Woo Hoo. Tax Refund.

[rareboy]

So today I got the notice that I got an $11K tax refund and I we immediately sent it in as a payment for this years taxes...we sent i a shitload of money last year, so I am happy to see a kickback, but Death and Taxes always claim their victims.

So should I:

1. Cashed out and blown the whole thing on pretty things for me and my partner?

2. Cashed out and blown the whole thing on pretty things for our two cats?

3. Give it away to this year's non-profit selections?

4. Did the right thing by being Presbyterian and rendering unto Caesar that which is his?

 

[unloadonme]

If you got a repayment for last year and owe tax for the current year, the sensible solution would seem to be to set one off against the other. I think that's what I'd do. Unfortunately, I owe tax for both years!

 

[Dargelos]

You can get a lotta lotta cat toys for that much money.

 

[NotHardUp1]

I'm a big believer in rewards. And I enjoy planning, including budgeting, but not as a constraint, but a plan. It's kinda fun to move around discretionary spending to free up disposable income, whether it is for donating or spending on improvements or splurges.

Whether you send the $11k in or not, is rather moot. You've opened up a box full of money in your budget that is a windfall, a lagniappe. Think of it as the same as when you give a loved one a gift. It would be quite hurtful for the loved one to exclaim how wonderful it is, and then donate it to some charity thrift shop for "greater good" to come of it.

The Universe has given you a gift, not a test. You already give charitably, and this refund came after you had done so, so doesn't demand any tithing.

Your cats cannot appreciate a diamond collar over a brown paper bag, so not appropriate there, nor needed.

Take the money and put it where you will enjoy it most. Is a first class cabin on a flight to New Zealand in order? Is this the delta between your next car and your trade-in? Is Notre Dame and a foray to hunt truffles tempting? Is there an artist you really want to buy a creation from? How long has it been since you took your partner to that special antique store and picked out a treasure that would normally be too much to feel good about buying? Is there an appliance, a patio, or an upgrade for the house you have been wanting?

Do it. Do it soon.

 

[Kahaih]

I think you need to find a new accountant.

Plus or minus, that's a hefty mistake.

 

[rareboy]

No it was all me.

I had sent in more this year for installments than I needed to because I just took a stab at it.