Nose-Deep in Taxes
By Ali Canary
@AliCanary (4617)
April 11, 2026 6:04pm CST
I do our taxes every year, and I am attempting to finish them up a few days before the actual deadline. Our taxes are pretty complicated, requiring many different forms every year. We usually end up having to pay instead of getting a big refund. That's usually okay with me, because a big refund means you gave the government an interest-free loan. If you have to pay, that means they gave YOU one. But there's a penalty if you end up owing TOO much, so be careful. Gotta stay in the sweet spot.
I sure could use a big refund this year, though. There are some new deductions this year that might help with that. Wish me luck!
11 people like this
10 responses
@Ineeddentures (37003)
•
12 Apr
Good luck
I have no idea about the taxation system over there but it sounds complicated
2 people like this
@AliCanary (4617)
•
12 Apr
It's immensely complicated! Do you have a tax service or an accountant prepare yours, or do you or Yvonne do them yourselves?
2 people like this
@AliCanary (4617)
•
12 Apr
@Ineeddentures do you have any plans to spend it, or better to save it? I would probably spend about 10% on something fun.
2 people like this
@Ineeddentures (37003)
•
12 Apr
@AliCanary
We are retired
Accountant does what needs to be done
Too complicated for me or Yvonne
Think we will get a large refund this year
2 people like this
@FourWalls (87440)
• United States
13 Apr
My taxes are thankfully very simple. I think it takes about 20 minutes to do online.
2 people like this
@AliCanary (4617)
•
14 Apr
You're so lucky! I filed nine different forms this year.
2 people like this
@FourWalls (87440)
• United States
14 Apr
@AliCanary — I know it! I had my taxes filed and the refund back by the last week of January. Truly blessed.
2 people like this
@AliCanary (4617)
•
14 Apr
Thank you! I got them finished and sent out yesterday.
2 people like this
@AliCanary (4617)
•
14 Apr
That's smart! I'm just really cheap and don't want to pay an accountant. I'd rather sit around in my pajamas at 3 o'clock in the morning and do it, lol
2 people like this
@LindaOHio (223561)
• United States
12 Apr
Good luck. I filed in February; so that dastardly deed is done.
2 people like this
@allen0187 (59928)
• Philippines
20 Apr
Good luck!
Grats on getting a refund this year.
1 person likes this
@allen0187 (59928)
• Philippines
21 Apr
@AliCanary 
Let's be honest, if I was getting a refund, I'd be excited too!
Let's be honest, if I was getting a refund, I'd be excited too!1 person likes this
@AliCanary (4617)
•
12 Apr
Thanks! I'm happy to have anything that chops away at the tax, even though I don't mind paying my share.
1 person likes this
@DianneN (254948)
• United States
12 Apr
@AliCanary I have no idea what you’re talking about regarding energy credits.
Do you use solar energy?
Do you use solar energy?2 people like this
@AliCanary (4617)
•
12 Apr
@DianneN not yet (I'd like to), but if you have replaced your a/c or furnace or gotten energy-efficient replacement windows or doors, you can take it. Of course, it's also good for wind, solar, fuel-cell, etc, but as long as it increases the energy efficiency, it doesn't have to be renewable energy. Go to IRS.gov and search for "home energy tax credits". Even if you didn't have a new expense, you can file forms for prior tax years! It's form 5695.
2 people like this
@AliCanary (4617)
•
12 Apr
I've gotten it done to the point where if I don't take the energy credits, we will have to pay, but not much. I need more info for the energy credits, so I', planning to call the HVAC company tomorrow.
2 people like this
@AliCanary (4617)
•
14 Apr
We did manage to get a refund, after all the tax credits I submitted. A little over $300, but it sure beats paying!
1 person likes this
