early birds are the same and the latecomers are the same - but everyone is trying to drive me nuts this year and mixing it all around. I actually thought I had lost a few clients...boohoo, but alas, they are just late. That's a good thing. I have even scheduled two clients on the 13th and 14th this year. I hate to file extensions, so I WILL get them prepared in time - since the deadline this year is April 17th.

Theson is arriving home tonight, after spending a week in Ireland with Jules (lucky dawg!). But the joke is on him, after we have had temps in the high 70's and 80 yesterday - today (at present) it is a miserable 35 degrees. Once I take my sandals out, I do not put them away till September or October, so my little toes will be freezing. **I may break down and put on a pair of socks though - brrr...

Tomorrow is TATTOO DAY! I have decided on a Celtic Shamrock, and now have to figure out if I want it on my shoulder or the nape of my neck. Decisions, decisions. Curses!!!!! I found the design I liked on the Internet, but they lock the pictures and I couldn't print it out - so I am hoping the place has a similar design. You would think at 55 years of age, I would have more important decisions to make, but what the hell - you only live once and that could be brief at best.

60 Days and we will be outta here - on to the Caribbean and lots and lots of sunshine. I think our most enjoyable moment is having a danish and coffee on the balcony in the mornings before we head poolside. A selfish indulgence but we are worth it.

That's it for now - have to hit the road to get theson. Stay healthy and TTFN!!!