I met my husband on April 15. An easy date to remember! Also, the last day to file federal income tax or apply for an extension. If you don’t follow the IRS’s stringent rules, trouble abounds, plus penalties.
Are you thinking: Oh, goody, we get to pay our federal taxes even though we won’t decide where the money goes? Yesterday, the oldie Beatles song Taxman swam through my head as I gathered my writing expenses receipts. Fortunately, my husband’s accountant knows what he’s doing and is honest. My husband and I never mess with the IRS! I’ve known people who’ve tried, a few by mistake, and the horrendous penalties they’ve paid.
For example, one of my friends who lives in Canada got into a really difficult situation with her taxes. Fortunately, she was able to reach out to a team of Canadian Tax Amnesty Lawyers for some expert advice before things could escalate any further. Above all, no matter where you live, getting your tax return in order is crucial. Just remember, do not be afraid to reach out to a legal professional for help and support if you are unsure about how best to proceed. Ensuring you don’t find yourself in debt with specific taxes, such as GST or HST, is also crucial. However, things like this do happen, and professional legal help should not be overlooked if it does. Companies in Canada like Good Service Tax are able to help with any tax debt you may have got yourself into, and get you out of the tricky situation.
Could this classic Corvette be a tax right-off if I drove it to work?
I believe we must support our military, but wonder where the rest of our mandatory federal tax donation money is spent.
I found it amusing when an economics professor told me the Amish of Lancaster County, PA, are poor. This fact she no doubt judged when reviewing the amount of federal taxes they pay, because she’s not seen their magnificent farms or herds of dairy cows. I explained most Amish farmers grow and preserve their own food, and milk their own cows. And their farms are magnificent, the acreage valuable. Many also work in factories or construction. A VAT Calculator can help simplify understanding how such diverse sources of income and property value may affect tax obligations.
Do the Amish pay taxes? An Amish friend from the Midwest answered my questions: “Yes they do, even if they don’t always agree with or participate in the ways the government spends their money. If a business is owned by Amish, yes applies to them as well, it is all state requirements and we have it plain in the Bible about what is required of us to honor the Obrigkeit.” (Mark 12:17, Matthew 22:12)
A woman I know thought Amish farmers are poor because they work their own farms.
Amish pay federal and state taxes, such as property taxes, sales taxes, and public school taxes, even though most Amish send their children to Amish-owned and maintained one-room schoolhouses. Do you think that’s fair?
Amish consider Social Security an insurance program, which conflicts with their belief against participating in commercial insurance. Most Amish are exempt from Social Security. But my Midwest Amish friend wrote: “As with so many things in Amish life, this is in the differs-by-area category. I do not pay in for Social Security or draw it, as I am exempt. The younger generation do not exempt themselves anymore … I would guess it is 50-50. It is a ‘do what you choose thing’.”
Do you think it’s fair most Amish have the choice of being exempt from paying into Social Security? They care for their elderly and infirm. Many of us have paid into Social Security for decades. Will the well run dry?
Do you wait until the last minute or file your taxes early, hoping to receive a refund? Or are you already wondering where the refund is? (Have a look into this page titled where’s my refund if you believe you’re owed a tax refund that’s late) Are you already organizing for next year? Do you resent the whole process? Do you heave a huge sigh of relief when your taxes are filed? Although my husband and I may be parting with some of our hard earned cash on the 15th, after 30 years we still have each other. If you’re in the process of organizing your taxes and are looking to get an OIC agreement accepted, read these offer in compromise tips for additional advice.
Win this Amish-made quilted purse …
With a roomy inside!
Please leave a comment and enter to win this beautiful Amish-made Quilted Pocketbook, from Lancaster County, PA. Plus a signed book from The Legacy of Lancaster Trilogy: either Leaving Lancaster, its sequel Pennsylvania Patchwork, or Forever Amish! Winner has three days to respond. USA and Canada.
