THE REVERE ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2024 Page 19 TAX AMNESTY PROGRAM — The Massachusetts Department of Revenue (DOR) announced it will administer a tax amnesty program that will run from November 1 through December 30, 2024. The program was part of the fiscal 2025 budget approved by the Legislature and signed into law by Gov. Healey on July 29. “I urge individuals and businesses to take this opportunity to voluntarily pay their back taxes and interest beginning November 1,” said Geoffrey Snyder, Commissioner of Revenue. “The program is a significant step to help taxpayers come into compliance, including nonfilers.” According to the DOR, the amnesty program will allow non-filers and taxpayers with outstanding tax liabilities to catch up on back taxes and save on penalties. The program aims to bring into compliance those taxpayers who have failed to file returns or have unpaid assessments. Taxpayers who meet certain criteria must request amnesty, file returns and pay outstanding tax and interest liabilities to have eligible penalties waived. Additionally, non-filers or individuals who failed to file required returns with DOR, may benefit from a three-year limited look-back period. For more information and details, go to https://www.mass.gov/ info - details/massachusetts-tax-amnesty-2024? auHash=oXAm2BQHFSu52XemaRx5FJMF0xALmEvxLj1gGTBCWU QUOTABLE QUOTES Gov. Maura Healey and Attorney General Andrea Campbell released updated guidance to K-12 schools on how to address hate and bias-motivated incidents consistent with their legal obligations. According to the report, “The guidance comes amid a rise in antisemitism, racism, anti-LGBTQ+ hate, Islamophobia and hate across the globe, the country and Massachusetts — including a rise in hate-fueled assaults, incidents of white supremacist propaganda, discriminatory bullying and harassment in Massachusetts K-12 schools.” The report continued, “The guidance has been specifically updated to help school districts distinguish between protected student speech and unprotected bullying and harassment. It reminds school districts of their legal obligations to allow for discourse and expression of different viewpoints while also promptly investigating and responding to any and all incidents of alleged harassment or bullying. It also calls on school districts to take affirmative steps to create school environments that are safe and inclusive for all - LEGAL NOTICE - To all persons interested in the above captioned estate, by Petition of Petitioner of a Will has been admitted to informal probate. of has been informally appointed as the Personal Representative of the estate to serve on the bond. students and prevent hate and bias incidents from occurring.” To report a school-based incident of hate or bias, individuals may contact the Attorney General’s Civil Rights Division online at https:// www.mass.gov/how-to/filea-civil-rights-complaint or at 617-963-2817. Here are some of the comments by various government officials on the report: “It pains me to see the rise in antisemitism, anti-LGBTQ+ hate, racism, Islamophobia and hate happening across our state, our country and the world. I’m particularly concerned about the prevalence of hate and violence in our schools. I know that our communities are hurting, and they are frightened. Attorney General Campbell and I are issuing this guidance to send a clear message that hate has no place in Massachusetts — especially not in our schools. This guidance and these grants are giving our schools the tools they need to better prevent and respond to hate. Together, we can ensure that our schools are safe, welcoming, inclusive environments for all students. ---Gov. Maura Healey. “Our administration strongly condemns hate of all kinds. But with hate BEACON | SEE Page 20 crimes on the rise across our state, it’s essential that we act. This guidance empowers schools to better prevent hate, support the mental health and wellbeing of their students and celebrate our amazing, diverse and inclusive communities.” ---Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll. “I t ’s crucial that our schools take a firm stand against hate, discrimination and bullying while also protecting students’ rights to free speech and expression, particularly in the context of ongoing violence both here and abroad.” How to Arrange Your Own Cremation Service Dear Savvy Senior, I would like to arrange a simple cremation that doesn’t cost me, or my family, a lot of money. Can you off er any tips that can help me with this? Still Kicking Dear Kicking, If you’re looking for a simple and aff ordable way to go, cremation is an excellent choice, and one that’s become exceedingly popular in the United States. About 60 percent of Americans are now choosing cremation over a traditional burial, versus only around 20 percent in the mid-1990s. Why the big shift? Price is a key reason. A basic cremation can cost as little as $700 to $1,200, depending on your location and provider, versus $7,500 or more for a traditional funeral and cemetery burial. Geography is another factor, as many families are spread across the country, making future gravesite visits less common. Here are a few tips to help you arrange your cremation and ensure you get a good deal. Shop Around You can arrange a cremation through a funeral home or a cremation-only business, but it’s wise to shop around because prices vary widely. It’s not unusual for one funeral home to charge $1,000, while another charges $4,000 or more for the same service. Call fi ve or six funeral homes or cremation-only businesses in your area and ask them how much they charge for a “direct cremation,” which is the most aff ordable option there is. With direct cremation, there’s no embalming, viewing or memorial service. It only includes the essentials: transportation of the body; required paperwork such as death certifi cates; the cremation itself; and return of the ashes to the family, usually within a week. If you want a viewing, memorial service or anything beyond what a direct cremation provides, ask the funeral home for an itemized price list so you know exactly what you’re paying for. All funeral providers are required by law to provide this. To locate nearby funeral homes, Google “cremation” or “funeral” followed by your city and state. You can also shop and compare prices from funeral homes in your area at Funeralocity.com. Cheaper Urns The urn is another item that can drive up your cremation costs. Funeral home urns usually cost around $100 to $350, but you aren’t required to get one. After cremation, your family will receive your ashes in a thick plastic bag inside a cardboard box. This is all they need if you intend to have your ashes scattered, but if your family wants something to display, Amazon.com and Walmart.com both sell a wide variety of urns for under $50. Green Cremation If you’re an environmentally conscious person, there’s also a green cremation option you should know about called “alkaline hydrolysis” that chemically dissolve the body. This is a gentler, more eco-friendly process than traditional cremation, which uses combustion. It’s legal in more than 20 states, and costs around $2,000 to $3,500. Google search “alkaline hydrolysis” followed by your city or state to fi nd for a provider. Free Cremation If you’re interested in a free fi - nal farewell, you may want to consider donating your body to a university medical facility. After using your body for medical research or surgical practice they will cremate your remains for free, and either bury or scatter your ashes in a local cemetery or return them to your family, usually within a year. To fi nd a medical school near you that accepts body donations, the University of Florida off ers an online directory at Anatbd.acb.med.ufl .edu/usprograms. Whatever arrangements you end up making, make sure you tell your family your wishes so they will know what to do and who to call after your death. Also, if you have a written agreement with any funeral/cremation provider, give them a copy to let them know if you’ve prepaid or not. 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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