I can hear the scene from The Grinch now…”It came without packages, boxes or bags.” I sort of feel that way, because miracle of miracles, I had my taxes done and turned in, before we left on our cruise in February.

So, I didn’t even think about it today, which is weird.

But, then, this month, April 2020, has been a special kind of weird.

For posterity, and because I’m on day 15, (which is what made me realize tax day was over) of no posting on my personal Facebook page, my unofficial Facebook Fast 2020 to celebrate my 55th birthday coming up, I should mention, it felt really good to be done with taxes so early. But, also for posterity, I should get extra credit or a sticker on my chart, for getting them done so early and then the government extended the deadline. Frankly, I’m glad I was done. I can’t imagine having a good frame of mind, figuring out taxes and stretching my usual mess out until July!

Did I keep up diligently with my paperwork during the previous year, like I planned to? No. But, I did better than the year before. Was I disappointed that I didn’t do 100% of my “keep up with tax paperwork” all year long? Yes. However, I have new hope and new incentive, because it feels really good. One year, I waited so long to send in my check, that I had to drive to Lincoln and mail it at the main USPS branch, because I got busy that day. I make estimated payments now, so sending in a check doesn’t happen, usually.

I would share my method of keeping up all year long, for other creatives, but I’d rather hear how you do it? When you’d rather be sewing, crafting, quilting…how do you keep up so tax prep isn’t a nightmare? No fair if someone else in your household does it! I mean, yay for you, you lucky duck.

Let me know. For 2020, my plan is to have everything already categorized, filed and ready to turn into my accountant, and not wonder if I missed out on a write-off because I couldn’t find a receipt.

Your friend—

Anne Dovel