One Last Pull for this Knot to Break

[sleeper]

X called today. She was informed by the accountant that because I filed my tax return separately the past year she has NO deductions and must pay a pretty sum. Taxes are deducted automatically by my employer but X is self employed and no taxes are withheld. My deductions have cushioned the blow so to speak at tax time in the past.

A baby step I've been noticing is that she was not screaming, blaming me and accusing me of being "passive agresssive" for what had happened. She was truly scared and a little freaked out. She was making a request instead of demanding and even said the change wouldn't cost me a dime, indicating she would take care of any costs.

The solution was to re-file jointly as there are additional deductions we can take if filing jointly. I called the accountant and agreed. I called X back to tell her it was taken care of. She seemed surprised I had taken care of it so quickly and I commented that I would rather the mother of my children keep the money than the government get it. She was extremely relieved.

One day she will realize upon which side her bread is buttered.