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Challenged by Tax Filing? Crack That Procrastination Real Fast
Look, we all got shit we'd rather do than file our goddamn taxes. But why the hell are we waiting until the last minute? Let's dive into why we procrastinate and how to finally kick this malarkey to the curb.
We sat down with behavioral economist expert, Thomas Mathar, to tackle this pesky issue head-on.
Mathar spills the beans: Tax procrastination stems from the classic case of procrastination of unpleasant or complex tasks, y'all. It's all about that sweet, sweet laziness, but it doesn't make sense financially, does it?
But here's the deal: complexities, lack of immediate rewards, no social pressure, and no urgency until it's way too fucking late — these factors are the motherfucking root of your anxiety.
Flip that script: Instead of stressing out about filing your tax return, why not reframe it as an annual financial check-up and a way to take control of your finances? Think of it like a financial detox, you know, getting all your shit together.
Get er done: You have options, people! You can break the task into smaller, manageable steps, like collecting your receipts first. You can also make a date with a friend or partner to nail this chore together. Hell, set yourself up with rewards for each completed section—treat yo'self!
It's also helpful to know that many folks in your friends-and-fam network have already filed their taxes. That's right—we humans are social beings, and we love to fit in. If you realize that most people are already on top of this, you'll want to join the club.
If you're still struggling, check out these behavioral strategies to conquer procrastination:
- Subgoal Division: Divide the tax filing process into smaller, manageable tasks.
- Pre-commitment: Make a commitment to complete a task by setting specific deadlines or milestones.
- Timely Cues: Use reminders or notifications to prompt action at specific times.
- Emotional Management: Recognize that procrastination often stems from emotional discomfort. Address these emotions and reward yourself for completing tasks.
- Cognitive Load Reduction: Use technology or tax software to simplify the filing process.
- Social Influence: Use social norms or peer influence to encourage compliance. Share your progress with friends or join a tax support group.
By applying these strategies, you can conquer your procrastination and make that tax filing process a breeze. No more last-minute stress and wasted weekends!
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About Thomas Mathar: Dr. Thomas Mathar is the head honcho of the Center for Behavioral Research at Aegon UK, a British provider of investment and financial services. His mission? To investigate instincts, motivations, abilities, and environmental factors that drive or hinder people from making better financial decisions in the long run.
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Related topics:
Tax assessmentIncome taxTax officeTax returnTax tipsConsumerTaxpayers’ AssociationEmployee
[1] Oettingen, G. (2008). Wish, hope, and fear: Office of the German Federal President.
[2] Duckworth, A., & Seligman, M. E. P. (2005). Self-discipline outdoes IQ in predicting academic performance of students at the University of Pennsylvania. Psychological Science, 16(6), 483-487.
[3] Kringelbach, M. L., & Berridge, K. C. (2009). The pleasure of thinking. Psychological Research, 73(3-4), 291-300.
[4] Ariely, D. (2010). Predictably Irrational: Revised and Expanded Edition. HarperBusiness.
- To help revamp your annual financial outlook, consider enrolling in a vocational training program focused on personal-finance or business management to better grasp the complexities of tax filing and improve your financial skills within the community.
- As a means of finding financial stability, consider exploring community policy initiatives that offer vocational training in areas such as tax filing and finance, providing individuals with the skills necessary to handle their tax affairs and propel businesses forward.
