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Savvy Senior – 2020 Income Tax Filing Requirements
Dear Savvy Senior,
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What are the IRS income tax filing requirements for seniors this year? I didn’t file a tax return last year because my 2018 income was below the filing requirements, but I got a part-time job late last year in 2019, so I’m wondering if I need to file this year. Semi-Retired Dear Semi, Whether or not you are required to file a federal income tax return this year depends not only on how much you earned last year (in 2019), but also the source of that income, as well as your age and your filing status.
Here’s a rundown of this tax season’s IRS tax filing requirement thresholds. For most people, this is pretty straightforward. If your 2019 gross income – which includes all taxable income, not counting your Social Security benefits, unless you are married and filing separately – was below the threshold for your filing status and age, you may not have to file. But if it’s over, you will. • Single: $12,200 ($13,850 if you’re 65 or older by Jan. 1, 2020).
• Married filing jointly: $24,400 ($25,700 if you or your spouse is 65 or older; or $27,000 if you’re both over 65). • Married filing separately: $12,200 at any age. • Head of household: $18,350 ($20,000 if age 65 or older). • Qualifying widow(er) with dependent child: $24,400 ($25,700 if age 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 “Tax Guide for Seniors” (publication 554) or see IRS.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p554. pdf.
Check Here Too There are, however, some 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 2019, owe any special taxes like an alternative minimum tax, or get premium tax credits because you, your spouse or a dependent is enrolled in a Health Insurance Marketplace (Obamacare) plan, you’ll need to file.
You’ll 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 interactive tax assistant tool on their website 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 “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. You can also get face-to-face help at a Taxpayer Assistance Center. See IRS. gov/localcontacts or call 800-829-1040 to locate a center near you. 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 concluding that you’re entirely in the clear. For links to state tax agencies see Taxadmin.org/ state-tax-agencies.
Tax Preparation Help If you find that you do need to file a tax return this year, you can get help through the Tax Counseling for the Elderly (or TCE) program. Sponsored by the IRS, TEC 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 a service near you.
Also check with AARP, a participant in the TCE program that provides free tax preparation at more than 4,800 sites nationwide. To locate an AARP TaxAide site call 888-227-7669 or visit AARP.org/findtaxhelp. 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.
ANTIQUES HEATING/AC/PLUMBING HOMES FOR SALE
Anteeks On Menaul, 8908 Menaul Bl NE (West of Moon St), open 10-6 daily. Come visit our 3 newest Dealers as our store continues to expand into the New Year. Always fresh inventory at negotiable prices makes our store the go to place whenever you are looking for that unusual gift item. Bring a friend or make a new one from our friendly staff and customers.
ESTATE PLANNING AFFORDABLE ESTATE PLANNING Fixed rate services for seniors. Wills, Transfer on Death Deeds, Powers of Attorney. Fantina Becker, Esq. 505-944-6726 fbeckerlaw@gmail.com
HANDYMAN/YARD/LANDSCAPE Electrician 30 years’ experience. Licensed, Bonded, Insured. Senior rates apply. LIC # 350669 Call Peter @ 505 688-8520 Visit us at: currentsecurityandelectric.com
Handyman - Swamp cooler, winterized, electrical, plumbing, carpentry. Affordable door and window replacement, bath and kitchen remodels. Free estimates. Call 463-4744
HOMEOWNERS HANDYMAN SERVICES Carpentry, decks, doors, electrical, fences, painting, patios, plumbing, porches, rock, sprinklers, tile, windows. Free estimates 505-313-1929
PR Landscaping Lawn care – Tree Trimming Yard Work – Reliable – Honest Call 319-8430 Please leave a message.
L’s Repair and Maintenance Electrical/Plumbing/Swamp Coolers, Etc. 35 years experience JM License/Handyman Free Estimates (505) 382-4716
Seniors Helping Seniors Painting and Repairs Nice work with no charge for estimates or advice Call Matt 505-489-8320
Rate - $1 per word, $10 minimum Box Border - Additional $10 Bold First Line - Additional $5 Photo - Additional $5 Call 880-0470
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HEALTH SEMINAR NM Stem Cell: NM Stem Cell is offering a FREE VIP Seminar in January. Learn about Umbilical Cord Stem Cell therapy as a solution to help joint pain. Call 505-404-9555 or www.nmstemcell.com HELP WANTED The first thing you will notice when you enter this newly remodeled home located in the Albuquerque Meadows age 55+ Mobile Home Community, is the beautiful laminate wood flooring that runs throughout the entire home. The big picture windows let in lots of light and the large open floor plan gives you plenty of room to entertain. The kitchen is beautiful with tile countertops, subway tile backsplash, tons of cabinet space, new stainless steel appliances, and a large eating bar. The dining room has a pretty built-in buffet/china hutch with tile accents. The living room flows into a good-sized den area that has a sliding glass door to the deck. The guest bedroom could easily fit a Queen-sized bed and has access to the guest bathroom that has a large walk-in shower. The master bedroom can accommodate a King-sized bed and has a nice walk-in closet and ceiling fan. The master bathroom has double sinks, a linen closet, high toilet, and a large walk-in shower. You will love spending time on the large private deck. The home is cooled by refrigerated air and comes with a fenced-in back yard and two sheds. Call Pat or Craig at (505) 821-1991. Lic. #034393 www.ANCAE.com Call Us for Cooler Start-Ups and Conversion to Refrigerated Air Heating and Air Conditioning Plumbing
888-9717 ANCAE Start-ups and Boiler Start-ups
Now hiring for all shifts. Call Home Instead Senior Care if you are looking for meaningful work. Help us support our community seniors in staying vital and independent! Ask for Kathy or Bernadette at 884-0353 for more information and to set up an interview.
