Pissed off

So I got called for jury service. Some of you might remember same song different dance last year. Unfortunately, my showing up then means nothing. So the numbers were against me this time and yes, I am on a jury.

During tax season. When I was just on vacation, when I have a pile of undone work on my desk, after having worked ALL WEEKEND, when I have a client visit planned next week, and obviously less important, two concerts to get to next week.

To say I'm pissed off, is an understatement.

I BEGGED the judge to understand - when I leave court I won't be going to finish my day and delegate, and work four, maybe 5 hours to catchup. I will be going to work, balls to the wall for EIGHT TO TWELVE HOURS, every day, and will be working the weekends too. That wasn't enough to get me excused, so I rolled the dice they wouldn't get to me, and they did.

So we start at 9, go to 1, then I will more than likely be working at the office for at least 8 hours, and if not, I'll be popping off to a client, or CPA, and I'm certain I will find some things to do on the weekends.

Please don't misunderstand, I'm OK with serving I really am. JUST NOT NOW. I have work I'm behind on, that I'm trying to get caught up on. I have payrolls to run, and balances to get done. I will owe reports in about a week, and there are a few clients I'm behind on. Plus CPA #2 is picking up speed, he's asking for more hours. Then there's my own personal stuff.

Basically, my schedule is so tight it squeaks. This FUCKS my schedule in the ass. Without even a reach-around.

If I have plans, they're on hold. I'm about to fight for putting off my client trip, just in case the case goes long. I haven't bought the tickets yet. Anything that resembles a life has to wait and see IF and WHEN I feel up to it. There's a very good chance at some point I will give the entire world the finger and to go bed and NOT COME OUT.

Seriously, this is fucked.I just don't know, and honestly I'm at my wits end. PLEASE don't put any more on me.

I have a few people to contact, there are a few tings that I will NOT be putting off. It just doesn't make sense to. If you don't hear from me, and need me, e-mail me, and wait. I'm sorry that's just the way it is.

Calmed down now

After getting to the office, finding my desk NOT on fire, and things kinda quiet, I'm a bit more able to handle the change. I got some support from an unexpected source (Along with an admonition that she "knows people" and probably could have gotten me excused, had I just SAID something. Of course, thinking that I DID tell Boss-LH several weeks ago that this might come up, and not being prone to spreading my buisness around the office, I wonder where she got the idea I had to tell HER. *hand* whatever.)

I won't have to work 8-12 hour days, and most of my clients have been responsive. We're going to work out what happens with the stipend I get (I'm voting for ME KEEP, as it's not a lot and I intend on working the hours at some point over the month) and just take it one day and one client problem at a time. The nice thing was the reassurance that my coworkers would step up to help, if necessary, from my coworkers, and not just the bosses. There's one thing about a boss saying you'll be covered, and actually having it happen from the front lines.

So it being quiet, I'm going to get some of the work I'd put off done, and see where it goes from there. I'm sure to be here late tonight, but it's OK.

I just didn't like being "required" to work 8 hour days. I think if I work late, I should be comped for it, in an informal manner, as we're all adults here. That if I leave early, or come in late due to whatever issues, that I will make them up, and my clients won't suffer. For too long I've felt "timeclocked" and I'm SO OVER THAT.

Taxes

It's that time of year I see a lot of different "OMG HELP!" on my friends of that I feel I should respond to, but don't know the person, or don't want the responsibility.

So, if I were asked how do I file my taxes, and you don't have something stupid complex, I recommend TaxSlayer

It's online, and web-based. It has a pretty intuitive interface, and can keep your records handy from year to year. It allows for endless revisions, and does SOME of the thinking (like figuring out if you have deductions, which ones to suggest you look for. Obviously this is NOT indepth, but it won't let you forget the obvious ones)

Best thing about it is the price - you pay when you file, so you COULD prep them and do on paper or some other way. Federal is free, I found this on the IRS free providers site, and this year State filing is $9.99 when filed together. They do direct deposit, and file electronically.

If you are full time military, filing is free. They tell by your W-2 = if you have one with a military ID number, you're all set.

It can handle multiple W2s, most deductions, even self employment and most of the schedules. The only ones I think it can't handle, are returns from some clients I've seen that are pages long, and easily a $500 accountant bill. And those you WANT prepared by an accountant, trust me. In fact, it's worth it if you have a business, self employed or no, you should have an accountant, someone you can talk to once a quarter, and at year end.

There are other sites of course, Some of them are completely free if you meet certain restrictions. You can fine a list of them here. You want a site that will do what you need it to, at a minimum of costs.

What you really need are all your records, whether you need them or not. I usually ask people whom I'm preparing for to have all their bills and any paperwork they think they "needed" all year handy, just in case. This year theres a refund on tax paid to phone providers, that offer a flat credit ($30 Single, $60 Married) OR you can add up your bills and see if it's better. If you have the paperwork it's worth it to look.

I can't stress this enough - have a full copy of your last year's return handy. You'd be surprised what they'll ask for, and certain numbers help the IRS verify you as a user, and allow you to file and sign electronically. So just get it.

If I have time, I may try and offer some support service. Help you understand what you're doing. But really, if you READ everything as it comes up, you can follow along, and get an understanding of how they work. Honestly, this level isn't complex ( DO NOT get me started on Alternative Minimum Tax. *shudder*)

So if you can see this entry, and might be interested in a guiding hand, to ask questions, comment here. If I get enough response I might set up a salon at my house. It would be a one shot dealio.

Heh - I'm VERY VERY popular this time of year.

OK anyway, public service rendered, I'm off to mope some more.