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Self-Employed Workers Don’t Need Your Unsolicited Tax Tips
“Tax season is open!” I excitedly announced on Facebook. Several of my friends were expecting refunds, so I wanted to make sure they knew it was okay to file. Some of them desperately needed the funds for car repairs, medical treatments, and past-due daycare bills — and this year, I could relate. When late January rolled around, we celebrated the start of tax season like it was opening day for our favorite sports team.
But someone always has to cause problems on social media, and this time, it was an acquaintance named Josh. “You should let me do your taxes,” Josh wrote, explaining that he had recently accepted a position as a tax preparer.
“Thanks, but I’m okay. I’ve been doing my own taxes for almost 20 years. Congrats on your new position, though!” I replied.
Instead of respecting my answer, Josh insisted that I let him help me. “Self-employment tax returns are hard, and you should leave them to a professional. Otherwise you can screw everything up and get audited.”
I rolled my eyes and typed, “I’m not worried. Like I said, I’ve been doing my own taxes since I was a teen. I’ll let you know if I need help, but I feel confident in my tax filing skills.”
