As the graphic says, Happy 2007!

Just a few comments this (late) morning. First, I hope you weathered your year-end revelry well, and are not too bleary-eyed or pained on this first day of a spanking new year.

Secondly, get ready: Tax season starts tomorrow. Our tax calendar there in the left column is already counting down the days.

Yeah, I know tomorrow is a national day of mourning for former President Ford and federal offices will be shut down. But you remember that old chestnut about death and taxes and how they vie with each other for ultimate control of our lives? Well, the IRS is coming out swinging this year.

The agency has announced that tomorrow's federal office closures will not affect tax deadlines. In fact, says the IRS, there will be no extension of the Jan. 2 due date for federal tax deposits. Plus, the Electronic Federal Tax Payment System (EFTPS) will operate as usual tomorrow. There are a few instances where the IRS will grant a waiver; details here.

Yes, I know this affects primarily businesses. But the point is that the tax man waits for no one. So I'm just saying, get ready. Tax time 2007 for us individual filers is about to start in full force.

And that leads to my third point: resolutions.

I usually don't make them because I usually break them. But I am resolving this year to get my taxes filed before April 16 (we get an extra day this year since the 15th falls on a Sunday, so that will help). If I discover the hubby and I owe, I might not send the forms in until the last day, but at least I'll know the damage or reward well beforehand.

I'm already far ahead of where I was this time last year. I loaded my tax software on the computer last week, so when the tax statements start arriving, I can enter the info right away. Then, when it's time to file, I'll decide whether to hit "send" or "print."

Speak up! And that brings me to the latest poll here on the ol' blog. Over there to your right, you'll see we're asking whether you plan to e-file.

Now some of you are saying, "Duh! What answer do you really expect from blog readers, folks who are already technologically connected?"

My response: The answer ain't necessarily what you'd think. True, I plan to fill out my return with the software, but if I owe, I'll print and spend only 39 cents (maybe 78 pennies if we have a lot of forms) to get it and my check to the IRS on time.

If, however, the hubby and I are getting back some tax cash, then I might consider the $10 to $15 e-filing fee (we don't qualify for Free File this year) an acceptable trade for getting back much more, much sooner.

I'm not alone in this approach. Even the IRS Taxpayer Advocate Nina Olson, the person charged with making sure the IRS treats all filers fairly (and the ultimate boss of the Taxpayer Advocacy Panel of which I'm now a member), did the same thing a couple of years ago.

So take a few minutes to think about tax filing on this bright new year's day and then take the poll.

And that's enough taxes for today. The Outback Bowl is already underway. Five more -- Cotton, Capital One, Gator, Rose and Fiesta (and yes, I pointedly omitted the corporate sponsors where another, familiar and traditional bowl name still applied) -- follow.

For the rest of Jan. 1, 2007, you'll find me in my recliner in front of our TV. Happy New Year!