Out-of-town client mails me their package of tax documents, including notices from the Department of Revenue about three refunds issued last year. Clipped to the notices are the actual checks. One of the checks is for more than $9,000. These clients have millions, but still – can’t they see these are worth something? Maybe because the checks are printed with a purple color scheme.

I have seen this before, with a client who was too busy to cash a refund check. They really aren’t checks, they’re warrants, and so banks honor the expiration date of six months after the issue date. They have to be reissued, which involves some paperwork. I return the checks to the clients with a note advising them that I’ll help them with that after April 15.

Meanwhile, another client drops off a tax package that includes an original $1,500 state refund check. Must be nice to be rich. I send him the same note.

For those who don’t keep up with modern times: You no longer have to go to the bank to deposit a check. You take a picture of the front and (endorsed) back and your phone has an app for that. Just keep the check as a souvenir. Some people will send it to their preparer.

My client emails me, that’s what happened. I ask the second client, same explanation.

I guess I should have known without asking.