The tax accountant's schedule is a strange one.
Just when I think I have time to catch my breath because tax season is over, no no, property tax returns must be filed by May 1st. They were actually due a month or so ago, but are not delinquent (and thus do no incur a penalty) as long as you file them by May 1st.
Last tax season, I was anal and reminded everyone to prepare the property tax return when they prepared the income tax return, since they were in there dealing with the depreciation schedules anyway. I did a buttload last year during tax season myself, so the stragglers to prepare after tax season were not a big deal. This year I prepared zero during tax season and, apparently, that is the exact amount everyone else prepared, too.
HarleyMama is responsible for making sure property tax returns are timely filed. She reports the following responses from co-workers this year:
- GirlyGirl: "Don't worry, I'll help you," she says during tax season. Meanwhile, as of Friday, April 27th she had prepared a total of one.
- Big Kahuna: "I know I said I'd help you but I have a big project I need to get done."
- Buff Kahuna: "..." (Buff Kahuna could not be reached for comment as he disappeared on vacation the evening of April 17th and has not been seen since.)
As for me, I have been dutifully plugging away at property tax reports for the past week because:
- It is not fair for HarleyMama to have to prepare them all herself;
- There is no way HarleyMama would finish them all by the deadline if she had to prepare them all herself; and
- It puts me in a position to say, "I did my fair share of property tax reports. Where were you?"
I try never to pass up an opportunity for moral superiority, even if I do not plan to flaunt it. It gives me that warm and fuzzy, "I helped someone in need while you couldn't be bothered, you jackass" feeling.
Tags: tax follies
