I want to tell you a story about my state

It's Connecticut. It's small. It's awesome.

After I filed my taxes this year, I was due a not-large refund from the state of Connecticut. I spent the money in my head, but figured I’d wait until the refund landed in my account. I waited and waited, and then one day, I logged on to myconnectCT, and found that not only was I not getting a refund, I was on the hook for $1,000 and change.

I pay my taxes. I am scrupulous about doing so. I also use an accountant, a good one, and I pay quarterly taxes on freelance endeavors. How could I owe money?

First, I got angry. Then I contacted my accountant, a nice guy named Mike. He did a little digging, and suggested I contact the state. I laughed when he said that because I was imagining me, on hold, for days while my husband brought me water and mopped my brow. Then, too, while I am a huge fan of confrontation — huge — for all I know I actually owed that money and who needs bad news?

But I worked up my courage to be a grownup and called one afternoon. The state had no record of my four quarterly checks. I was told what documentation I needed to provide to prove that I’d writte and sent the checks, and that they had cleared my bank. I provided that to a nice guy named Tommy, who said he would get right back to me. And he did. The issue was basically resolved within the hour. I kept having my new friend Tommy repeat the good news because you hear “taxes” and next you hear “death.” So while it’s kind of a state pastime to beat up on state employees, consider this a shout-out to state workers who listen to the whiny public and act on their concerns. I appreciate you.

Now I can go back to spending that return in my head and I shall spend it for real when it finally arrives. Glory!