There are times when you just have to put your priorities in order.
My time has come.
Those 2023 federal and state tax returns are calling, and time is running out fast. Less than two weeks remain before the April 15 deadline to have them done, in my accountant’s hands and on their way to those Internal Revenue Service folks.
“Just a few minor things, and I should have my template and documents to you Tuesday,” I told my accountant Friday.
If I tell you I’ll do something, you can take me at my word.
“OK, thanks,” my accountant emailed back.
When it comes to my yearly taxes, I’m a stickler for doing my best to get everything just right for my accountant, from the Social Security 1099 form to the 1099 Nonemployee Compensation form to city and county property taxes and whatever documents are required.
When it comes to annual income, I don’t cut corners. I don’t cut corners when it comes to my expenditures, either. When it comes to the IRS, I’m as honest as can be. My mantra is simple enough: “Don’t mess with the IRS.”
Pushing the deadline
My plan was to have everything to my accountant sometime around February. I have profound respect for my accounting firm, and I’ve heard stories about how there are those who wait until the last minute and expect accountants to drop everything for them. I’m not of that ilk. No matter, I’m still pushing the deadline.
There’s mileage to accountant and some lodging and meals, etc. The mileage can take some time if you want to have it accurate from here to there, and there and back. And then there’s that little issue with my vehicle property tax on the old 2007 Honda Accord. I’ve looked high and low and can’t find it anywhere.
But Tuesday was my promise to my accountant, and Tuesday was my promise to keep.
Fortunately, Steven Smith Jr., Worth Smith, Cynthia Celeste and Susan Groveunder with the Merrill Lynch Wealth Management Group take care of my Individual Retirement Account. They see to it my tax accountant has all of the documents to that end. It takes much of the burden off of me, and I’d be lost without them.
Usually, if you are following CityView, you’ll find me writing columns about something going on in the city or the county or the community. There’s always a story to tell. But tax season is calling, and my accountant is waiting.
The Easter holidays put me behind. There were Easter lilies to deliver Saturday last to the graves of Mama, her sister, her brother and her parents at Cypress Springs Presbyterian Church just over the Moore County line. There was a white azalea to deliver at Lafayette Memorial Park. And it was back Sunday to the little white church near the Moore County line for a 7 a.m. Easter Sunrise and then to Brownson Memorial Presbyterian Church in Southern Pines.
Suffice it to say, by Sunday evening, old Bill was dragging.
Epilogue
Monday was for dotting the i's and crossing the t's on these 2023 tax return documents — mileage here and expenses there.
Everything should be in the hands of my accountant Tuesday.
Soon enough before April 15, she’ll give me the call.
“Bill, your taxes are done,” she’ll say. “Come by, sign them and we’ll send them off for you.”
Lordy, lordy … glad my taxes are behind.
Bill Kirby Jr. can be reached at billkirby49@gmail.com or 910-624-1961.
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