I Just Did My Taxes By Myself For The First Time, And It (Surprisingly) Could Not Have Been Easier

Okay, so maybe I had a little help.

Hi, my name is Isabella, and I'm here to bravely admit something to you — my dad still does my taxes.

BuzzFeed / Via Isabella Torchia

Anything "paperwork" related stresses me out (if you get it, you get it). So every year, I just hand him my forms and hope for the best. 

While I have no shame being a 30-year-old tax princess, I recently had a crazy thought: What if I was responsible for my own taxes this year?

Chilling! But luckily, H&R Block pushed me out of my nest and invited me to meet with one of their Tax Experts. 

LET'S DO THIS!

I knew I had to bring my T4, but I honestly had no clue what else to pack for my appointment.

BuzzFeed / Via Isabella Torchia

A quick search led me to this H&R Block checklist that I found to be super helpful. First hurdle jumped! 

I gathered all the suggested documents in my little tote, and I was off to visit one of their offices in Toronto.

BuzzFeed / Via Isabella Torchia

I have to admit, I was feeling a little nervous when I rolled up.

BuzzFeed / Via Isabella Torchia

Like a lot of people my age, I deal with some money anxiety. I've never felt confident with anything $$$ related, and I admittedly don't have the best financial literacy (which is probably why it took me so long to do this myself, tbh).

When I tell you I was immediately put at ease by my new Tax Expert Lamar...I'm not joking.

BuzzFeed / Via Isabella Torchia

He might think I'm merely his client, but in my head, we are now best friends. 

Why? I explained to Lamar that I was super new at this, and he walked me through the process in an incredibly simple way.

BuzzFeed / Via Isabella Torchia

He asked me a few questions, set me up in the system, and even helped me update some of my personal info, like my new address and direct deposit number, in my CRA account.

BuzzFeed / Via Isabella Torchia

He was also impressed that I came so prepared. WHO'S THE TAX EXPERT NOW, huh?! JK, it's definitely still Lamar.

Even though I learned my tax situation wasn't complicated, he told me it was common for people like me to have them done by a Tax Expert IRL.

BuzzFeed / Via Isabella Torchia

He mentioned that you could file online or just drop off your documents, but that booking an appointment was a great way to make sure you get the most out of your return and have all questions answered — no matter your experience or situation. 

And I definitely had some Q's!

I already know that 2023 has some freelancing in store for me, so I asked Lamar what I could do to prep for next tax season.

BuzzFeed / Via Isabella Torchia

He suggested keeping a doc where I track everything from invoices to work expenses. I should keep my receipts (in case I'm audited in the future), but I don't need to bring my whole shoebox next year. An organized list is all he'll need. 

I also need new glasses soon, so I wondered if they would count as a medical expense next year. Lamar told me yup, and I could claim any new prescriptions too.

Noted and noted! ✍️

While we chatted, Lamar was filing away. He let me know my refund amount (which I immediately spent on new shoes an hour later) and how it was calculated.

BuzzFeed / Via Isabella Torchia

Then, he handed me a folder that included all of my documents and return receipts...

And just like that, my taxes were filed.

BuzzFeed / Via Isabella Torchia

This is the face of a girl who finally did her taxes by HERSELF... alongside her new best friend Lamar, of course, whom she made pose for this.

The experience took less than 30 minutes, and the whole process was customized to be straightforward and accessible for someone who was starting from scratch.

BuzzFeed / Via Isabella Torchia

I honestly left feeling pretty proud of myself. Not only were my taxes filed and my return secured (and my shoes bought), but I learned a ton along the way — making me feel way more confident for next year. Huge. 

No matter your level of knowledge or tax sitch, you can book an appointment with an H&R Block Tax Expert here. And if you get Lamar, tell him I say hi!