Taxes and Addictions

I'm working on our taxes this week. I put it off as long as I dare, and I'll be glad when it's all collected, inputted, and delivered to our tax man. I truly don't know why I put it off every year, but I do. 'Individual Income Tax' was first suggested in the US during the War of 1812, however, the treaty of Ghent was signed which ended the need for additional revenue, so the tax was never imposed. Then in 1861, again needing funds to pay for the 'Civil War' the US Gov't imposed it's first personal income tax of 3% on all incomes over $800. By 1866 over $310 million had been collected in taxes. In 2009 Individual Income Tax revenue was approximately $915 billion (this does not include Social Security, Medicare, state, Corporate taxes, etc.). Needless to say, I enjoy research.

On to another topic: I believe I'm becoming addicted to HGTV. I not only like the makeover shows, I like the ones with people searching for homes or apartments. I find myself turning it on for background noise. I've never done that before. I'm much more of a radio or CD person to break the silence. Something else I'll have to contemplate, but in the mean time, I'm enjoying it.

I became a great aunt again last week. My nephew and his wife had a son on the 16th. We attend our fair-share of fundraising events, and I like to look for unique gifts on silent auctions or raffles. At an event back in January I'd purchased a baby blanket for this new arrival. My nephew and his wife can decide what personalization they want embroidered on the blanket and it will be mailed directly to them.

My break from taxes is over. I must get back to it so I can then hit my next WIP.

Enjoy the arrival of spring!