Hello Arties,

Today, we got a $20,000 shock from the IRS. Sure, it is for two years, but I never paid a nickel to them. My husband is disabled and I can't lift more than a paintbrush or knife. We have to pay people to help us move boxes, furniture, etc. Everybody wants to be paid under the table, so we do. We don't exactly live the "high life" he doesn't even eat real food, just liquid tube feedings, paid for by Medicare. I haven't been out to dinner since 2004!

Our accountant didn't hand our taxes in today, needing more time to try to find a break somewhere. I also am searcing our records frantically for some giant receipt, or other expense we forgot about. I found a few things, which I will email him tomorrow.

Breaking through the depression of this unexpected tax bill, I have found some wonderful, caring women, two of them on this sight. Women who share freely of themselves and their knowledge. Women who want me to succeed and let me know it. Today, I really needed to hear from them, and I did, although they didn't know about the tax shock. I feel so fortunate sometimes. Grateful for kindness and to be alive.

Trying not to cry,

Lisabeth

MEMBERS COMMENTS VIEWING 1 - 2 OUT OF 2 COMMENTS From: flstormz 04/19/2008 17:24:21 What did you do to deserve this? I mean, really. Did you commit a crime in your younger years or something? If you didn't have bad luck, you wouldn't have much luck at all. Good thing you appreciate the small conquests in life because anyone else would have crumbled into a ball in a corner and cried until there were no more tears left.  From: gregoryalbright 04/16/2008 08:29:26 Sorry to hear this, I guess someone has to pay for all the havoc in Iraq.  When I hear about injustice such as this, I am reminded why I have a hard time flying the stars and stripes. Of Course, I don't know your situation, you might secretly be making millions selling paintings online...But I sense you aren't exactly high on the hog. Good luck, it would seem there might be a way to set up your business to cut taxes.  We are looking into forming a corporation, since, it turns out, it is the absolute best way to avoid taxes in the US...If ya can't beat 'em join 'em.