Proverbs 30:25 says “ants are a people not strong, yet they prepare their meat in the summer.” The tiny ants take small pieces to create their food store for less favorable times. It’s their diligence and the accumulation of the smaller parts that make their efforts successful. Building a savings account works the same way. It’s OK to start small as long as you start. The accumulation of small things is responsible for the sand on the seashore, the snow that blankets the northern part of our country in winter and the vast oceans that in their simplest form are only made of tiny water molecules. If it’s all you have to start, a little spare change can go a long way toward getting you on the path to a successful savings plan.

The 2011 tax filing season is almost over. April 18th is the deadline to file your personal tax returns. Yes, April 18th. This year we all get three extra days to file because of a District of Columbia holiday. So if you’re stressing about getting this year’s return filed on time, be sure to thank your friends in D.C. for the extra time.

If you need more time to submit your return you can file an automatic extension that will give you another six months to pull those tax documents together. The extended period ends on October 17th. Please note however that if you owe tax, the amount due is payable on April 18th. An extension to file is not an extension to pay.

The IRS has reported that the number of tax payers filing electronically is increasing each year. Electronic filing has its benefits that include almost zero percent calculation errors and faster refunds. The average filer will receive his or her refund within eight days with direct deposit. Those receiving checks will usually receive their refunds within 14 days.

Many members of the U.S. population are concerned about the recent reports suggesting that there may be a government shutdown within the next few days. A government shutdown will affect the processing of your tax return. It is reported that tax payers taking advantage of e-file and direct deposit will not be impacted. Those filing paper returns and receiving refund checks can expect some processing delays. We’re all hoping of course that members of congress can come up with a budget that reflects the values of the American public and avoid the disruption of a shutdown.

Remember that Storehouse Financial Services is your one stop accounting shop. We offer bookkeeping, payroll, and tax services for businesses and individuals. We are also authorized to file tax returns electronically and do not charge extra for that service. Several payment options are available including cash, checks, and credit and debit cards. If prefer, you can also have your filing fees deducted directly from your tax return so you have no out-of-pocket expense to file with us. You can also receive a discount on your filing fees for referring a friend. Contact us for more information at 256-852-2619.

Dates to Remember