i stopped by the post office today and picked up a certified letter that was waiting for me:

C E R T I F I E D    M A I L

WE COULDN'T ALLOW YOUR CLAIM

Dear Taxpayer:

WHY WE'RE SENDING YOU THIS LETTER
This letter is your notice that we've disallowed your claim for credit for the period shown above.

WHY WE CANNOT ALLOW YOUR CLAIM
You filed your original tax return more than 3 years after the due date. Your tax return showed ana overpayment. To claim that overpayment as a credit or to obtain a refund, you have to file your tax return within 3 years from its due date.

yes, folks, it’s true: my 2003 tax return is finally filed, in order, accepted, and DONE, DONE, DONE. i’m not even miffed to have lost my $100 refund from 2003, since i knew about the 3 year forfeit rule going in. i’m just ecstatic to learn that it’s over with!

i might have spent my entire evening thus far listening to violent femmes really loud and dancing around inanely. you can’t stop the dancing. MY TAX NIGHTMARE IS OVER!

also: i should finally be receiving my 2006 refund soon! “6 weeks.” countdown to long overdue $600: COMMENCE.