And a treat it was, although of course I still had to do some prep work. But it was so much easier to take my papers to the accountants, who were so very organized compared to me. In due time, back would come a big folder with my tax returns, forms and envelopes for estimated taxes next year all neatly typed. Of course, the fee for the service was quite a bit, but it was worth every penny.

Last year they raised their prices 50%. Still worth it. This year they raised their prices a bit more, but not more than the going rate for other accountants in the area. So I gave them the information requested by the designated date, which was about a month ago.

And waited to hear from them. And waited. And waited some more. Late last week I called to ask how things were going. The secretary said fine, and I’d be hearing from my accountant before the 15th. And indeed, yesterday the accountant called me.

Called me to say that she had asked for an extension and that in two or three weeks my taxes would be prepared.

Now, this is not the end of the world. An extension is okay, but it’s not what one expects from an accountant preparing a tax return that although not simplicity itself is really not all that complicated. I’d complied with all their instructions and I’d done it on time, something she acknowledged. But sorry, they were just swamped this year.

I asked quite a few questions and it turns out that one of the accountants had quit and they were shorthanded. But the real culprit was some new software system that seems to have stymied them much like TurboTax had messed me up years ago.

Was she telling me the truth? I don’t know. But it’s just another strange example of things not quite working as they’re supposed to.

[NOTE: Here’s a tribute I wrote in honor of my father, who was a CPA and lawyer. It’s about tax season and what it meant in our house when I was growing up.]

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