Photo by Enrique Macias on Unsplash
You know the old cliché, everything is bigger in Texas. And when you’re talking taxes, the savings are what’s bigger. That’s because Texas is one of seven states that does not impose a state income tax on its residents. Due to this, a lot of folks are buying a home in Texas and making it their domicile.
“Yay, it’s tax season!” – so says some crazy accountant somewhere. But I’m not an accountant and, to me, there are few things as frustrating as filing your taxes. First, I pull together 27 some odd documents named with just a number dash letter combination, all of which contain far too many boxes, asterisks, and subtext. Then, I fire up the old interweb browser, head to some online tax software, and try to follow the steps to file on my own. I have to at least attempt to save myself a few bucks by not hiring a professional. And so, the downward spiral of uncertainty and frustration begins…Is this number right? Is that how I should interpret that line item? Why can’t I deduct my home office? How many kids do I have again? Will I get a refund? Will I owe?!? Am I going to get audited? Oh boy, how much would that cost me? It is amazing that something with such lengthy, cumbersome, and detailed instructions can still leave me with a very vague understanding of what to do. Grrrr. Ultimately, I throw in the towel and look for that accountant that said “Yay, it’s tax season!” and pay for the peace of mind.
