Around the Bluhmin’ Town

By

Judy Bluhm

Did you file? The Internal Revenue Service is claiming that there is a “taxpayer revolt.” Sure, paying taxes can be revolting, but filing is not merely a suggestion, it is the law. And right now, many Americans are collectively breathing a sigh of relief, because “tax anxiety” is over.

Evidently, there is a slowdown happening. And I am not talking about the economy. Nope, the IRS is experiencing a “taxpayer slowdown” which could mean 500 billion less in tax revenues. Why? It seems plenty of Americans feel that they can skip filing their taxes this year, since so many IRS workers have been laid off. I’d say this is not a good idea.

Tax Day. If you are still scrambling to get your taxes filed, I hate to remind you that you might have to file an extension because you probably have missed the deadline! Approximately 50 million Americans, roughly one third of the folks who file taxes, wait till the very last minute. It causes all sorts of stress and unnecessary headaches for all parties involved. Well, except for the Internal Revenue Service. I doubt they get too worked up about it.

It appears that many taxpayers have a sense of humor. The IRS claims that some women kiss the envelopes or checks, leaving red lipstick marks. (The kiss of death?) Other folks (fools) get creative and instead of making a check payable to the ‘United States Treasury” they might write “United States Terrorists.” Yikes do not do this! An audit might be coming.

There have been some memorable taxes levied throughout history. Let’s not forget that the Boston Tea Party occurred in 1773 when 342 chests of imported British tea were thrown into the harbor due to “taxation without representation.” A war was started and so was the birth of a nation. Fast forward and we have created some outrageous tax regulations.

In our fair State, you can be taxed for the sale of blocks of ice, but not for ice cubes. In Indiana there is a candy tax, which includes marshmallows, but marshmallow cream is tax free. Iowa pumpkins are exempt from sales tax, but only if they are eaten (like in pies or cookies) but not taxed for decorative purposes. And if you live in Hawaii and have a tree in your yard that has “historic or cultural value,” expenses to maintain the tree can be deducted, up to $3000! Hey, Arizona lawmakers, pay attention! Your constituents might have trees and saguaros to maintain that have “cultural value.”

Tis the season of filing, paying or waiting (for a refund). Some people are angry because they must pay up. Others are just giddy, planning on how they are going to spend their refund. (Please keep your joy to yourself). Then there are those who are going rogue and have skipped filing.

If you run the words “The IRS” together, you end up with the word, “Theirs.” This sums up my tax situation. What is mine, is usually “theirs.” Meaning the government. Good luck to each of us as we file, pay or pray.

Judy Bluhm is a writer and a local realtor. Contact Judy at [email protected] or at www.aroundthebluhmintown.com.