THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – FRiDAy, FEbRuARy 27, 2026 Page 17 Sa nir Sa a y Senior Seni by Jim Miller Do I Need to File a Tax Return This Year? Dear Savvy Senior, What are the IRS income tax filing requirements for retirees this tax season? I didn’t fi le a tax return last year because my income was below the fi ling threshold, but I got a part-time job in 2025, so I’m wondering if I need to fi le this year. Semi-retired Joe Dear Joe, Whether you need to fi le a federal income tax return this year depends on several factors: how much you earned in 2025, the source of your income, your age, and your fi ling status. Here’s a quick guide to this year’s IRS fi ling thresholds. For most people, it’s straightforward: if your gross income (all taxable income, excluding Social Security benefits unless you’re married and fi ling separately) is below the threshold for your fi ling status and age, you generally do not need to fi le. But if it’s over, you will. 2025 IRS Federal Filing Thresholds: Single: $15,750 ($17,750 if you’re 65 or older by Jan. 1, 2026). Married filing jointly: $31,500 ($33,100 if one spouse is 65 or older; or $34,700 if you’re both over 65). Married filing separately: $5 at any age. Head of household: $23,625 ($25,625 if 65 or older). Qualifying surviving spouse: $31,500 ($33,100 if 65 or older). For a detailed breakdown, including taxable vs. nontaxable income, you can request a free copy of the IRS “1040 and 1040SR Instructions for Tax Year 2025” by calling 800-829-3676, or view it online at IRS.gov/pub/ irs-pdf/i1040gi.pdf. Check Here Too Be aware that there are other fi nancial situations that can require you to fi le a tax return, even if your gross income falls below the IRS filing requirements. For example, if you earned more than $400 from self-employment in 2025, owe any taxes on an IRA, Health Savings Account or an alternative minimum tax, or get premium tax credits because you, your spouse or a dependent is enrolled in a Health Insurance Marketplace plan, you’ll need to fi le. You may also need to fi le if you’re receiving Social Security benefi ts, and one-half of your benefi ts plus your other gross income and any tax-exempt interest exceeds $25,000, or $32,000 if you’re married and fi ling jointly. To figure all this out, the IRS offers an online tax tool that asks a series of questions that will help you determine if you’re required to fi le, or if you should fi le because you’re due a refund. It takes less than 15 minutes to complete. You can access this tool at IRS.gov/help/ita – click on “Filing Requirements – Do I need to fi le a tax return?” Or you can get assistance over the phone by calling the IRS helpline at 800-829-1040. Check Your State Even if you’re not required to fi le a federal tax return this year, don’t assume that you’re also excused from fi ling state income taxes. The rules for your state might be very diff erent. Check with your state tax agency before assuming you’re off the hook. A complete list of state tax agencies is available at Taxadmin.org/fta-members. Tax Prep Help If you fi nd that you do need to fi le a tax return this year, you can Free File at IRS.gov/freefile, which is a partnership program between the IRS and tax software companies. Your 2025 adjusted gross income must be below $89,000 to qualify. If you need some help with your tax returns, the IRS sponsored Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) program provides free tax preparation and counseling to middle and low-income taxpayers, age 60 and older. Call 800-906-9887 or visit IRS.treasury.gov/freetaxprep to locate services near you. You can also get help through the AARP Foundation Tax-Aide service at AARP. org/findtaxhelp or call 888227-7669. You don’t have to be an AARP member to use this service. Send your questions or comments to questions@savvysenior.org, or to Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070. O f Everett. Entered into eternal rest on Thursday, February 19, 2026 in the Cambridge Health Alliance-Everett Hospital, after a very brief illness. She was 87 years old. Born in Everett, Mae lived in Everett. She worked for the Bank of America as Service Representative, retiring after over 40 years of dedicated service with the banking industry. Mae loved to clothes shop and it showed. She was a fastidious dresser and would make sure she looked her best, whether going to a fancy function, family gathernior ior OBITUARY Marion D. “Mae” (Anderson) Hatch ing, or just going out to Everett Square. Everything had to match and match perfectly. Mae was the devoted daughter of the late Alfred H. and Marion (Quinlan) Anderson; the beloved wife of the late Robert C. Hatch; the dear and devoted sister of Phyllis Templeton and her late husband, Roy, the late John Anderson and his surviving wife, Nancy, Robert and Jean Anderson, Donald and Edith Anderson, Arthur and Rosemary Anderson, Shirley and Joseph Miele, Dorothy and Ernest Dabrieo, and Evelyn and Raymond Quelli. Although Mae and Bob were not blessed with children of their own, she considered her many loving Godchildren, nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews as her closest family and was very generous to all of them. Relatives and friends were respectfully invited to attend Mae’s visitation and funeral mass on Wednesday, February 25, 2026 in the Immaculate Conception Church, 487 Broadway, Everett. Interment Puritan Lawn Memorial Park, Peabody. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Mae’s memo~ Home of the Week ~ LYNN - REAL Opportunity - GREAT Price in this Mixed-Use property. Second floor residential unit offers 3-4 bedroom and two full baths, large roof deck. Front-to-back store front, ample off street parking off of side street, garage. Interior sprinkler system, rent well below market. Large footprint provides many possibilities. HIGH visibility - HIGH traffic area - HIGH foot traffic! Don’t miss this amazing investment! Offered at $589,900 335 Central Street, Saugus, MA 01906 (781) 233-7300 View all our listings at: CarpenitoRealEstate.com For Advertising with Results, call The Advocate Newspapers at 617-387-2200 or Info@advocatenews.net ry to the Immaculate Conception Church would be sincerely appreciated. Arrangements by the Cafasso & Sons Funeral Home, 65 Clark St., Everett 617.387.3120
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