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THE REVERE ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2025 Page 19 A “No” vote is against the amendment.) Sen. Lydia Edwards Didn’t Vote ALSO UP ON BEACON HILL BAY STATE COALITION OPPOSES ELIMINATION OF PROTECTED STATUS FOR 500,000 HAITIAN IMMIGRANTS — The Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy (MIRA) Coalition responded to the Trump Administration’s plan to end Temporary Protected Status (TPS) in August for up to 500,000 Haitian immigrants — thousands of whom reside in Massachusetts. “Ending TPS for the half a million Haitians that have fl ed unimaginable violence and instability is deeply immoral and unjust,” said Elizabeth Sweet, Executive Director of MIRA. “Terminating TPS for Haitians is just the latest step the Trump administration has taken to strike fear in our nation’s hardworking, caring immigrants — especially those seeking refuge here. Eliminating the opportunity for Haitians to live and work in states like Massachusetts, which continue to grapple with a severe workforce shortage and increasingly depend on dedicated immigrant workers, will cause even more longterm harm.” AUDITOR DIZOGLIO UNVEILS MORE THAN $2.5 MILLION IN PUBLIC BENEFITS FRAUD — State Auditor Diana DiZoglio’s eff ort to help make government work better by investigating, fraud, abuse and illegal acts involving public assistance benefi ts across the state uncovered more than $2.5 million in fraudulent spending. Her offi ce investigated a total of 814 cases and found overpayment in 207 cases with identifi ed fraud. The cases include funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program $1,528,615; Medicaid $568,517; Department of Early Education and Care $307,324; Transitional Aid to Families with Dependent Children $112,787; Emergency Aid to the Elderly, Disabled and Children $28,392; and Personal Care Attendant $3,719. “For many residents across the commonwealth, public benefit programs provide access to everyday essential items, such as food and medical supplies,” said DiZoglio. “Through the efforts of our fraud examiners, we continue to help ensure public benefi t programs operate with transparency, accountability and equity. Our offi ce will continue to work to ensure taxpayer dollars are used eff ectively and that resources are available to those who truly need and qualify for them.” AG CAMPBELL OPPOSES THE TRUMP ADMINISTRATION’S DEFUNDING OF THE CONSUMER FINANCIAL PROTECTION BUREAU — Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Campbell joined a coalition that includes 23 other state attorneys general, to warn against eff orts by the Trump Administration to defund and disband the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB). On February 9, the Trump Administration directed the CFPB to stop all its ongoing work and to not begin any new investigations. Supporters of Campbell’s warning say that the CFPB is an important independent agency that ensures companies follow federal consumer protection laws by overseeing big banks, lenders, credit card companies and mortgage servicers. They note that since its creation in 2011, the CFPB has helped millions of Americans by assisting homeowners facing foreclosure stay in their homes, stopping banks from charging junk fees and returning more than $20 billion to the pockets of consumers nationwide. In an amicus brief fi led in the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland, the coalition argues that dismantling the CFPB would signifi cantly harm consumers and hamper enforcement of federal consumer protection laws. “The CFPB serves as a beacon for consumer protection and economic justice, working to lower costs, alleviate student debt and more,” said Campbell. “They have been an important partner to my offi ce as we pursue consumer protection cases on behalf of Massachusetts residents. I continue to support the vital mission of CFPB, especially at a time when families across the country are struggling with sky-high costs of living.” STATE REP. CAROL DOHERTY DIES AT 82 — Rep. Carol Doherty (DTaunton) passed away last week after battling pancreatic cancer. Doherty was first elected to the House in 2020 and was re-elected in the recent November 6, 2024 election. BEACON | SEE Page 21 How Much Do You Have to Make to File Taxes in 2025? Dear Savvy Senior, What can you tell me about the IRS income tax filing requirements for retirees this tax season? My earned income stopped when I retired last March, so I’m wondering if I need to fi le a tax return this year. Retired in 2024 Dear Retired, Whether or not you are required to file a federal income tax return this year will depend on how much you earned last year, 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 2024 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: $14,600 ($16,550 if you’re 65 or older by Jan. 1, 2024). • Married filing jointly: $29,200 ($30,750 if you or your spouse is 65 or older; or $32,300 if you’re both over 65). • Married fi ling separately: $5 at any age. • Head of household: $21,900 ($23,850 if 65 or older). • Qualifying surviving spouse: $29,200 ($30,750 if 65 or older). To get a detailed breakdown on federal filing 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 2024,” or you can see it online at IRS.gov/ pub/irs-pdf/i1040gi.pdf. Check Here Too Be aware that there are other financial 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 2024, 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 file if you’re receiving Social Security benefi ts, and one-half of your benefits 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 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 “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 file 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 different. 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 File at IRS.gov/ FreeFile, which is a partnership program between the IRS and tax software companies. Your 2024 adjusted gross income must be below $84,000 to qualify. Or, if you have a simple tax situation and your income is below $200,000, or $250,000 if you’re married and filing jointly, you can now fi le your taxes for free through the new IRS Direct File program in 24 states at DirectFile.IRS.gov. If you need some help, contact the IRS sponsored Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) program, which provides free tax preparation and counseling to middle and low-income taxpayers, age 60 and older. Call 800906-9887 or visit IRS.treasury. gov/freetaxprep to locate services near you. You can also get tax preparation assistance through the AARP Foundation TaxAide service at AARP.org/fi ndtaxhelp or call 888-227-7669. 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.

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