Dear Mr. Tax Software: Pffffttttt!

I thought I'd save myself effort and aggravation this year by using tax software, one of the free ones recommended by the Canadian Revenue Agency and linked to off their site. I know the CRA wants Canadians to file via the internet, but I'm not quite ready for that.

Anyway, it was all going well until I needed to enter an amount for "schedule 7." Doesn't matter what that is. I've been filing my taxes (manually) with schedule 7 for the past 11 - 12 years and the government has not once indicated I'm making a mistake with it. But this tax software won't allow me to input my amount in a certain field, and when I add a minimum payable amount (which I exceeded) in another field, it thinks I owe tax on it and increases my balance owing to over $500. Which is not the case, or certainly hasn't been for all these years.

Pffffttttt!

So I've saved a PDF copy for myself, minus schedule 7, and will print it out at the office (I don't have a printer at home), then copy all the calculations manually onto the CRA's paper forms and submit via snail mail, with schedule 7, that way.

But not before the end of April, as we have until April 30th and the government isn't getting any more of my money until absolutely necessary.

Oh, and hey, look what greeted me at 4AM, when I got up this morning:
 
I'm the only one with snow still in the driveway this afternoon, because I refuse to shovel it. There's at least 2 - 3 inches (not centimeters) of heavy, wet snow down and that's just too darned bad. It'll melt in a day or two. I don't care if we get 2 feet of snow, I'm done with winter.

And taxes.

Comments

ANGEL ABBYGRACE said…
Me too Kim. We owe this year and I'm feeling just like you!
meowmeowmans said…
We are SO in agreement with you, Kim. On both topics.
noodlecat said…
Eek! The tax man cometh...


Noodle
John Bellen said…
I've always done my taxes with a pen and paper, though I have so little income that there's no point in complicating it.
John Bellen said…
This comment has been removed by the author.
Old Kitty said…
Oh my word, that snow!! And all that paperwork! Yikes!! Booo to software malfunctions and schedule 7!

Come ON spring!!!! Take care
x
Saku said…
Oh no, more snow...seriously will there never be an end to this winter. (And...if in 5 years when I retire, should you want to visit the island and get away from it...you're very welcome!)

Since I'm curious and an accountant by trade I took a look at Schedule 7. The only thing I can think of which could cause problems would be the carryforward from your previous year's Notice of Assessment. But otherwise it looks straightforward. Some of these programs seem to have glitches though so it's hard to say.

The paper copy will work just fine, but I find by filing on-line I get a refund much faster. Good luck!
Anonymous said…
NOOOOOOOOO! All that snow - it's so wrong! BLAH - so sorry for you.

I have used Turbotax for the last few years and haven't had any problems. But yet, doing taxes always gives me stress every year. It's the sitting down and doing it. Another BLAH!

xo Catherine
Katie Isabella said…
I just hire a CPA. It's worth it to me but not everyone can do that. I am glad I have been able to so far.