Earlier, I found that I can do prior year taxes online but I thought it would be rather useless compared to Turbotaxes and the like. But at least, as a long time ago, I had to buy a tax CD, when I barely had a CD ROM reader even at the time. Or, I had to download an app, and to run my long-obsolete PC, the only Windows machine.
I know I should file something fast and change it a lot later if I have to, as long as I don't cause further delays in IRS processing. But I still froze for a few days before I could do anything.
I still want to open all my mails stored in the garage and everywhere for two years to find all the tax documents if they are important. One is the new health coverage documents which were painfully detailed and the first ones that the app ask me for. I remembered seeing them but it's impossible to find it now. But then I found out it was online, a big big surprise. Why they don't mention it when they mail it to you?
Next, it dawned on me that I can use the standard deduction so that I don't need any fancy forms other than W2's and the like. The chance of error and delay is even less.
The only thing left is my stocks. It was the last year that I sold them all. It used to be easy because I carefully keep the mailed form in a very safe place. I know where to find it. But the problem is, once I clicked on the dividend reinvestment box, thinking that it's a good idea. It could have earned me or lost me a hundred or so every month, mostly positive. But the big problem is, I have a transaction every month to report, not knowing it until come tax time.
Luckily, I did that already to estimate my gross income.
Finally, I check on my IRS account if they have any form on me that I have to report. It's all clear so the IRS doesn't have anything on me to dispute my filing.
The final problem is the filing of the return. I know I cannot file electronically for prior year taxes. Mailing it will cause maybe a week or more delay that I can ill afford. Worse, to my horror they don't accept mailed return anymore! How do I file?
So I have to find a local agent who has the license to file electronically. I was hoping some will be still open wearing a mask to see me. It could be $200 when I have done all the forms myself.
When I checked out of my online tax preparation platform, I realized that they have to process it and if I want it fast I have to pay more. Sneaky! But that is not more. They can file it electronically too if I pay more. Of course I did, a lot cheaper and faster than looking for a local tax preparer.
Before I had my questions answered, when I woke up they finished the processing and filed my federal and state returns. The next day it was accepted by the IRS. Woohoo!
The transcript will take two to four weeks in ordinary days. This is not ordinary days. Two weeks is good. Four could be seriously dangerously and more than that will be fatal. So I checked every other day.
And today I got my online transcript! End of story, a happy ending.
So I can keep thriving staying at home. I cut my own hair and everybody else in the family if they want to. All my personal care and cleaning supply are homemade, each bottle of ingredient last for many months. And I can get resupply online easily.
I have enough TP, paper towel or alternatives, H2O2 and alcohol without stockpiling. Now most of them are coming back except alcohol.
I have been using grocery delivery on and off since Amazon Fresh launched. Now I use all of them depending on who is available at the time. It's more expensive but staying at home the other expenses are less.
I rarely see other people except for escorts. So social distance and stay at home didn't affect me much. And I save so much money. Though on occasion I go online to see incredibly beautiful and sexy women.
And I discovered the air fryer after so many years. I made stir-fries in it, actually stirring as I go along instead of the wok. I made thick steaks in it. I made warm salads in it. I grill squashes in it. I may get a bigger one to fry simultaneously to save time.
That's how I thrive. Tax is not due until July.
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