Love all your books. Keep up the wonderful work
Thank you for your lovely endorsement, Sandi! Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
Love books about the Amish. # giveaway. Taxes gone back and remodeled kitchen. Please keep on writing. Heading to Lancaster Pa. Soon
Thanks for writing, Linda! A kitchen remodel? Sounds great, as does your trip to Lancaster County, PA. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
We don’t wait until the last minute to file our taxes but, we do wait to send them our money!
Good idea, Lorraine! Why should the IRS be making interest on your money when you could be? Not that interest rates are all that great right now, but still … Thanks for writing and entering the giveaway!
Kate
Oh, times are tough right now for me, personally, so I would so love to be Blessed with winning this! Maybe it’ll be for me…but maybe someone else needs the Blessing more. So whoever wins, it will be awesome! Thank you for the chance, Kate!!
Thanks so much for writing, Cathy!. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
Always file early, don’t like things hanging over my head! If like the Amish we took care of family we wouldn’t need so much ‘help’ from the government. It always ticks me off that we never own our homes. Missed tax payments and it can be taken away. Taxes, not a pleasant subject, winning a Kate Lloyd giveaway makes it all better. Thanks for the opportunity to rant and win! Linda
Does anyone love the IRS, Linda? I’ve heard gruesome stories about late payments and penalties. I can’t help thinking some people are getting more help from the government then others who really need it … Just a thought. Thank you for writing and good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
We normally will do our taxes early. Love to win the bag. Love your books.
How great that you do it early, Alisa! No last-minute dashing around that makes for a bad night’s sleep and high blood pressure. Thanks for writing and entering the giveaway!
Kate
Recently being placed on disability I dont receive enough to file taxes. I guess being in “poverty” Level of the financial ladder has left its mark
Sounds like there’s some good in everything, Carol! Sorry times are tough. Thanks for writing and entering the giveaway!
Kate
Taxes are done!! YEAH!! I love the hat so cute. Beautiful purse. I was going to say with Amish they obey God’s law and He says we pay!! Hope you are having a good week.
Blessings
Diana
Thanks for writing, Diana! Yes, my hats and I are having a good day. Glad your taxes are done. The burden is no longer on your shoulders, until next year. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
I did my taxes last weekend and it was painful — really painful.
Linda
Sorry, Linda, I feel your pain! Sometimes it feels as though hard-working people are penalized for making a living. Good for you for getting your taxes filed early. Thanks are writing in entering the giveaway!
Kate
We file ours early,it is just too stressful not knowing what we are going have to deal with.This purse is going be a blessing to someone,it is beautiful.Thanks for a chance to win it.
Thanks for writing, Jackie! Years ago, someone made a list of stressors, such as taking out a mortgage or even something good like getting married. I don’t recall them including paying the IRS. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
My husband starts preparing our taxes every January. It’s always quite an undertaking. It’s such a complicated process, that I’m glad he handles most of it without me. I can’t think of a better country to be blessed to be a part of, so I am fine with paying taxes. I grew up in Stark County, Ohio…not too far from some large Amish communities. After I married my husband, I moved to Elkhart County, IN. There is a large Amish presence here as well. They are hard working people, and definitely not poor.
I would be So blessed to win that beautiful purse and a book. 🙂
Thanks for writing, Mary! There is no better country and I feel blessed living here. How very fortunate to have lived near Amish communities. Yes, the Amish are hard-working and industrious. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
A great prize beats taxes any day! We try to get ours done early – that’s the finance major in my brain they won’t let me procrastinate too much.
Good for you, Elaine! My brain dwells in the realm of fiction so I’m much better off having an expert put everything together, especially with my husband’s complicated business. (chiropractor and consultant to clients around the world) Thanks for writing and entering to give away!
Kate
I have filed early some years and waited until the last minute some years. It certainly is a feeling of relief whenever they are done! Beautiful colors in that purse, I love blue and yellow together!
Always a relief when done, Tracie! Thanks for entering the giveaway and good luck!
