Offers we cannot refuse
Today is the last day for the average Canadian to confess and ask for penance. Tax returns, of course. Now, since I am both virtuous and methodical, my four returns were submitted ever and long ago (who knew that a day could be so long?), removing the spouse and me from that double whammy of a late return penalty. My children faced a different situation.
Sons #1 and #2 filed their first returns this year. Somehow, children aren’t born with bitterness towards the taxation acts (the real original sin), and both looked forward to the experience. Even with my software to ease the task, some things aren’t easy. Neither had the right to file electronically, so we printed out the forms for mailing. No envelopes, either. Son #1 used the dog to tow him uphill to collect genuine mailers (federal and provincial), but son #2 decided to do that later, downtown on the way to work. A small matter of the printer needing a new toner cartridge interrupted the print queue, which meant that he left with less than half of his paperwork. Just another bump on the way to fiscal responsibility.
My sons are now part of the great machine. I should rejoice, I guess.
I received an envelope today containing one of those “offers you can’t refuse”. Back in the time of the winter solistice, I requested a review of my pension plan. My early years were (then) not eligible for coverage, but I was so happy to have a real job that I didn’t care. Under the new act, I have the right to buy back two years by making the contribution (now). A small amount of money leading to far greater rewards. The offer asks me to submit a certain sum of money for the next 36 months. In return, my eventual payout will be increased by “about the total amount requested”, except that I will receive that amount every year until I no long am eligible (deceased). Not a bad deal, especially if I live beyond retirement plus one year…
