Does tax management drive you a little crazy?  A little insane?  I am thankful we didn't have to file until April 15 this year, that's the latest we've had to file because of the government problems relating to 1040-F and associated documents this year.

I can tell you we were one happy couple walking out of WTS Tax Services today.  All of our laboring over last year's record amount of records resulted in what I consider a fair tax though it's still a hefty tax.  I don't think I've ever worked so hard on taxes in one year.  Have you?

I know farmers who make buying and selling decisions largely based on tax consequences.  Thankfully, I haven't had to do that too much either though they always enter into my decision to buy or sell.

The one thing I have noticed is my daily log is my lifesaver.  I got compliments from our tax lady and from my wife.  That log shows where I went, who I talked to and what I pretty much spent that day.  I got into the habit of doing that as an ag teacher in 1971 to justify my existance to the school board and it has served me well over these many years.

What is the one best thing you have done for tax management?  It can drive you nuts or you just pay the tax.  It shouldn't rule your life, but in America you've got to have good records to pay your fair share of taxes by law.

What do you think?

Ed Winkle