Optsol's Personal Finance Blog

Had a few free moments today so I filled out my 1096 misc forms for the sub contractors. Historically, I'm pathetically late on these, but I'm somewhat happy about banging them off early. Perhaps this site is giving my responsibility a much needed shot in the arm, other arm, both legs, and tooshie.

So I started my year end sojourn today of updating forms. I have tried all types of tax software (turbo tax, tax cut, etc...) but have always been annoyed by the forced linear progression, and forced jump points.

For several years now, I have duplicated my releveant tax forms into excel sheets, where I enter my data and the forms update 'on the fly'. I fill out a schedule C, so it enables me to see what would happen if I buy supplies one year vs another, or what the impact will be of funding a sep.

Needless to say, it's a pain in the rear, but it's worth it. Anyway, 2005 changes to the spreadsheets are finally complete -- now for the shoeboxes of receipts...

Hi there,

This journal will mostly be for cathartic purposes on taxes. Regardless of the number of times that I remind myself that it is appropriate to "pay my share" I find myself cringing when I write the quarterly check.

Everyone has their demons I guess... mine is shelling off 1000s into the black hole.

Best wishes to everyone...