THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FriDAY, FEbrUArY 27, 2026 Page 9 SOUNDS | FROM PAGE 8 Visitors are invited to enjoy refreshments from the snack bar and a special 11 a.m. appearance by musician Chris D’Agostino, a Boston-based singer-songwriter, keyboardist and guitarist. He covers musical genres across various decades: rock, pop, soul and folk. Children ages 10 and under may register from 12:15 p.m.12:45 p.m. to participate in a 1:00 p.m. Easter egg hunt. Art on the Wing Join the library and Wingmasters for this unique opportunity! Draw or paint live birds of prey! Wingmasters will present five live birds for 10-15 minutes each while the audience draws and asks questions. Participants need to bring their own art supplies. The library will provide plain paper, pencils and colored pencils. Saturday, March 21, from 10-11 a.m. in the Community Room; age eight and up, please. Online registration starts on March 7. Coach T’s spring track program Plans are in the works for the Saugus Sachems Youth Spring Track Program for 2026. Here’s the basic information. Who: Grades K-6th. Where: Belmonte Track. When: 4:00-5:30 p.m., Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays – May 19-June 11. This program is geared toward new track and field athletes. It will prepare them for the larger-scale summer camp. Cost: $150 first year, $75 if returning. For any questions, further information or to register, please contact Coach Christopher Tarantino (Coach T) at 781854-6778 or christophertarantino24@gmail.com A SAUGUS GOLD MEDALIST: Sandra Whyte, who is now known as Sandra Whyte-Sweeney, starred on the women’s team that won the gold medal at the 1998 Winter Olympics in Nagano, Japan. (Courtesy photo of the U.S. Olympic Committee) ~ Political Announcement ~ Diann Slavit Baylis Announces Candidacy for Governor’s Council immigration Attorney from Marblehead to run in 6th District I mmigration attorney Diann Slavit Baylis announced that she is running for Governor’s Council in Massachusetts’ 6th District. Slavit Baylis, a resident of Marblehead, took out nomination papers this week from the Secretary of State’s Office, and plans to collect nomination signatures throughout the district. The Governor’s Council is an elected body in Massachusetts that provides advice and consent on the Governor’s judicial appointments, pardons and commutations, and warrants for the state treasury. The Council also plays a role in the certification of statewide election results. The 6th district encompasses parts of Boston, most of Cambridge, the cities of Chelsea, Everett, Lynn, Malden, Medford, Melrose, Revere and Somerville, and the towns of Lynnfield, Marblehead, Nahant, Reading, Saugus, Stoneham, Swampscott, Wakefield, Winchester and Winthrop. “We need judges with knowledge, integrity and compassion at every level of our judiciary, and I will be a voice for that on the Governor’s Council,” said Slavit Baylis. “What many people don’t know is that critical decisions impacting the lives of children who enter the country unaccompanied, like the clients that I have represented as immigration counsel, are being made in our state probate courts. This is a dangerous time for immigrant families. We must ensure that people appointed to judgeships understand immigration law, and that they will stand up for the constiDiann Slavit Baylis Candidate for Governor’s Council tutional rights, safety and best interests of immigrants and immigrant children.” While most immigration proceedings take place in federal immigration courts, Special Immigrant Juvenile Status, a path to citizenship for unaccompanied minors, is determined at the state level through the probate courts. ANNOUNCEMENT | SEE PAGE 10 Savvy Senior 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 file a tax return last year because my income was below the filing threshold, but I got a part-time job in 2025, so I’m wondering if I need to file this year. Semi-retired Joe Dear Joe, Whether you need to file 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 filing status. Here’s a quick guide to this year’s IRS filing thresholds. For most people, it’s straightforward: if your gross income (all taxable income, excluding Social Security benefits unless you’re married and filing separately) is below the threshold for your filing status and age, you generally do not need to file. 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 joint - ly: $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 financial situations that can require you to file 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 file. You may also need to file if you’re receiving Social Security benefits, 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 filing 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 file, 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 “Filing Requirements – 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 file a federal tax return this year, don’t assume that you’re also excused from filing state income taxes. The rules for your state might be very different. 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 find that you do need to file 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.
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