Seriously, thank You!

“Oh, we heard back from our accountant,” she said.

Finally! I turned in the W2s, the deductions, the estimated taxes, along with an arm and a leg, a few weeks ago and have been anxiously waiting ever since.

“…we only owe $60 to the feds and {insert exorbitant amount here} to the state.”

I didn’t even hear. My mind shut off at “owe.” How can that be? I’ve adjusted everything a few years ago and we were always getting a decent or very decent refund. Now we owe?! And how much?!

“James says they didn’t take withhold anything.”

I work with a number of organizations, in addition to my improv coaching practice. Not only do they take taxes out each paycheck (or so I thought), I also pay quarterly estimated. For the past two days, I’ve been frustrated and confused and frustrated and scared.

I spent a good portion of this morning in email conversations with contacts from HR and payroll to try clearing this up. Surely, this must be a mistake on your end, and somehow, magically, this can all go away with the wave of a wand. Oh, and here’s a healthy refund on top.

While we’re dreaming, I’d like a pony. As you can guess, that didn’t happen. I’ve since adjusted my W4s, so, fingers crossed, we won’t have this problem again.

Yet, this is not a story about taxes, confusing forms, or the IRS. It is highly probable I came off stressed, tense, and demanding in the tone of my emails. It is likely I let my confusion and frustration shine. Yet, all the recipients of my email were patient, consoling, and helpful. While they may have felt attacked, they didn’t let that stop them providing help.

Here’s what I learned today – when it feels like everything is going down the tubes or the world is against you or Life isn’t on your side today, you’ll never know who will step up and give you a hand. It may be a friend or it may be someone you don’t even know. When that happens, be sure to recognize them. While you’re at it, be the big shoulders that someone else needs today. Listen past the frustration and confusion and anger to recognize that someone needs help and they’re reaching out to you.

So, to everyone that listened and helped recently as I figured out my taxes, here’s a heartfelt and honest “Thank You!”

Also, thank you, dear reader. I hear from you often, either in the comments or in person. I appreciate the feedback and the read. Now, go stay awesome today!