Literary reflections on tax day

We don't have to tell you it's tax day, and depending on the size of your refund and your political philosophy, this may not be a day you want to celebrate.

But it's always a day to turn to literature, at least in our book, so enjoy a few quotes from writers and their works on one of life's guarantees.

From the classics

“Death, taxes and childbirth! There's never any convenient time for any of them.”

― Margaret Mitchell, Gone with the Wind

“Just tell 'em you're gonna soak the fat boys and forget the rest of the tax stuff...Willie, make 'em cry, make 'em laugh, make 'em mad, even mad at you. Stir them up and they'll love it and come back for more, but, for heaven's sakes, don't try to improve their minds.”

― Robert Penn Warren, All the King's Men

“Wouldn't you like to make sure all those millions you give to Uncle Sam went to schools and hospitals instead of nuclear warheads?' As a matter of fact, he would. Playgrounds for big kids, preschool programs to little ones, and mandatory LASIK surgery for NFL refs.”

― Susan Elizabeth Phillips, Natural Born Charmer

Point ...

“Taxation is just a sophisticated way of demanding money with menaces.”

― Terry Pratchett, Night Watch

... and counterpoint

“For every benefit you receive a tax is levied.”

― Ralph Waldo Emerson

On the lighter side

“The only difference between a tax man and a taxidermist is that the taxidermist leaves the skin.”

― Mark Twain

“I'm nicer on tax day than I am when I'm on deadline.”

― Laurie Notaro