Page 20 avvya yavvy eniiooravvy S iorn or v y io iori by Jim Miller Do I Need to File a Tax Return This Year? Dear Savvy Senior, What are the IRS income tax fi ling requirements for retirees this tax season? I didn’t fi le a tax return the past two years because my income was below the fi ling threshold, but I got a part-time job late last year, so I’m wondering if I’m required to fi le this year. Retired Worker Dear Retired, Whether or not you are required to fi le a federal income tax return this year will depend on how much you earned last year (in 2023), as well as the source of the income, your age and fi ling status. Here’s a rundown of this tax season’s IRS tax fi ling requirement thresholds. For most people, this is pretty straightforward. If your 2023 gross income – which includes all taxable income, not counting your Social Security benefi ts, unless you are married and fi ling separately – was below the threshold for your fi ling status and age, you probably won’t have to fi le. But if it’s over, you will. • Single: $13,850 ($15,700 if you’re 65 or older by Jan. 1, 2023). • Married fi ling jointly: $27,700 ($29,200 if you or your spouse is 65 or older; or $30,700 if you’re both over 65). • Married fi ling separately: $5 at any age. • Head of household: $20,800 ($22,650 if 65 or older). • Qualifying surviving spouse: $27,700 ($29,200 if 65 or older). To get a detailed breakdown on federal fi ling requirements, along with information on taxable and nontaxable income, call the IRS at 800-829-3676 and ask them to mail you a free copy of the “1040 and 1040-SR Instructions for Tax Year 2023,” or you can see 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 fi ling requirements. For example, if you earned more than $400 from self-employment in 2023, 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’ll 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 fi gure all this out, the IRS off ers 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 “Do I Need to File 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 concluding that you’re entirely in the clear. For links to state tax agencies see Taxadmin.org/fta-members. Tax Preparation Help If you fi nd that you do need to fi le a tax return this year, you can free fi le through the IRS at IRS.gov/FreeFile if your 2023 adjusted gross income was below $79,000. Or, if you need some help, contact the Tax Counseling for the Elderly (or TCE) program. Sponsored by the IRS, TCE 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 tax preparation assistance through the AARP Foundation Tax-Aide service. Call 888-227-7669 or visit AARP.org/ fi ndtaxhelp for more information. You don’t have to be an AARP member to use this service. Send your senior questions to: Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070, or visit SavvySenior.org. Jim Miller is a contributor to the NBC Today show and author of “The Savvy Senior” book. THE MALDEN ADVOCATE–Friday, February 16, 2024 BHRC | FROM PAGE 17 on top of a drunk friend’s car for a ride around a Braintree parking lot and Barry fell under the car and was dragged 50 feet to her death. “Much has changed in Massachusetts since a happy hour ban was enacted in 1984,” said sponsor Sen. Julian Cyr (D-Truro). “The drinking age has long been settled at 21, stiff penalties have been established to deter drunk driving and ride hailing apps have become a popular way to safely get around on a night out. While alcohol-related off enses decline across the country and little compelling evidence exists linking happy hour with higher rates of alcohol-related DUIs, Massachusetts remains the last state in the country to have an absolute ban on happy hour. Cyr continued, “In the aftermath of COVID-19 and advent of remote work, happy hour is a tool that can help revitalize main streets and downtowns struggling for foot traffi c. This legislation empowers municipalities to determine if they want to allow local restaurants to offer happy hour specials and decide if it is the right choice for their community.” RE-SIGNING LEASES (H 264) - Would prohibit landlords from requiring their tenants to re-sign a lease more than three months in advance of the termination of their current lease. "I fi led this legislation in response to complaints I heard from tenants who are being unfairly required to re-sign their lease only a few months into their current lease,” said sponsor Rep. Tackey Chan (D-Quincy). “Tenants are being forced to make decisions about their housing situation more than six months in advance and are fi - nancially penalized when they cannot commit." - LEGAL NOTICE - COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS THE TRIAL COURT PROBATE AND FAMILY COURT Docket No. SU23P1782GD Suffolk Probate and Family Court 24 New Chardon Street Boston, MA 02114 In the interests of RUTH-BRIA E. JOSEPH Of CHELSEA, MA Minor NOTICE AND ORDER: PETITION FOR APPOINTMENT OF GUARDIAN OF A MINOR NOTICE TO ALL INTERESTED PARTIES 1. Hearing Date/Time: A hearing on a Petition for Appointment of Guardian of a Minor filed on 08/17/2023 by Rondy R. L. Brizard of Chelsea, MA will be held 03/01/2024 09:00 A.M. Review Hearing located Suffolk Probate and Family Court at 24 New Chardon St. Boston, MA, 02114 2. Response to Petition: You may respond by filing a written response to the Petition or by appearing in person at the hearing. If you choose to file a written response, you need to: File the original with the Court; and Mail a copy to all interested parties at least five (5) business days before the hearing. 3. Counsel for the Minor: The minor (or an adult on behalf of the minor) has the right to request that counsel be appointed for the minor. 4. Counsel for the Parents: If you are a parent of the minor child who is the subject of this proceeding you have a right to be represented by an attorney. If you want an attorney and cannot afford to pay for one and if you give proof that you are indigent, an attorney will be assigned to you. Your request for an attorney should be made immediately by filling out the Application of Appointment of Counsel form. Submit the application form in person or by mail at the court location where your case is going to be heard. 5. Presence of the Minor at Hearing: A minor over age 14 has the right to be present at any hearing, unless the Court finds that it is not in the minor’s best interests. THIS IS A LEGAL NOTICE: An important court proceeding that may affect your rights has been scheduled. If you do not understand this notice or other court papers, please contact an attorney for legal advice. Date: December 1, 2023 Stephanie L. Everett Register of Probate February 16, 2024 QUOTABLE QUOTES "Because of a successful vaccination campaign that eff ectively eliminated measles in the United States in 2000, many people may not be aware that measles, which is transmitted via exposure to contact with airborne droplets, is highly contagious and can lead to serious and life-threatening complications. Children and those with compromised immune systems are especially at risk.” ---Statement from the Massachusetts Medical Society on reported cases of measles in Europe and at least six states and potential exposures at two large United States airports and reminding all patients in the state to do their part to protect themselves and their communities from contracting and spreading measles. “Successful, evidence-based reentry programs are essential to preventing recidivism and improving outcomes for young adults who are involved in the criminal justice system. These programs help ensure they have the tools and resources needed to make sustainable, positive life changes. This funding is an investment in meaningful, second-chance opportunities.” ---Gov. Maura Healey announcing nearly $6.5 million in grants to support nonprofi ts, working in partnership with the Massachusetts Department of Correction and Sheriff s’ Offi ces, to provide reentry services for 18- to 25-year-olds returning from incarceration. “Many Massachusetts drivers want to make the switch to electric vehicles but worry about access to charging. This investment will break down barriers to widespread electric vehicle adoption and help Massachusetts meet its ambitious greenhouse gas emissions targets. ---Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll announcing a $50 million in initiatives to build out electric vehicle charging infrastructure across the state. “Public partnerships and collaborations with faith-based and nonprofit organizations have been vital to community safety. These organizations are part of the social fabric of our neighborhoods and our region. This funding allows us to support and protect these nonprofi ts as they continue providing essential services in our communities.” ---Secretary of Public Safety and Security Terrence Reidy announcing $3.8 million in grant awards to support security enhancements for 80 Massachusetts nonprofi ts at high risk of hate crimes or attacks by extremists. BHRC| SEE PAGE 21
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