I always dread filing taxes even though I’m single with no dependents, no property and everything is pretty much straight forward with the help of an online service. Nonetheless, I like doing the deed on a Sunday morning after breakfast, before my morning hot yoga class. Sounds extremely specific, to the point of ritual, but at least I get it done.
This time around, took me a record 38 minutes to complete, thanks to my W-2 preloading and last year’s return information conveniently loading.
As unimpressed as I’ve been by the federal government lately, they put a few more coins in my pocket. Not going into specifics just in case the kleptocrats want that pittance back. As my middle school principal once said, “Some people will steal the pennies off a dead man’s eyes.”
Up next, state taxes. Fourteen years of living in Texas spoiled me. Never had to pay state tax in the Lone Star State. Since relocating to NC, I’ve been underwhelmed by my state returns, but the 2025 refund took the cake: $1. That’s right, no zeroes after the one. Cannot even put an “s” at the end of “dollar.”
Of course, I’m grateful that I didn’t owe money, but the result motivated me to undertake a new 2026 challenge: find more than a $1 just going about my life. Should be easy since I normally watch where I’m walking.
As a matter of fact, since I found a penny at the laundromat the day before filing taxes, I’ve got 99 cents to go. Marked it on my calendar. Who knows how many pennies I’ll find now that they’re no longer being made and may actually be worth far more. Not the point.
I want to prove that Fate will put more money in my pocket than the great state of North Carolina. Let the games begin!