Page 16 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FriDAy, FEbrUAry 16, 2024 Sy Senior a 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 benefits, 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 filing 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 filing 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 Senin r ior or by Jim Miller Do I Need to File a Tax Return This Year? 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 file 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 800-9069887 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. OBITUARIES Donna E. (Devin) Hittinger of Robert R. Hittinger with whom she shared 44 years of marriage. Born in Lynn, Donna was the daughter of the late Francis R. and Helen (Zwierko) Devin. Shortly after a brief career at State Street Bank, she met the love of her life, Robert. A few short years later, they welcomed their only loving daughter, Kerri Ann Hittinger. Donna was a dedicatO f Saugus. Age 72, passed away peaceful ly on Sunday, February 11th at home. She was the beloved wife ed wife and mother and through the years as a homemaker, she enjoyed gardening, the casino, her nightly scratch ticket, and coastal car rides with her husband. You could often find her dancing around the kitchen listening to and signing to oldies while cooking her family’s favorite meals. In addition to her hus~ LEGAL NOTICE ~ SAUGUS BOARD OF SELECTMEN PUBLIC HEARING Notice is hereby given that the Saugus Board of Selectmen will conduct a Public Hearing on the request of the Saugus/Everett Elks, Mr. Ronald Visconti, Exalted Ruler, 413 Main Street, Saugus, MA 01906, to approve a Change of Manager to Ms. Christine Dale Hyde. This Public Hearing will be held on Tuesday, March 5, 2024, 7:10 PM, at the Saugus Town Hall Auditorium, second floor, 298 Central Street, Saugus, MA 01906. Anthony Cogliano, Chairman Janice K. Jarosz, Temp. Clerk February 16, 2024 ~ LEGAL NOTICE ~ SAUGUS BOARD OF SELECTMEN PUBLIC HEARING Notice is hereby given that the Saugus Board of Selectmen will conduct a Public Hearing on the request of the Fox Hill Yacht Club, Mr. Bart Buonopane, Commodore, 114 Ballard Street, Saugus, MA to approve a Change of Manager to Mr. Albert John Tamburino, Jr. This Public Hearing will be held on Tuesday, March 5, 2024, 7:15 PM, at the Saugus Town Hall Auditorium, second floor, 298 Central Street, Saugus, MA 01906. Anthony Cogliano, Chairman Janice K. Jarosz, Temp. Clerk February 16, 2024 O f Saugus. Entered into eternal rest on Wednesday, February 7, 2024 in the North Shore Medical Center-Salem Hospital. She was 85 years old. Born and raised in Everett, Josephine resided in Saugus for the past 32 years. She worked as a clerk for Sky Chef for many years. Dear daughter of the OBITS | SEE PAGE 17 band, Donna is survived by her daughter Kerri Hittinger of Saugus; her sister Gail D’Errico and her husband Michael of Saugus; her brother William Devin and his wife Eileen of Lynn. She was the sister-in-law of Douglas and Marie Hittinger of Middleton, Lawrence Hittinger, Joyce and Joseph Molloy, Janis Cannata all of Saugus, and the late Scott Hittinger and his wife Stacy Hittinger of Revere. She is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews. Relatives and friends were invited to attend visiting hours in the Bisbee-Porcella Funeral Home, 549 Lincoln Ave., Saugus on Thursday February 13 from 4-7 p.m. A funeral service will be held in the funeral home on Friday at 11 a.m. Interment in Riverside Cemetery in Saugus. In lieu of flowers, donations in Donna’s memory may be made to Care Dimensions at caredimensions.org. Josephine Mary (DeCrescentis) Petruzzella
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