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0 of 3 Premium Clicks used this month SUBSCRIBE Print + Online Subscriber Activation | Register x Forgot Password | Need an Account? subscribe | newsletter | deals Classifieds Jobs Autos Real Estate FEATURED » Obituaries Photos Videos Blogs Business Business Services NEWS NOW Herb Rothschild Jr.: How we treat animals ... Overcoming the odds ... Court tosses ruling ordering BLM to log more in Southern Oregon ... Herb Rothschild Jr.: How we treat animals ... Overcoming the odds ... Court tosses ruling ordering BLM to log more in Southern Oregon ... LOCAL TAKE Have you filed your tax return yet? Comment By John Darling For the Tidings DailyTidings.com By John Darling For the Tidings Posted Mar. 25, 2015 at 1:46 PM Updated Mar 25, 2015 at 1:49 PM By John Darling For the Tidings Posted Mar. 25, 2015 at 1:46 PM Updated Mar 25, 2015 at 1:49 PM » RELATED CONTENT Poll results --> Should Ashland regulate pot growing? What people said in print in the Feb. 26 Tidings: All four respondents wanted some regulation on growing marijuana. What you said online: A pluralit... » Read more X Poll results Should Ashland regulate pot growing? What people said in print in the Feb. 26 Tidings: All four respondents wanted some regulation on growing marijuana. What you said online: A plurality of 49 percent (36 votes) were against any regulations, but a bare majority of 51 percent were in favor of some regulation (30 percent, 22 votes) or a total ban on outdoor growing inside city limits (21 percent, 16 votes). Our current poll question: How do you feel about new cell phone towers? Vote online at dailytidings.com. What do you think?   Have an opinion on this story? Send a letter to the editor at www.dailytidings.com/sendletter .   • Should the Plaza get yet another makeover? • Do you have spring fever? • Should Ashland homeowners be able to rent rooms short-term? • How do you feel about new cell towers? • Local Take: Should U.S. Senators have written directly to Iranian leaders?... • LOCAL TAKE: Do we need daylight saving time? » Social News Preparing your taxes is the perfect counterpoint to the hopeful joys of spring, isn’t it? They should have made filing deadline be Nov. 1, when we are descending into the darkness and climbing into scary garb.  Tax time brings up the whole question of why, since the government prints all the money, shouldn’t they just print themselves what they need? Perhaps it’s so we will have the sensation of creating and shaping the government, much as we do when we vote.  Anyway, bite the bullet for something that feels like dentistry without anesthetic for most people. But then — oh, the joy! — one day it’s all over and we can go running through the streets clicking our heels and head for the lake with a case of beer! But then comes the angst, if they don’t like your deductions, they will flag you and tell you that you have an appointment for a little talk with them. But let’s not think about that and let’s hope they don’t read this.  But seriously, folks, it’s not that hard. Just turn off all the pleasure centers in your brain, sit down with a pile of papers and promise yourself a reward when it’s over — apple pie a la mode and champagne! Really, it works. If you could use some help, take advantage of the free assistance offered by trained volunteers under the auspices of AARP (formerly the American Association of Retired Persons). It's open from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Wednesdays and 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Fridays at The Grove, 1195 East Main St. in Ashland, next to the city offices and police department. Taxpayers can be any age. Bring a picture ID, Social Security card, last year's tax return, W-2 or 1099 form, health insurance information and any other income and expense records that are relevant. Your spouse needs to come if you're filing jointly. No appointment is necessary. We asked Ashlanders: Have you filed or are you exploring the ups and downs of procrastination? Did you gut it out by yourself or get help? Are you getting a refund and, if so, where are you going to blow it? How happy are you with how all this tax money is spent?  Diana Morely — I already got it to my accountant and got it out of the way. I go through such tension that it’s a huge relief when it’s gone. I taught myself to do it 40 years ago, but there was still a lot I didn’t understand in that technical language. I stopped doing it alone. What really helped me was in Scott Peck’s “The Road Less Traveled,” where he said you can do anything if you break it down to easy steps, not thinking about the whole thing. I get refunds. They feel great. Everyone can use more money. As for how it’s spent by the government, no, I’m not at all satisfied. It goes to wars, subsidizing weapons manufacturers, tobacco, oil. It should go to health care. David Winston — I filed it. I would be a procrastinator but my wife pushes me to get it over with. She helps me do it, too. It’s a big relief to have it done. I’m not getting refunds and not paying any taxes. If I were, I’d be very unhappy with where it’s going. Most supports big money interests, the ones who are bringing down our economy. Katherina Moore — I’m filing as we speak. I should be done by the end of March. I do it myself on Turbo Tax online. I occasionally call my accountant, if it gets too complicated. I’m not getting a refund. As for how the government spends it, I’m happy with some and not others. Greg Conaway — I filed for an extension and that lets me do other forms of procrastination. Plus, we’re in a remodel that takes lots of time. I’m getting no refund. As for where the money goes, no, I’m not really happy. Too large a percent goes to defense. Primarily it should go to social, environmental, education and health causes and the needy. So many areas could be more beneficial. John Darling is an Ashland freelance writer. Reach him at [email protected].   By John Darling For the Tidings DailyTidings.com By John Darling For the Tidings Posted Mar. 25, 2015 at 1:46 PM Updated Mar 25, 2015 at 1:49 PM » Comment or view comments Reader Reaction » STAY INFORMED Email NewsLetter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. Southern Oregon Directory Featured Businesses Loading... 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