Today I’ve
started work on the scourge of the freelance: the self-assessment tax
return.
You may think
I’ve left it late, what with the deadline looming at the end of the month.
You’re probably right. It’s the same every year. I wish I was more organised,
but I’m not. I tell myself each time I submit a return that I’ll get my records
together earlier for the next one. Even as the thought forms in my head, I know
it’s a lie; twelve months later I’ll be knelt on the floor, surrounded by piles
of receipts I should have sorted out months ago. Crying.
I actually don’t
mind it that much. It may sound sick, but I enjoy it. Piecing it together can
be satisfying. It’s like low-grade detective work, with lots of stapling.
That said, I like
to make it difficult. I spent the first chunk of today separating my relevant
receipts (from April 2013 to April 2014) from the irrelevant (from April 2014
onwards). I didn’t get to the right ones until after lunch. I only have myself
to blame. I should have put them in a different box (though that would mean owning two boxes).
Writing this was my tea break. I’d better get
back to work. Count yourself lucky I haven't
invoiced you for reading it.