Maybe there’s something wrong with me, but I have always enjoyed doing my taxes. Perhaps it is because I usually arrange things to get a refund. I like to think of it as forced savings.
My taxes are not very tricky. I have a mortgage and make a few donations every year. I don’t have investments, capital gains or losses, or anything complicated. They are simple enough that I can do them myself. Doing my own taxes gives me a sense of satisfaction and self-sufficiency.
These days, I use tax software, but I didn’t even mind it when I did it paper and pencil. There is a orderliness and neatness to the process. I am not an especially orderly or neat person, but taxes make me happy. I am much more of a word person than a number person, but I enjoy doing my taxes. My OLW is contentment, and I experience a sense of contentment when I do my taxes.
The fun part of using the software is watching the refund calculator in the upper left corner change as I type in my deductions. When I did my taxes with paper and pencil, I always did my rough draft in pencil and the final in pen. It felt daring, like doing a crossword in ink!
I need to give some credit to my grade 13 geography teacher, Mr. Terdik, who taught us how to fill out the form in the days before the Internet. He felt that it was important to graduate from high school able to do your own taxes.
I know that this is a busy and stressful time for accountants and tax preparers. I wish them well. And I wish you well, too.
Best wishes to your home from mine this tax season.
booksandbassets 
This is such a wonderful reflection. Finding contentment and joy in something that most of us fear and loathe shows your contentment. Can’t say I share your feelings, though. Probably because I hate following instructions. Funny and me a teacher and I hate following instructions!
Good for you for getting it done early. I’ve yet to itemiZe my 2015 business expenses. I better get on it!
Bravo!!! I’m with an accountant and I wait… not until the last minute. I was under a tight leash but I developed good habits so I am with you part ways. I do get on it when I have all my tax materials for the year. Then I’m on it and feel good as soon as I sign off probably this month.
I am not a fan of doing the taxes. Thankfully, Kathy doesn’t mind and she does ours. I just stay clear of her on that day and promise to take care of dinner.
I’m a much happier person after I found someone else to do my taxes. Unfortunately my little box never said refund, but was always red print of what I still owed. Needless to say, I avoided looking at that box. I look forward to the day of handing the paper work off but dread hearing from the accountant. Lately, it’s been a refund, so I hope that continues.
Ha, finding some positivity and contentment doing taxes. Great perspective.
I wanted to read your post for inspiration, Adrienne. I wish my taxes were simpler, but I do need to gather and compute everything, then meet with my accountant. I’ve done it for years, but still think of it as a chore, something I “have” to do. I’m glad to hear from someone who enjoys it, and how great that your teacher taught you all how.
Good for you – and now you have a sense of quiet equanimity and accomplishment. Well done!