HOME SERVICES Haircuts For Homebound Call Rose at 505-263-6570
SELL YOUR HOME “We will buy your house, no commission, quick closing, no updates or improvements needed, no realtors no hassles. We also have nice rooms for rent.” 505 234-1150
WEIGHT LOSS Drop A Dress Size Now! No Gimmicks! ABQ LIPOLIGHT treatments are non-invasive, targeted fat reduction and body sculpting. We use the ONLY authorized and verified system in NM. AbqLipoLight.com Call Judy 505-710-5377
Relax on the front porch of this beautiful new Cavco Home located in the Albuquerque Meadows age 55+ Mobile Home Community. Cathedral ceilings accentuate the open floor plan that includes a large living room that flows into the dining room. Located in the front of the home, the kitchen brags of new stainless steel appliances, plenty of cabinet & counter space, and room for a breakfast table. This home has 2 bedrooms with an optional 3rd bedroom, den, or office. The nice-sized master bedroom has a walk-in closet and a ceiling fan and the master bathroom has double sinks and a walk-in shower. Your overnight visitors will enjoy the nice guest bedroom and the guest bathroom that has a tub/shower combination. This home comes with a manufacturer’s one-year warranty, tape & textured walls, refrigerated air, and a covered carport. Call Pat or Craig at (505) 821-1991. If you love light you will love this pretty home with lots of windows located in the Albuquerque Meadows age 55+ Mobile Home Community. Enter through the sunroom and proceed either to the private deck or into a room that can be used as either a second dining area or a den. The formal dining room has a built-in, mirrored hutch, and the kitchen has a skylight, a nice big pantry, an open passthrough window to the living room, and lots of counter and cabinet space. All appliances, including the washer and dryer, will stay with the home. There is beautiful wood laminate flooring in the kitchen, dining room and hallway. The large living room has cathedral ceilings and a ceiling fan, and the big picture windows let in lots of light. The guest bedroom has a built-in bookcase, track lighting, and can accommodate a queen-sized bed. The large master bedroom has a big mirrored closet, track lighting, and can accommodate a kingsized bed. The master bathroom has a walk-in shower, a sky light, and both bathrooms have low-flow toilets. The plumbing has been replaced throughout the home and is only about 5 or 6 years old. The yard is fenced for your pet and there is a good-sized Tufshed for all your extras. Call Pat or Craig at (505) 821-1991.
VOLUNTEERS Support Musical Theatre Southwest by volunteering to usher at Route 66 Legends Theater. You’ll hear great music, see amazing performances, make friends and help MTS continue to entertain the community. If interested, please go to our website www.mtsabq.org/amigos or email Judi Anderson at judianderson@ comcast.net.
The City of Albuquerque Department of Senior Affairs RSVP (Retired Senior Volunteer Program) is recruiting volunteers 55 years of age and older for the following opportunities. For more information call 767-5225.
Alzheimer’s Association The Alzheimer’s Association NM Chapter invites those interested to become volunteers. Volunteer positions are varied and can involve clerical work, event participation, health fairs, group
facilitators and Helpline counselors. Some positions require background check. Hours of work are flexible to meet the needs of the volunteer and the association. Positions are available Monday thru Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. You have been touched by this disease or know of someone with the disease we would very much like to talk to you. For more information call 767-5225.