Kate
Would love to win the purse! It is lovely. We are often late (with extensions) with our taxes. My husband is a procrastinator! Sometimes we pay and sometimes we don’t but always a hassle!
Thank you for the opportunity to win the purse. Love your books. Keep on writing and we will keep on reading!
Nothing wrong with extensions, Anne, as long as they’re filed correctly and not a hassle. We all have so much stress in life. Who needs more? Thanks for writing. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
Taxes are done. Didnt think the amish had to pay taxes. Love amish books. I read the all the time. Would love to win
Amish do pay taxes, Sheila. Sales tax, property tax,, you name it. They may be exempt from Social Security in most communities, but then they do not collect on it either. Thanks for visiting my blog and entering the giveaway! I hope you either win or get a chance to read one of my books soon!
Kate
Beautiful, we hurry up and do our taxes so we know how much we have to save to pay in April.
I don’t understand how they have to pay taxes, aren’t they clasdifid as 501c3?
Good for you for being prepared with your taxes, Melissa! A 501c3 is a nonprofit, such as American Heart Association, where people can donate and can take their donations off their taxes. The Amish do work for a profit, although they are not money-driven as many of us are. Community, following God’s commands, and family are more important than money. However, many industrious Amish make a excellent income and own valuable property. Thanks for writing and entering the giveaway!
Kate
Taxes are done and we have mailed our checks to the IRS and state. This is a great time for a contest.
I’m glad my timing is great, Rachel! I was hoping this would be a good time for a contest! Thanks for entering and good luck!
Kate
Love your books. Thank you for the chance. God bless!
Thanks for your kind recognition of my books, Lucy! Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
I know there is a lot of people who think Amish do not pay taxes. I was one of them until I read otherwise on here. Thanks
Thanks for visiting my blog, Ellen! I’m glad you learned something from my post. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
Always last minute folks here! Sigh.
My husband wouldn’t let me be last minute, Virginia! He has an accountant reminding him to hurry up. I feel sorry for CPAs this time of year. They must be swamped. Thanks for entering the giveaway!
Kate
Would love to win this prize. Your books are awesome and I love that purse. As to the taxes, we usually get it done in February or March. We have a great lady who does our taxes, so we always go back to her. It’s fun to get that little refund back.
Great that you have an excellent lady to do your taxes whom you can deal with each year, Pat! Getting a refund is fun! Thanks for leaving a comment and for entering the giveaway!
Kate
My taxes are done by midnight on the 15th. They are not late, so I think that means they are early! ( : Would love to win the prizes. Thank you!
If it works for you and the IRS, it works, Betty! They impose nasty fines when you’re late … Thanks for leaving your letter and for entering the giveaway right on time!
Kate
Being my husband is self employed he does taxes in January so his employees can get their forms early in order to do their taxes. I do not handle the business or personal taxes although I do get all information together that he needs for both. I was not aware that the Amish paid taxes. Thank you for the bit of information, I learn something new everyday.
My husband also owns a small business and hires a few employees, so I understand the dilemma. I wouldn’t dare handle his business IRS paperwork. I only have to get my small amount of writing expenses together to give to our accountant. Not many expenses … except books and prizes, which I enjoy giving. Thanks for entering the giveaway!
Kate
Taxes have been done for a while now. Return money
Is gone to pay bills. Looking forward to warmer weather and sunny skies. Spending a couple of weekends in Homes County Ohio!
Warmer weather and fair skies are what I also look forward to, Cathy! Hope you have a fabulous time in Holmes County. Thanks for writing and entering the giveaway!
Kate
My husband and I are both senior citizens so right about the time we get our senior tax rebate the taxes come due. So money in money out plus more besides.
I would love to win your contest. I love your books
It does seem like a revolving door doesn’t it, Sandi? The money comes and goes almost seamlessly. Although, we’re pretty frugal. Thanks for your kind words about my books. I wish you good luck in the contest!
