1. It’s Tax Time Again
A Whole Brain® Perspective

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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

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

8. 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

10. Any comments or questions?