Mistakes Don’t Occur Too Often
Dear Ann Landers: In March 1995, I mailed in my tax check for $1,035 to the Internal Revenue Service. Shortly afterward, I was informed that the IRS did not receive it. I said I had indeed mailed it in and was advised to put a stop order on it, which I did. A little later, the IRS returned my check stamped “payment stopped.” Evidently, somebody had found the check that had “never been received” and attempted to deposit it.
I sent in a replacement check and received a letter stating, “Your check was put in the computer and credited to your 1994 account.” I wrote the IRS and said the check was intended for my 1995 account. The problem was sent to the IRS Resolutions Office, and it took eight months to fix.
During this time, I was sent a refund check for the $1,035 that went into my 1994 account, since I didn’t owe any taxes for 1994. Then, I got a letter saying it was a mistake and I should return the money, which I did. Then, I was asked to fill out Form 3911 regarding the refund, which I also did. Soon, I received a letter stating my “claim for a refund” was sent to Maryland to be looked into and would require nine months to clear. I wrote and told the IRS I was not entitled to a refund and if it insisted on sending me one, I would refuse it.
Frankly, I’m afraid to send in my next tax check. They should change their initials from IRS to MESS. Los Angeles Taxpayer
Dear L.A. Taxpayer: When the IRS screws up, it does it big time. Far be it from me to attempt to defend the IRS, but considering the number of returns it processes and the mistakes people make when filing their returns, it’s a miracle the IRS doesn’t screw up more often.
Dear Ann Landers: I see by a recent letter in your column that the toilet paper issue has raised its head again. This reminds me of a piece I wrote years ago but don’t think I ever sent to you. I’m 90 now and would love to have you print it. - Little Old Lady on Jersey Ridge in Davenport, Iowa
Dear L.O.L.: I’m delighted to print your poem. It was a real day-brightener.
On Issues of the Day
‘Though the comics aren’t funny
And the news is rotten,
When we read Ann Landers
All else is forgotten.
Phooey to the readers
Who would complain.
I’d like to forget
The world’s grief and pain.
If it’s only to argue
About toilet tissue.
Can’t think of a more
Nonsensical issue.
So on with the trivia
In these days so tragic.
Who’d have thought toilet paper
Would perform such magic!
Dear Ann Landers: My husband and I raised our daughter, “Sheila,” with love and the best we could afford, including a college education. Sheila and her husband, “Steve,” both work for his wealthy parents. On the walls of their family room, Sheila and Steve have many photos of themselves, their two children and Steve’s parents. There are no photos of my husband or me.
We feel hurt and wonder if we should say anything. - Canada Parents
Dear Canada: No. Have a professional photographer take a picture of you and your husband, give it to your daughter and say, “This is for your wall.”