Dear IRS, It’s Not You, It’s Me: A Love-Hate Guide About Taxes

Dear IRS,

We need to talk. It’s that time of year again, and—well—our relationship is complicated. Every year, you demand my attention, ask me for numbers I barely understand, and make me second-guess every financial decision I’ve ever made. But somehow, despite all that, I know we need each other.

So let’s set some ground rules to make this tax season a little less painful, shall we?

Defining the Relationship (a.k.a. Knowing Your Filing Status)

Before we go any further, let’s establish where we stand. The IRS isn’t interested in “it’s complicated,” so you need to know your filing status:

Single:

  Flying solo in the tax world. No dependents, no spouse, just you and your W-2.

Married Filing Jointly:

  The “we’re in this together” option. Usually, this comes with tax benefits.

Married Filing Separately:

  A legal way of saying, “I love you, but I don’t trust your tax situation.”

Head of Household: 

  Single, but with dependents? You might qualify for a better tax break.

Knowing your status upfront will help you avoid awkward misunderstandings later.

Remembering Important Dates (Because the IRS Never Forgets)

The IRS has one big day on its calendar: Tax Day (usually April 15th, but be sure to check every year just in case). If you miss it, you could end up owing penalties.

File early, and you won’t have to worry about last-minute stress. Bonus: If you’re due a refund, you’ll get it faster!

Communicating Clearly (aka Avoiding IRS Red Flags)

The IRS doesn’t like surprises, and they definitely don’t appreciate mistakes. A few things that could make them raise an eyebrow at your return:

Guessing Your Income

  The IRS already has your W-2s and 1099s. If your numbers don’t match, you might get a strongly worded letter.

Forgetting to Report Side Hustle Money

  Yes, even that extra cash from selling homemade candles on Etsy counts.

Exaggerating Deductions

  If you “accidentally” claim that your entire Netflix subscription is a business expense, you might get audited.

Be honest, double-check your numbers, and keep receipts for any deductions you claim. The IRS won’t take your word for it.

Knowing Where You Stand (Do You Owe, or Are You Getting a Refund?)

This is where things get real. Are you getting a tax refund (hooray, free money!—well, technically, your own money back), or do you owe the IRS (ouch)?

Getting a refund?

Congrats! You might be tempted to splurge, but consider putting some of it toward savings or paying down debt. 

Owing money?

Don’t panic! If you can’t pay in full, the IRS offers payment plans. The worst thing you can do is ignore it. The IRS is not the kind of ex that forgets about you.

Step 5: Knowing When to Call for Backup

Sometimes, despite our best efforts, taxes get complicated. If you:

🔹 Have multiple income sources
🔹 Own a business or rental property
🔹 Have major life changes (marriage, divorce, having kids)
🔹 Are staring at your tax forms like they’re written in an alien language…

…it might be time to bring in a professional. A tax expert can help you avoid mistakes, find deductions you didn’t know about, and keep your tax season as painless as possible.

Until We Meet Again, IRS

Every year, we go through this dance. We file our taxes, promise to be more organized next time, and then promptly forget about it until next January. But maybe this year can be different. Maybe this time, we’ll file early, keep track of our deductions, and avoid any unnecessary panic.

Or at the very least, we’ll make it through tax season without screaming into a pillow.

Until next time, IRS.

Sincerely,
     Every Taxpayer, Ever