Apr 13
2012
Even if you’re facing a down-to-the-wire weekend of working on your tax returns, Professor Tom Dalton explains why we should have extra sympathy for the plight of CPAs preparing taxes this year.
Professor Tom Dalton, smiling because his taxes are done
The year 2012 is an anomaly for tax season. In a normal tax season, it is difficult enough for the CPAs who have to work seven days a week, 12 to 18 hours a day preparing tax returns. They seldom see their family, a healthy meal, or even daylight from mid-January until April 15.
In 2012, though, CPAs have an extra three days of this grueling schedule. First, February adds an extra day to tax season because of leap year. Second, April 15 falls on a Sunday so tax season is automatically extended until Monday. Third, Emancipation Day is a holiday in Washington, DC on Monday, April 16 this year, so by law, Monday is a holiday for the IRS. All of this makes this year’s federal tax deadline April 17 – extending a normal tax season by three whole days!
Please, this year take your CPA to lunch (after April 17) and offer sympathy for his or her unfortunate plight as a victim of this perfect storm. The universe has conspired in 2012 to deprive the CPA of family, freedom, and sanity by adding three additional days of tax season. Your CPA will appreciate your kindness even if unable to express gratitude because of his or her uncontrollable sobbing. Be sure to bring a box of Kleenex.
Dr. Tom Dalton is Director of Undergraduate Programs and Professor of Accountancy and Taxation at the School of Business.
