If you’ve put off your tax filing until the last minute, don’t be too hard on yourself. A recent study says it could be a genetic problem.
If you’ve put off your tax filing until the last minute, don’t be too hard on yourself. A recent study says it could be a genetic problem.
Researchers from the University of Colorado Boulder studied sets of identical and non-identical twins and found that in the case of some behaviors, people are just born that way.
Participants of the study were asked all sorts of tough questions about what they tend to put off and for how long they let it go.
Combining the responses with the fact that some subjects had identical DNA while others shared only half, they were able to conclude that genes probably have a lot to do with prolonging the inevitable.
They also confirmed earlier studies that postulated procrastination and impulsive behavior were genetically linked.
The scientists surmised that while impulsiveness was likely at one time necessary for survival, procrastination could be a lingering byproduct of it.
Regardless, some of a person’s inability to do things before the deadline is looming could be out of their control.
Unfortunately, the IRS doesn’t have a form for that yet, so other than just getting the taxes done, there’s not much of an alternative. Except for maybe filing an extension.
