Deal with taxes and move on*

Tax Day: By the end of the day, Americans are required to have filed their income taxes. It's a law we have to live with.

Most of us have already filed our taxes before today's deadline, and most probably either have received their refunds---or, for those, like me, who owe the IRS (Internal Revenue Service) some amount, they've (already) sent their checks.

Decades ago, I used to do my single, then joint, yearly tax returns for both federal and state taxes. But then it became complicated because of a rental house we have and I have had to seek help from a certified tax preparer, who has been doing a great job for my family by filing ours electronically.

Many of us have this procrastination issue---we wait for the last minute to file our taxes. That's just the way it is.

But I decided not to wait to send what we owe to Uncle Sam this tax year. I know our payment will, in one way or another, help make our country stable and safe.

With no more deductions to claim, since our two young adult children are now paying their own income taxes, my wife and I don't expect refunds from our federal tax returns.

Filing our taxes on time isn't something many of us look forward to, but it's easier than ever to get them done on time. It's just a matter of knowing who or where to go for help.

If you're willing to pay for a certified tax preparer or a certified public accountant, it's even easier. But there are also free volunteer tax preparers and organizations in our community willing to help prepare tax returns for people who meet the requirements. These individuals and organizations are to be commended for doing a great job serving our community.

If you've put off filing your taxes until the last minute, that's now. Just deal with it and move on with your life.

-Chris A. Quilpa, a retired U.S. Navy veteran, lives in Suffolk. Email him at chris.a.quilpa@gmail.com.

*Appeared in the Opinion page of the award-winning Suffolk News-Herald, Wednesday, April 15, 2015. For more information, visit www.suffolknewsherald.com.