Well, it's our least favorite time of year: tax season. Even if you're eligible for a refund, taxes are, at best, a headache. And if you owe, well, that is a bigger headache than finals. So in an attempt to lighten the mood at this dreary time of year, we've composed a list of ways the government could make filing more fun. We know that most of these proposals would cost money, and that would just mean more taxes, but we can dream, can't we?
Keggers at the post office April 15: Once again, you've left your taxes till the last minute. But don't sweat it. Once you get to the post office, there will be plenty of cold beer. Throw in some chips and dip, a DJ and a mosh pit and taxes are a lot easier. When you're through, you can crowd surf your way back to your car.
Video game tax software: Just think how much cooler doing your taxes would be if you had to get a wily frog across a busy highway to electronically file your 1040. And oh what a joy tax season would be if you could rack up deductions as easily as Sonic the Hedgehog picks up those golden rings. We also wouldn't mind blowing away the frustrations of tax season in a Halo-inspired version of TurboTax.
Illustrated tax forms: We'd like to see some cartoonists like Bill Amend or Gary Trudeau illustrate our tax forms, so we can at least laugh before we start crying when we see what we owe.
New tax credits geared toward students: Imagine getting tax credits for parties, parking tickets and random hookups. Filling out your 1040EZ would be nostalgic instead of annoying.
Refunds come with a free drink: If you owe, you get two free drinks, plus dinner.
Bonuses for getting taxes done early: How about free ice cream for filing a week early? Or better yet, a new car for filing two months early?
Tax forms on scratch-and-sniff paper: Who cares if you owe Uncle Sam $500 when you've got strawberry-scented paper?
Costume Contests: We are so bummed these only happen on Halloween. Dress up in your hottest IRS agent costume and ring in the new fiscal year in style.
Free tax help at Starbucks: This would be especially nice if you got free coffee during your consultation.
While we were trying to think of a #10, we realized we need to go file our taxes. We want our refunds early for beer money!
