Every year about this time, the same string of events occur and I wonder who else this happens to.

I receive my tax prep packet from my accountant and, like a fine tuned watch, I open it, read the cover letter and browse the contents. With a deep breath I slide everything back into the envelope, which now feels weightier than when I opened it. That weekend I go through all our personal expense files, like a nurse’s assistant looking for the medical records of someone who hasn’t been to the doctor’s office in 10 years. Yes, it’s filed. Yes, it’s somewhat organized. Yes, I always wonder what I’m missing. After spilling non-essential crap to the floor, I find everything that’s tax related and put it in the weighty envelope.

At work I use software to generate pages of reports, with each report being more refined and detailed than the previous one. I go through reams of receipts for equipment purchases and procure dates, model numbers and serial numbers. I enter everything into my computer. I re-live my year. Good or bad, it’s no fun.

Once all this data is gathered, I set aside the piles of paper and begin to fume. I find it strange that most people put up with our system of taxation. It doesn’t matter to me who’s in office or who’s not. What matters is that, collectively, the people we’ve chosen to represent us have provided us with a labyrinthine system for paying taxes. When I think of the 16th amendment I want to hurl. It’s in their best interest to make it as difficult and opaque as possible. I mean, who actually reads the instructions for form 1040?

Years ago, I photographed a group of accountants and business consultants for one of the “Big 7″ accounting firms (back before Enron nuked one of ‘em). The notion of a flat tax had been floated by Steve Forbes and I remarked to one of my subjects that I thought a flat tax system would help everyone, and that as a self-employed tax payer it’d be easier to use.

I was expecting smiles, bright eyes and voices of agreement, but what I got was a sneer followed by “There will always be a need for professional accountants’ assistance for paying taxes.”

I’d say at least one of ‘em obviously felt threatened by the notion of a flat tax. It’s as if they embrace the opacity of our system of taxation. As if? They enable it.

Then there was this government RFP today:

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) intends to purchase sixty Remington Model 870 Police RAMAC #24587 12 gauge pump-action shotguns for the Criminal Investigation Division. The Remington parkerized shotguns, with fourteen inch barrel, modified choke, Wilson Combat Ghost Ring rear sight and XS4 Contour Bead front sight, Knoxx Reduced Recoil Adjustable Stock, and Speedfeed ribbed black forend, are designated as the only shotguns authorized for IRS duty based on compatibility with IRS existing shotgun inventory, certified armorer and combat training and protocol, maintenance, and parts.

It looks like “audit” will have a whole new meaning.

A blog page. Daunting in its emptiness, seductive in its openness. I can’t resist. A few words. A photo. Done. EasyPeasy.