Actually, it's a Tax Carnival pause.

Carnival 18 was scheduled to go up Monday, May 7. But in a few hours I'm heading out on a quasi-business trip, so I've decided to reschedule.

It's not a major publication shift. I'll take the items that have come in so far and post them on Friday, May 11. I'll also keep taking submissions for the 18th Carnival of Taxes through Wednesday.

Goin' to Kansas City: At least the reason for the Carnival delay is tax related. I'm heading up to Kansas City for a few days for a Taxpayer Advocacy Panel meeting.

While I'm looking forward to once again seeing my Area 5 colleagues, I am not really that thrilled about going to Kansas City.

I have nothing against the town. I'm sure it has many charms. And we'll get to visit the IRS facilities there. That should be cool.

But it is tornado season, as was tragically demonstrated this weekend. The forecast for today is a bit iffy, but the outlook for the other two days that I'll be in the land of Dorothy Gale is better.

I'll try to check in from KC with any tax news, TAP info and weather reports. Meanwhile, thanks for your understanding and patience. We'll definitely get those Tax Carnival tents up on Friday.

Helping out Kansas storm victims: The American Red Cross and Salvation Army provide relief services to those who've endured disasters. If you want to help with those efforts, you can donate online, by phone or by mail.