Kate
I would love to win the purse and the book
Thanks for entering the contest, Jennifer! Good luck!
Kate
I got my taxes done in February. It’s a great feeling. I love the purse and book! It would totally make my day to win them! Thank you!
I would love to totally make your day, Amy! Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
We usually get our taxes done early. Love the purse! Thanks for a chance to win both the purse and a book. Have a blessed day.
Thanks for writing, Debbie! I’m glad you like the purse and a chance to win a signed book. Good luck!
Kate
Would really love to win this. Love reading Amish books and in June going to Berlin, Ohio and Shipshewanna, In.
I’m glad you enjoyed reading Amish books, Barbara! A trip to Berlin, Ohio and Shipshewana sounds fantastic. Thanks for writing and entering the giveaway!
Kate
Doing taxes is so painful unless you are getting money back!!
Isn’t that the truth, Antoinette? The IRS rarely doles out the dough in our favor, but performs a necessary task in that it pays our military. As far as I know, policeman, fireman, etc. are financed by the local communities and states. Thanks for entering the giveaway!
Kate
We always file our taxes early. That way they are taken care of. I love your books and the bag is beautiful. Hope you have a blessed day!
Thanks so much for your encouraging letter, Rhonda! Congratulations for for taking care of your taxes early! Good luck in the giveaway! Hope you have a blessed day too.
Kate
We get our taxes out of the way as soon as possible. Having a sole-ownership business, sometimes we get and sometimes we give! We just feel better having it done and over with each year!
It would feel good to have taxes over and done with, Jodee! My husband owns a small business so his accountant takes care of his paperwork. Mine and household info get sent to CPA … if everyone remembers to send me the right forms on time. Always anxiety producing. Thanks for writing and entering the giveaway!
Kate
We always wait til the last moment, thanks to my hubby.
Well, at least he’s consistent, Kristina! Could be 10 times worse. Thanks for writing and entering the giveaway!
Kate
We do ours early each year.
Early sounds excellent, Paula! Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
Being 79 & 81, with small pensions, we live mostly on our S.S., so we don’t file. I have never had the chance yet to read any of your books. Would love to. Books are costly. Last summer I found a garage sale that had Amish books for 25 cents each. I stocked up and am still reading from that stash. The purse is beautiful and I’m sure anyone would be happy to win it, me included. God bless.
I’d love you to read my books, Marilyn! You’d be doing both of us a favor if you ordered them from your local library. Glad you like the purse, which is big enough to hold a book. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
I wish everyone had the option with social security! I was a stay at home mom and grandma and also operated my own in home daycare but was not able to pay toward social security. Now I’m 62 and can’t decide whether to cut my hours at work and take a partial retirement! If I wait until I could get my full retirement it may not be there! I guess one day I will decide. The purse is lovely I love the quilted design, my favorite is log cabin and when it comes with one of your great books that makes a whole nicer! Thank you!!
I’m glad you like the bag, Pamela! The perfect purse for carrying wallet, glasses, keys, and a book. I also wonder what the future of Social Security holds. Print more money to put in it, that’s worth less? Thanks for entering the giveaway and good luck!
Kate
Taxes get done immediately here. Love reading your books, plus a lovely purse! God bless!
Good for you for getting your taxes out of the way immediately, Chrissy! Thanks for your generous comment about my books. Glad you like the purse. I’ve grown fond of it, but soon that beauty will belong to the winner. May be you?
Kate
Very interesting and informative. Not happy about it but always pay our taxes. Love your books and would love to win the purse and book! Thank you for the opportunity.
Glad you found my blog post interesting and informative, Sharrie! Too bad the IRS has to put a damper on springtime. Is there anyone who enjoys paying them. Doubtfully. Thanks for your kind comment about my books. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
I file early and get it out of the way. Thanks for a chance to win 🙂
Excellent that you file early and get the drudgery out of the way, Michelle! Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
We file early to get it over with. That bag is beautiful. I would probably use it to carry books in it.