Benefits Connection Center: Help Seniors and People with Disabilities get the benefits they need Volunteers are needed on an ongoing basis for the Benefits Connection Center. As a volunteer at Adelante’s Benefits Connection Center, you can help seniors and people with disabilities find out what benefits they are eligible to receive. Working in the Center. To volunteer, you must be able to answer calls pleasantly, following a basic script, and perform administrative tasks like keyboarding, printing, and faxing. Training will be provided. You must be able to speak clearly and hear well on the phone. Doing outreach. Several individuals are needed to help with outreach. This important volunteer role would help educate seniors and people with disabilities about the Benefits Connection Center and what it can do to help them apply for benefits for which they may qualify. Come make a difference in the lives of lowincome New Mexicans! Volunteer at Adelante’s Benefits Connection Center. Call 505.341.7186 or send an email to Volunteer@ GoAdelante.org
Catholic Charities Senior Transportation Service Driver: (Use of your own vehicle is required) Provide transportation for individuals age 60+ to medical appointments, grocery shopping and business office. Volunteer must have a good driving record, patient, courteous, polite, and pleasant. Volunteers are needed any day of the week and weekends are optional. Mileage reimbursement if required. Senior Transportation Ride Coordinator: Answer phones, confirm ride requests and match rider and driver. Coordinate rides). Enter information into the data base, complete rider intakes over the phone and mail packets. Volunteer must have good phone etiquette, patient, and be familiar with data entry. You must take an Abuse Awareness training class. 2-3 volunteers are needed 2.5 hours per day, 5 days per week. For more information call 767-5225.
CASA (City of Albuquerque Senior Affairs) Kitchen Looking for volunteers to support a state-of-the-art commercial kitchen that prepares food for seniors in the community. Hours are anytime between 4:00a.m. – 12p.m, Monday through Friday. Participate in preparation and distribution of food. Follow proper procedures in handling of food, portion control, sanitation, nutritional requirements and safety procedures. Some food handling experience is preferable; however volunteers will be trained for areas of help where are needed. Most volunteer activities will involve food prep (slicing, dicing, serving, and packaging) and kitchen sanitation (wiping, sweeping, mopping and dish washing). Call the RSVP office at 505-767-5225 for more information.
The Foster Grandparent Program (FGP) Advisory Council Needs members to join its efforts in promoting awareness and educating the community about FGP and senior issues. Council members advocate on behalf of FGP volunteers, evaluate the Program’s effectiveness, and assist in the recognition of Foster Grandparents by raising funds and in-kind resources. The Council currently meets once a month at the Barelas Senior Center. For more information call 767-6412.
Foster Grandparent Program (FGP) is looking for volunteers age 55 and older who are interested in making a difference in a child’s life. Foster Grandparent volunteers must be willing to serve an average of 20 hours per week and must be able to pass a background check, physical, and tuberculosis test. Foster Grandparent volunteers serve one-on-one with children, working with them to build their social and emotional development as well as help improve their literacy skills. Volunteers receive mileage reimbursement, supplemental liability insurance, meals while on duty, pre-service and monthly trainings, and recognition throughout the year. Volunteers can also receive a small stipend if they meet the income guidelines. Call 764-6412 for more information and to apply today.
Department of Senior Affairs Home Services is looking for volunteers to assist with yard work, minor home repairs, painting, building of wheel chair ramps and modified steps. Experience in minor home repairs and yard cleaning the use of yard tools, shovels, rakes and painting preferred but not required. Days/hours are open depending on volunteer. Time commitment: M-F 7:30-3:00. On the job training will be provided.
Ombudsman Program Ombudsmen are advocates and problem solvers for residents in nursing homes and assisted living facilities. Please apply if you are looking for a rewarding experience that makes a difference in the lives of the elderly. Time commitment: 3 hours per week, any day MondayFriday. For more information call 767-5225.
Crossword CROSSWORD PUZZLE #5137
ACROSS 1. Stuff 5. Hula hoops, leisure suits, and pet rocks 9. Stopping device 14. Tel Aviv dance 15. Café au __ 16. Crow 17. Serve as an accomplice 18. Bern’s river 19. Begins 20. Reasons to hesitate 23. Pal of Winnie-the-Pooh 24. Eccentric 25. Physical therapist’s recommendation 28. Multi-vitamin ingredient 32. Hothead’s problem 34. Sweet treats 35. Like some telecasts 37. Ancient Syria 38. Indigo dye 39. Roll maker 40. One who wrote of the birth of Jesus 41. High school subj. 42. Pieces of poetry 43. Walked the floor 44. Do a manuscript again 46. Got off track 48. Ending for heir or author 49. Michelangelo’s field 51. Pauser’s syllables 52. Leagues 58. Used 61. Condemn 62. Got down 63. Steaming 64. Meara or Bancroft 65. Bedtime, for some 66. Handbags 67. Time period 68. Black substance DOWN 1. Word with woman or coal 2. Wraparound item 3. Zeus & Hera’s son 4. In a motherly way 5. Taste 6. 4.0-student’s grades 7. Filth 8. Beverage container 9. Name for a family of writers 10. Talks informally 11. Address abbr. 12. Barbie’s beau 13. English letters 21. Small deers 22. External 25. Christmas tree, perhaps 26. Reached a high point 27. Combat-ready 28. Funds 29. Nincompoops 30. “When I was __...” 31. Preferences 33. Kuala Lumpur residents 34. Fencing sword: var. 36. Sleeveless garment 39. South African Dutchmen 43. Divide 45. Glues 47. Hole enlarger 50. Monday, on Monday 52. Poker player’s term 53. Geometric shape 54. Scottish island 55. Mixture 56. Little Mexican 57. Editor’s notation 58. Get off one’s feet 59. One who really knows his job well 60. Polish off
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Ronald McDonald Family Rooms at Presbyterian and UNM Hospitals The Ronald McDonald Family Rooms at Presbyterian and UNM hospitals offer a place for parents to rest and regroup right at the hospital, just moments away from their sick child. The Family Rooms are open seven days a week and are staffed by hospital volunteers. The Family room volunteers greet families, maintain visitor data, stock food, drinks, and help families with their needs. Volunteers are asked to work one, three hour shift per week. The shift times vary slightly at each hospital and are between the hours of 9:00 a.m.– 9:00 p.m. Please call 505- 767-5225 for more information.
