Frustration, Anxiety, and Tax

Everyone processes (tax) frustration and anxiety in a very different way. Most of the time, I internalize and do not share my feelings. But generally, Jeff has to drag it out of me, and then I reluctantly open up.

Apparently, my face is very expressive, and he and our daughter and son know immediately when I am angry, pissed off, disturbed, or annoyed. They say I scrunch up my face in some way that is relatively easy to read.

When I am ready to blow up, I slam doors, books, or dishes and ignore everyone. I suppose the noise soothes my frazzled nerves. Do I feel better after my outburst? Not even a little. I guess in my twisted brain; my actions let them know my feelings.

Last week a situation occurred that put me right on edge,

So, what did I do? Nothing! I denied there was a problem, and Jeff and then Marissa asked me about seven or eight times what was wrong, and each time I said, “everything is fine.” Ah, the “f” word every man loves hearing from his testy wife.

He didn’t believe me and was relentless until I gave in. When I did, I babbled on about what was disturbing me and barely took a breath.

Wine 🍷 and 🍫 chocolate often help to calm my frazzled nerves. Frustration, Anxiety, and Tax!!

 How do you process your emotions?

It’s tax season, and there is plenty to get worked up about.

 

Here are some of the top 6 reasons:

1. ID theft related to taxes has exploded. To reduce possible losses from identity theft, Congress passed a law that forces the IRS to delay issuing refunds for people claiming certain deductions or credits.
2. Short staffing at the IRS could cause many delays for early tax filers.😩
3. If you are mailing documents to the IRS, expect delays. It took months to clear through the backlog last year and the IRS’s delay in taking care of mailed-in returns and other correspondence.
4. You’ll also be stuck waiting if there are any problems with your return, such as requests for information or updates.
5. If you’re a swindler, you will try to file as many tax returns as speedily as possible. However, the IRS processes everything on a first come, first serve basis. Therefore, if a crook files a tax return in your name before you do, and they steal your refund, they succeed and get the refund if you are due one.
6. If you find yourself in the unfortunate position of being a victim of identity theft, you will have to go through a lengthy process to resolve the ID theft with the IRS. Firstly, you will need to submit many documents, which can take several weeks to several months. It’s a long, drawn-out process, and it’s not always easy.

Frustration, Anxiety, and Tax. Garbage in, garbage out! Completing and submitting your tax return can be a taxing experience. The federal tax code is very complicated if you are not a tax pro. Online software is only as good as the person inputting the data and typically leads to frustration and anxiety for even the most orderly taxpayer.

In a recent survey, 28% of people said it would be easier to go without a mobile phone for a week than to file their tax returns. 

Knowing that an Enrolled Agent who is a tax advisor, who is a federally-authorized tax practitioner that is empowered by the U.S. Department of the Treasury, can alleviate many of your fears. And knowing that a certified tax professional is handling your taxes can reduce stress.

Frustration, Anxiety, and Tax – Making errors can be costly, such as missed deductions or triggering an IRS letter or audit; an EA can help eliminate mistakes and ensure that your returns are prepared correctly.

Enrolled Agents represent taxpayers before the Internal Revenue Service for tax issues, including audits, collections, and appeals.

Jeffrey Schneider, EA, CTRS, ACT-E, has been in the tax field for over 40 years and is accepting new clients. In case you did not know, our Senior Bookkeeper, Autumn Denning, EA, is also an Enrolled Agent and works with many of our clients.

Book your appointment now, even if you do not have all your documentation.

Ali “drinking wine to stay calm” Schneider,
Director of Business development.

Tax Joke

“65% of people say that cheating on your income tax is worse than cheating on your spouse. The other 35% were women.” – Jay Leno