Declare the pennies on your eyes
I finish the week with two, back-to-back lessons on how expensive a lack of attention to detail can be.

First, I had my scheduled party with the Internal Revenue Service. Made a mistake on a return, related to how I chose to report inheritance income. They were pleasant but firm. I understand their situation. The government's been running up some big bills lately. They didn't quite understand mine. I'd never had inheritance income before, and I hopefully won't ever again. Assuming all relevant taxes were paid by the estate before I was paid... well, that's a rookie error. Had a lot on my mind that year.

I owe the United States a relatively insignificant amount of money. That is, until interests and fines are factored in. Some people might still consider the final amount insignificant, but it's a chunk to me. And whatever you've heard about the IRS being unpleasant is false. They seemed quite cheerful as they outlined my options for repayment. My checkbook gets a little extra exercise this summer.

I drove home unsure how to feel about this. Am I a deadbeat, a cheat, both or neither? I wasn't trying to hide anything or get away with anything. But intent is irrelevant. It's a simple flowchart. Did you do what you were supposed to do? No. Then you must be punished, so you never do it again. Fair enough, I guess, even though it stings.

Then, as I got home and retrieved my mail, I got notice of a tax warrant issued by the City of Springfield. The city sent out excise bills early this year, because they're so broke they're trying to avoid going into receivership, and every little bit helps. Again, I understand the situation, but I didn't respond to it like a good citizen. I got my bill, set it aside and promptly forgot about it.

This "reminder" has, attached to it, fees for the demand and warrant that add about 30% to the bill. Again, can't really blame anyone for my own absentmindedness. And I've decided to think of the consequences of my blunders not as punishment, but my own largesse. Here's a little something extra, guys! I know you need it. Spend it wisely and well!

And if I ever needed incentive to manage my fiscal affairs more efficiently, and pay what I indisputably owe in a timely manner, I now have it. If only I could say the same about my national and local governments. But that's one of the bitter ironies of life. 11:36:46 AM    comment []trackback []