I read Pennsylvania Patchwork. Just thought I would tell you in case I should win…LOL
Very glad you like the bag, Christine! It is a beauty and large enough to carry books. Oh dear, we must get you Leaving Lancaster and Forever Amish. If you don’t win this giveaway please ask your library to order them for you. Hope you enjoy the books one way or another. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
Havent been around much lately. I’ve missed your posts. Love the purse and of course would love the book 🙂
Glad you love the beautiful purse and would like one of my books, Carla! I think you should win. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
The bag is adorable, taxes–not so much. But I have them done as soon as all the paperwork arrives. Don’t like it hanging over my head.
I hate having things hanging over my head too, Sonja! A few times documents have arrived late and there is nothing we can do about it but wait. And several times, I’ve dragged my feet … Thanks for entering the giveaway and good luck!
Kate
Oh Kate what a delightful purse, and along with all the other contestants I too would love to win this. But whom ever does is going to be delighted. About that IRS…no I have never had penalties nor have we tried to ever fool them…..but when I was 16 and filed my taxes for the very first time….I had my filing done by a CPA in home businessman. Things went well, everyone was getting their refunds….except me! Well I knew I mailed them back…I knew I signed and knew I was getting my first refund….thinking it was lost….I called and contacted the IRS….telling them misfortune and that my papers must have been lost in the mail….they had no record of receiving them. Not knowing what to do….I went to my desk to find the number of the CPA….in the folder marked Taxes, was my envelope…..ugh!!! I sent it…..sent a note o apology but the day they were signed was way before April 15th. I did received my refund in Septempber….no penalty!!! I will always remember that kindness by the IRS!
Glad you were not penalized, Linda! I think this is the first time I’ve ever heard someone refer to the IRS as kind. You deserve it. Thanks for your delightful story and for entering the giveaway!
Kate
I love to read the Amish books.
Great, Cindy! If you haven’t read one of my books I hope you get a chance to soon. If you’re not the winner, you can always check out your local library for good deal. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
Keep up the great writing !!!
Thanks, Marsha! I’m working on it and appreciate your encouragement. Thanks for entering the giveaway!
Kate
Love your books! Glad to say taxes are done. As I was reading your blog, I wondered, how did the Amish handle the having no health insurance law? Pay the penalty I guess?
The purse is so cute would be awesome to win!
The Amish are exempt since they make sure their old and sick are treated. Yes, they’ve gone to the Supreme Court several times over in different issues, including education. Thanks for entering the giveaway!
Kate
Would love to win !
I do my taxes early, hopefully get a refund ! Each year on January 1st I get big 8×10 envelopes & start putting in all receipts, expenses etc. By the end of the year I’m ready for tax time!
Good system, Rita! I do the same thing in my file cabinet, and keep every receipt and canceled check. I hope you win too! Thanks for writing!
Kate
What a nice give away! I would love to win!
Thanks for visiting my blog and entering the giveaway, Teresa! Wishing you good luck!
Kate
I file my taxes in March. I try to keep organized records throughout the year to reduce the time when it’s time to file. The Amish takes care of their own instead of asking for government assistance. Some of the government programs, that were implemented in the past, are not the same as they were meant to be. I enjoy all your books. It would be a blessing to have a signed copy of one of them along with the beautiful Amish purse. God bless.
When tax season arrives, you are armed and ready, Marilyn! I agree with you about the many government programs … Glad you liked the purse. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
Why can all I think if is some teacher, somewhere in my past, saying no taxation without representation? I guess even if we do not agree yes we neex taxes. No mot taxed to death. And thank you for the chance to win.
Thanks for writing, Tammy! I think some people do feel taxed to death, but when they die those who inherit have to pay high taxes. No way to win. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
Love Amish books and your’s are great. The purse is beautiful!!
Thank you so much, Fern! Glad you enjoy my books. Thanks for writing and entering the giveaway!
Kate