It’s Tax Time Again A Whole Brain® Perspective

IT’S TAX TIME AGAIN.. As with most things in life, we approach taxes from our preferred thinking styles..

Analyzes From the A Quadrant Analyzes Analyzes all available tax shelters Researches tax codes and tax-saving options Calculates return/cost ratio on investments and estimates taxes all year long Calculates and analyzes to avoid having to pay any tax Uses a state-of-the-art computer tax program

Organizes From the B Quadrant Organizes Knows the experts should do the taxes (just to be safe) Has found the most conservative, well established accountant with the best reputation and many years of experience Right after New Year, marks an appointment and mark the calendar to meet with the accountant on Feb 2nd Prepares for the appointment by removing all receipts and necessary papers from carefully designed filing system that has been used throughout the year

Personalizes From the C Quadrant Personalizes Shares with friends their concern about upcoming taxes Throws a tax party. Invites lots of friends with intent of doing the taxes together Realizes after the party they spent the whole time talking about their kids Chooses best friend’s spouse as new accountant Bakes and brings a cake to the meeting with the accountant

Overwhelmed From the D Quadrant Overwhelmed Help! Extension… extension… extension This is a year-long project! Is there any way I can make this fun? Searches everywhere for receipts and papers; throws them into a shoebox Asks employer for another copy of (lost) W-2 form Scrambles for an accountant--it is hard to get an appointment so late! Asks if there isn't any way to be creative about reducing tax burden

To be most successful, use strategies from ALL FOUR Quadrants We have a suggestion! To be most successful, use strategies from ALL FOUR Quadrants

Whole Brain® Thinking: Tax Time! Keep your sense of humor Take a moment to look at the big picture of the path forward Use your creativity to get through the process Look for opportunities to discover future outcomes Reward yourself for getting it all done! Gather the facts Use a computer program Look at the information rationally Do research on options you may have Finances can be emotionally charged-use a logical approach Relax-take deep breaths (often) Use music to calm your nerves and de- stress Engage in your relationships with those like tax "stuff" or do it well Find experts you are comfortable with Ask for advice-talk it out Start now on the next year - create a filing system you can live with Plan your attack-break the task into “do-able” chunks Mark your calendar with the important dates Organize all your materials Take it one step at a time

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