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April 4, 2008

This will be a short post today — I’m in the middle of taxes.

I can’t stand tax time!

Not a big shock. Most people equate doing taxes with getting a root canal.

This is the first year my husband and I are filing jointly. It will also be the first time he will be filing online (I’ve been using that method for years, it makes life so much easier).

We have all the needed paperwork – so I can’t imagine it will take longer than an hour or two — it is just the idea of it. Taxes. The word even sounds painful.

At least the government can make it enjoyable: OK, I owe X amount. I’d like to put it all toward keeping arts education in public schools.

Or for everyone who turns in their taxes on time, you get tickets to the movies or a Starbucks card.

My idea: Since everything money wise is connected by our Social Security numbers, I don’t understand why the IRS and the Social Security Administration can’t get their spreadsheets and link them together. That way, they would know what everyone’s taxes were.

I suggest the government do what the cruise ships do: At the end of your trip you get a statement, and if you don’t agree with it, you can go to the purser’s desk. If you don’t agree with what you owe — or what the government owes you — go can submit your taxes, otherwise, you don’t have to.

Some people might find this a bit too “big brother.”

Apparently, some people also have fun at the dentist.

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