By Sheryl Rowling
SAN DIEGO– Everyone made such a big deal about Thanksgiving and Hanukkah falling on the same day. Why is it that nobody notices that the first day of Passover falls on April 15th? No one has come up with a cool label like Thanksgivikah. This year, I think we should call April 15th “Taxover.”
Think about the synchronicity. Passover celebrates our freedom from slavery. April 15th celebrates the end of tax season. It might not seem that way to you. However, in addition to being an investment advisor and financial planner, I’m a CPA. I’m responsible for hundreds of tax returns. So, trust me, I feel like a slave to my desk when I’m working 14 hour days. April 15th is the end of that slavery for me!
Taxover is not easy on CPAs, especially for those,like me, who are hosting a Seder. This year, our Seder will include “only” 25 people. In the midst of tax season, I found a way to email the invitations, make out the grocery list, order the delivery of tables and place settings and shop at Ralph’s at midnight.
So far, there have been only two significant mishaps. Last night, I discovered that I forgot one bag of groceries in my trunk. This would not have been a big deal except that the bag had been there for four nights and it contained butter, margarine and cream cheese. Oy. The second issue? In setting the table tonight, my husband and I realized that I forgot to order the dinner plates! Hopefully a morning call to Raphael’s will fix that.
Taxover is overwhelming. Hosting the Seder for 25 people is costly in time, money and stress. Here are the numbers:
Rental service: $500
Groceries: $600
Friends and Family joining together for one special night: Priceless
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Sheryl Rowling is a certified public accountant, personal finance specialist, and principal of Rowling & Associates. She may be contacted via sheryl.rowling@sdjewishworld.com … San Diego Jewish World seeks sponsorships to be placed, as this notice is, just below articles that appear on our site. To inquire, call editor Donald H. Harrison at (619) 265-0808 or contact him via donald.harrison@sdjewishworld.com