Once Upon A Time ...

[scfr]

people used to get tax forms & instructions in the mail from the IRS and from their state, or at their local library. The forms were filled out in pen (maybe pencil first and then pen).
Calculations were done by hand, adding machine, or calculator.
A few people paid someone to prepare their return, but many would spend most of an entire weekend (or longer) working on their tax return.

Once the returns were completed, the forms were signed by hand.
If money was owed, a check was written.
The return was placed in an envelope and mailed (as in USPS mail, not Email) to the IRS.

Some people who waited until the last minute would rush to get to the Post Office before midnight on April 15th. In many towns, there would be a few post offices that stayed open late on April 15th just to get that critical pre-midnight postmark on their patrons' envelopes. It became a trend for the local media to show up to cover the long lines at the post office for the late evening news. Some people probably got in line just to get on TV.

Moral of this story: Sometimes change is GOOD.

[bjl584]

people used to get tax forms & instructions in the mail from the IRS and from their state, or at their local library. The forms were filled out in pen (maybe pencil first and then pen).
Calculations were done by hand, adding machine, or calculator.
A few people paid someone to prepare their return, but many would spend most of an entire weekend (or longer) working on their tax return.

Once the returns were completed, the forms were signed by hand.
If money was owed, a check was written.
The return was placed in an envelope and mailed (as in USPS mail, not Email) to the IRS.

Some people who waited until the last minute would rush to get to the Post Office before midnight on April 15th. In many towns, there would be a few post offices that stayed open late on April 15th just to get that critical pre-midnight postmark on their patrons' envelopes. It became a trend for the local media to show up to cover the long lines at the post office for the late evening news. Some people probably got in line just to get on TV.

Moral of this story: Sometimes change is GOOD.

I just did my taxes. The first part of your story went much quicker and was less involved than what you described. But, the last part about waiting to the last minute to mail anything will be true in my case. I owe this year, so I'm not sending in anything until the 11th hour.

[Bob B.]

Most post offices (as far as I know, anyway) don't stay open late on the 15th anymore. That change is a GOOD THING.

If you want to wait until the 15th to mail in your return and payment, fine. I know we did when we were in the pre-kids, "we had to pay in" era. But, people can be expected to mail the return during post office business hours.

[SnoopyCool]

You can file your return now and not send payment in until the 15th.

[GrimJack]

Balance Due tax returns are not processed until after April 15th (checks are cashed immediately - and it does not matter who the check is made out to, it will be cashed) so send your returns in any time before the 15th and go to eftps.gov set up an account and make your payment electronically on or before the 15th of April. EFTPS set up take about 15 minutes and 5-10 days for your PIN to arrive in the mail.

Why anyone would pay taxes by check is beyond me (other than the float).

[UnknownXV]

My Canadian taxes took 30 minutes for both Federal and Provincial. Filed online instantly. Processed in a week and a half. Refund direct deposited. Done and fairly painless.

I love technology.

[QuarterMillionMan]

"Once upon a time?" It is still status quo and still rings true for me (lol). The only difference is that I don't wait up until the last minute of April 15 to mail my returns. My attendant at "the home" will be assisting me fill in all those numbers (just kidding but I sure do feel like I'm the only person doing my taxes with pen and paper). Am I the last hold-out? Surely there must be others.

[Mori]

Actually, my insurance agent has been doing my taxes for the last several years. He does it on his computer, I sign them and then send them off. However, he retired and moved away in December. I just sent him my forms so I hope he can still do them but I'm thinking this will probably be the last year for this.

[disneysteve]

I sure do feel like I'm the only person doing my taxes with pen and paper). Am I the last hold-out? Surely there must be others.

I read recently that 80% of returns are e-filed so you aren't alone but you are definitely in a small and shrinking minority.