With just over 3 weeks until the official end of tax season, Dave and I figured it was perfect timing to share one of our best tax refund tips — especially since we were pleasantly surprised with the extra-large refund we received for 2016!
Yippee!!
You see, for so many years, we’ve had to write a big fat check to the government at the end of every tax season (thanks to my business). We knew it was coming so it was never a huge surprise, but let me tell you — it is ALWAYS more fun to get a big check at the end of the year than write a big check!
The reason we didn’t have to write a check this year is because a couple years ago, I made the switch from an LLC to an S-corporation, and since then, I have enjoyed a few tax breaks along with paying monthly taxes all year long to avoid huge payments at the end of the year.
And now that we can claim 3 children as “deductions”, we’re actually getting money back!
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As I was talking with our accountant about what (if any) changes we could make for 2017, he jokingly responded that if we had another baby before December 31, we could capitalize on one more deduction and get an even bigger refund check.
I didn’t say anything at the time… but won’t our accountant be surprised when he meets our newest “deduction” next tax season 🙂
Yvonne says
Congratulations! What a blessing!
Julie says
What a great way to tell us! Congrats!
Natalia says
Congratulations and all the best wishes for an easy pregnancy and a healthy baby!
Lynn says
Congratulations! What a sweet family you have! Looking forward to hearing more about your newest tax deduction! I’m gradually losing mine! Only one left!
Karen says
Congratulations ❤ You are wonderfully blessed.
Maria says
Wow! Congratulations! What great news. I’m sure you’ll get plenty of help from the kids. They all look so happy- especially Nora.
Hildur says
Congratulations from Norway !
Happy mom of 4.
Brandy says
I was just thinking earlier today, as I was working on our bills, how thankful I was to have found your website years ago, even before the name change. I have learned so many helpful tips, spreadsheets, recipes and just enjoyable everyday advice. I thank you for that and all you do. What a great way to announce another blessing!! Congratulations!!!! Such exciting news!!
Andrea says
Thanks so much Brandy! I’m glad you found my blog years ago too!
Michelle says
Congratulations!
Catherine says
Congratulations from Australia!! Wonderful news. All the very best to you and your family 🙂
Allison says
Congratulations!!! Great news via a creative announcement!
Mariangeles Masegosa says
WHAT!? OMG!!! Congratulations! I can’t wait to read more about it 😉
A big hug from Sain.
Jenny says
It sounds kind of crazy but I have been reading some of your older posts from past years and had a feeling that four kids were in your “plan”. A baby sister for your Nora! Best wishes to all!
Shan says
Andrea, what a creative way to announce baby #4! So happy for you and your family!! Congrats and blessings to you all!
Kristen @ Joyfully Thriving says
Congratulations, Andrea, to you and your whole family! Another baby – what a blessing!
Annette Silveira says
Wow! That’s fantastic. I’m looking forward to following you as you add Baby Four to your family.
Birthe says
Congratulations from Germany
I was wondering if and when there would be a Number 4
So happy for you!
I wish you a smooth pregnancy and God bless your family
Hannah Beth Reid says
Congratulations!
Random note: our fourth tax deduction is due in a couple of weeks and we have an older girl and then two boys also (and this next is a boy).
Sharon says
Hi. Congratulations on your new “tax deduction”! You guys make the cutest kids! I don’t remember how I found your blog, but I really enjoy it. I feel like I know you and your family. I love reading it and seeing your pictures. My kids are grown and I have one 2 1/2 yr. old grandson, and a granddaughter that is due any day. I learn a lot from you. Thank you for doing what you do! I have a question about the picture you added that is black and white and also color. How in the world did you do that? Thanks in advance.
Sharon
Andrea says
Thanks Sharon 🙂
As for the picture — I just edit it with PicMonkey — there are lots of fun things you can do with pictures (and most of it is free!)
Kelly says
Great post. Congratulations! I follow your blog on Feedly but don’t know if I’ve ever commented before now. Best of luck!
Andrea says
Thanks Kelly! Appreciate your comment and kind words!
Karen Todd says
Congratulations Andrea and Dave! I’m so happy for you! Blessings on the rest of your pregnancy!
JoDi says
Congrats! That was a cute way to announce it. Totally didn’t see that coming when I started reading!
Chris says
Congratulations! I bet Nora wants a little sister!
Mandy says
Congratulations! I was not expecting a pregnancy announcement when I started reading about taxes! 🙂 I’m due with our 2nd in October – I’ll be eager to read your blog posts about adding a new member to your family as we do the same! 🙂
Andrea says
haha — I thought it might be a fun way to announce it! Congrats to you too 🙂
Lois Whitaker says
So excited for you! Happy day! And wishing you a smooooooth pregnancy!