Paying taxes as a writer is a hassle (all those expenses and mileage to keep track of)and also really painful. Taxes don't get taken out of royalty statements, advances, or school visit payments, so there's always a big chunk to pay at the end of the year.
Never fun. When you have to pay the check, it becomes real money not just numbers on a paycheck.
Luckily my husband, Techno Bob, patiently pours over the tax code--which by the way is so thick it could be used as a step stool. Also it's written in legalize a language about as coherent as computer code.
But at least the good folks at the IRS have a sense of humor. I mean they had to be joking when they defined income to report.
They wrote--and this is a direct quote: "If you steal property, you must report its fair market value in your income in the year you steal it unless in the same year, you return it to its rightful owner."
Do you suppose a lot of criminals are going, "Oh, Dang I guess I have to report those stolen cars after all . . ."
Sorry Robin Hood, but you owe a lot of taxes.
20 comments:
Good thing I returned all the loot from my last heist on December 31st. If I'd left that as a New Year's resolution... There goes the tax return!!
Yeah, you know someone was giggling when they typed that.
"Let's see how long it takes anyone to see that!" snicker, chuckle, snort.
*blinks in bewilderment*
Well, I suppose it makes a lot of sense when one considers the context and the organization. ;)
That is incredible! Shouldn't that be discouraged in general so is it necessary to have that in there? But maybe they have caught some dumb crocks this way.
Too funny!
Good point, Laura, about the dumb crooks...do you think any of them call the IRS and ask, "What line do I list my stolen property? I don't see it on the form." :0
That is amazing and only adds to my frustration with the inequality of gov and rules.
Perfect! I love that and am not surprised it's there.
That is hillarious. No one is exempt...
Thank goodness for a sense of humor!
OMG!!! I JUST Read "Just One Wish" I really like it!! the ending made me so sad, but i feel horrible..i never cry when i read books. :(
You can just imagine how it was for me to write it and then have to go through it all of those times editing. I cried every single time.
Note to people who haven't read Just One Wish--it's a romantic comedy, really.
Maybe the dumb crook who stole my $2000 camera will file his taxes soon. LOL Maybe I should mention it to the judge.
Hmmm. No wonder there's so much tax fault. All along it was the robbers not reporting.
I loved your book, My fair Godmother. It was so fun and delightful to read. In fact I think it would make a really cute movie, any plans to do that? Thanks for writing books that my family can all read. Tamee (I hope you don't mind me commenting)
I have this strange feeling that it probably wasn't a joke...
The movie rights for My Fair Godmother have been optioned by the same producer that did Princess Diaries and Sky High. So I am crossing my fingers that it will make it to the theaters.
Do you think the thieves who stole my I Pod touch are paying taxes on that theft? It might make me feel better if I thought they were . . . The moral of that story is never ever ever pack stuff in your luggage and think that the airport security guys who check your luggage to prove you aren't a terrorist are honest because they aren't.
Ouch!
You are by far my favorite writer! However, I can not find any of your books any of your books. I've gone on every website of book stores that are near my house and they don't have one of them! Even my public library doesn't have them. If you have any extra copies for me, I was wondering if I could have one and if not I totally understand.
Hi Devon,
I'm glad you like my books. Generally if you tell your librarian that you want to read my books, she'll order them for the library. Also, amazon.com always has them in stock so you can get them there too.
Wow! Who would expect that kind of detail from the IRS! Priceless!
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