Unlike many other annual observances, such as Christmas and Halloween, Tax Day does not have many well-known songs associated with it. This year, thanks to April 15 falling on a Friday, the deadline to file taxes or apply for an extension has been graciously moved to Monday. The procrastinators of the world still have a couple of days to get their returns together. If they need any inspiration over the weekend, they should look no further than “Sensible Deduction,” a 2008 music video from (the recently revived) MadTV starring Keegan-Michael Key in his pre-Key & Peele days. It’s intended as a spoof of Snoop Dogg’s retro-themed “Sensible Seduction” video, giving Key an opportunity to do his best Snoop impression. “April 15, time to file your taxes, y’all,” he purrs. “I don’t care if you’re filing a 1040-EZ or some other sheezy. It’s all about the write-offs, baby.”
The song offers advice on avoiding “that bank account reduction” by deducting “things from work that you need.” For Snoop, that means copious amounts of marijuana. (“I need that stuff to function,” Key sings.) The song has a whole list of suggested deductions for various celebrities, including Lindsay Lohan, Tom Cruise, and John McCain. Since it was recorded in 2008, the song has a time capsule quality to it now with its once-topical jokes about the presidential election. At the time, Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton were still vying for the Democratic nomination, and no one outside of Alaska had heard of Sarah Palin yet. Dated jokes aside, the song continues to offer comfort to anyone who freaks out when April 15 draws near. “There’s no need to stress,” Key sings, “when dealing with the IRS.” That’s a great thing to hear this time of year.