Tax Day

April 15th.
Whenever friends or family inquire about our tax refund, we give them a dead-pan look and ask, “What’s that?” Asking that always stops them in their tracks. Normally, we are jokers; however, the lack of facial expressions makes it clear we are seriously asking the question.
We honestly do not remember when we last got a refund. When we retired, our income was considerably less, so we figured we might get refunds now. Our non-refundable situation got worse instead of better. It was always something. Something that caused us to owe more and more to the IRS. One year, they played with the tax brackets, and the pressure was less, but we still owed a few thousand bucks. Our pensions paid us after the government got theirs. Automatic distributions had taxes grabbed from them before we got the check. We changed our W-2 information so they would take a bigger % of taxes out of our pay and the few investments I inherited. But alas, at the end of the year, we were looking at paying a couple thousand again.

Last year, one of my hubby’s required distribution checks did not have taxes removed. Sigh. This means we send more (than we already paid for) to the Feds and the State.

I wish that y’all get oodles of $$ refunded to you.

Death and Taxes

Do you know that the IRS keeps demanding your money – even after you’re dead?

This sure puts a new spin on Benjamin Franklin’s quote:

“‘In this world nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes.

Who knew he meant at the same time?

BenFranklin

I am dealing with the nightmare that is my sister’s taxes. Personal, as well as her estate’s taxes. First of all, the word estate conjures up visions of mansions and filthy-rich old people. Sis was not wealthy or old when she passed away. She was unemployed, with a modest retirement account. Can’t the IRS just let it slide? I mean, she’s DEAD.  How can they send her a refund?  Duh.

As next of kin, I am responsible for filing  her 2012 taxes. AND her “Estate’s” taxes, that need reporting on a totally different form. How the Hell can I fill out forms when I have no clue about what to put in them? I only have some of her files. I can guess about what her “estate” is worth. Do you think the IRS will be OK with that?

I do know that I am not going to be stuck with paying the IRS interest and penalties because of my sister’s taxes. I have paid enough already. The probate attorney doesn’t contact me about what is going on. I didn’t hire him, so I have no “rights” – apparently. Sister’s fiancé hired him as a favor to help me out. They live in a different state of course, BECAUSE NOTHING IN THIS FREAKING LIFE IS EVER EASY – IS IT?

I am my sister’s “Personal Representative”. I believe that this title only authorizes me to sign court documents. After 11 months, we still don’t have a probate hearing scheduled.  How much research does the attorney have to do?  My sister didn’t have anything to research.  When they tell you “probate takes years”, believe it.

When things get overwhelming and I reach Threat Level 5, I get pissed that my sister is still making my life miserable.

She always was a little brat. Sorry Sis, but we both know it’s true  😉

photo credit: wallyg via photopin cc

Camp Grandma is Not for Wimps

If you think Camp Grandma is run by said grandma – you would be wrong.

The Drill Sergeant makes me get up at 0630 every morning, and do things.   All.  Day.   Long.

Bugs confronts the drill sergeant in basic tra...

Things like baking, starting craft projects, making Lego cruise ships and castles. Pretending she’s a dentist and I’m the patient. Watching G rated movies and the occasional spooky PG (Pre-screened by Grandma) movies. Munching on snacks.

Oh yeah, and shopping. For more snacks, of course. You just can’t have enough snacks.

Then, when it’s homework time, Drill Sergeant makes me do my homework with her. My homework is income tax returns. I don’t know how hubby can snooze through homework time with all the obnoxious whining going on. I am praying we are able to get a refund for once. I owe money.  I got a bill from the ‘dentist’ today. For $3,000.00.

After homework time I have free-time while Drill Sergeant (now known as DS because I’m tired of typing it), goes with hubby to his shop and plays quarter slots and video poker. Yesterday she lost all her winnings and tonight she won the top jackpot. I hope she isn’t headed for a gambling problem. Good thing she’s not allowed in casinos for another 12-years.

In my “free” time I do laundry, dishes, grocery shop, etc.. DS will sometimes be in a mood to help, which is great because she really is a help. She wowed the entire grocery store today with her perfect manners. She wowed me too – for someone who doesn’t practice good manners, she is awesome.

Tomorrow we declared a play day. No errands, no homework. Left-overs on the menu. There is serious quilting and crocheting to get to. Maybe a card game or two and a couple shows on TV. And if we get tired of that, we might paint our nails dark purple with sparkles on top.

I totally love Camp Grandma!    SkipRopeSmilies