Shalom House: David Specter Shalom House offers a complete package of senior living and care services. Residents are independent seniors who need a little help sometimes. Shalom house is looking for a volunteer to help serve meals on Thursday’s from 11a.m.-1p.m. Duties would include checking in meals from delivery source, setting up the meal site, serving meals and calling in the meals for the next day. Please call 505-767-5225 for more information. Mileage reimbursement is available to RSVP volunteers. RSVP is part of Senior Corps and is administered by the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS). The purpose of RSVP is to recruit senior volunteers into public, government and non-profit organizations to meet community needs. For information on these and more volunteer opportunities call 767-5225.
Los Volcanes Fitness Center: Looking for a volunteer to serve on Saturdays between the hours of 8am to 4pm for 2 to 4 hours based on need. Duties would include: Scanning members as they enter the facility to workout, help answering member questions, giving a tour of the facility to interested members and answering phones. Additional assistance may be required by staff when busy and things arise. For more information, call 505-767-5255.
Calendar Winter
ART February 6 ¡HAH! Happy Arte Hour, at National Hispanic Cultural Center, 6- 8 p.m. (new time). Enjoy creative fun in a relaxed, artistic social setting, which includes snacks, refreshments, and beer & wine for sale. On Feb. 6, Nick Abdalla and Susan Spring will present a Valentine Assemblage. Pre-register at www.nhccnm.org/events (for materials needed to prepare). The suggested donation is $5. Call Elena Baca, 246-2261; visit nhccnm.org.
COMMUNITY EVENTS February National Hispanic Cultural Center Library, 1701 Fourth Street SW; open Tuesdays–Fridays from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. & the first Saturday of each month from 1-5 p.m. The NHCC Library holds more than 13,700 titles, with a concentration on the history and culture of the Hispanic/Latino world; over 700 children’s book, many of which are bilingual; and houses the Manuel y Lorenzita Lujan Genealogy Center, containing, among other items, the Archives of the Archdiocese of Santa Fe. The library also provides access to Ancestry Library Edition and HeritageQuest. Free. Call 246-2261; visit nhccnm.org.
February 22 Reusable Bag Giveaway, Feb. 22, Lowe’s Marketplace, 4701 4th St NW; 9 a.m.-noon. The Clean and Green Retail Ordinance bans the use of single-use plastic bags in the City of Albuquerque. Get your free reusable shopping bag. Limit one per person. Free. Call 311; visit cabq.gov/events.
February 15 Margaret Randall: Book Reading and Signing, at National Hispanic Cultural Center, 1701 Fourth Street SW, 2 p.m. In “Voices from the Center of the World” (Wings Press, 2020), Randall has selected and translated 25 poets born in Ecuador between 1926 and 1993 and also focuses on a new generation of poets, especially women and indigenous poets born after 1950. Randall was awarded the Medal of Literary Merit by Literatura en el Bravo, Chihuahua, Mexico. The University of New Mexico granted her an honorary doctorate in letters in 2019. Her web page is http://www.margaretrandall.org. Call 246-2261; visit nhccnm.org.
February 21, 22 Carnaval 2020, at National Hispanic Cultural Center, 1701 Fourth Street SW, 7:30 p.m. The NHCC’s annual celebration of Carnaval, (the festive season occurring before Lent in many countries), brings dance, music, costumes and will feature the band PANdemonium and the Odara Dance Ensemble and showcasing the Carnaval celebrations of Cuba, Trinidad, Brazil and New Orleans. Admission is $17, $22, $27, with a $2 discount for seniors, children 12 years old and younger & NHCC members. Call 246-2261; visit nhccnm.org.
February 24 Yoga at the Museum – New Mexico Museum of Natural History & Science, 1801 Mountain Road for Downward Dino Yoga, 7:30- 8:30 a.m. Hot or Not Yoga NM instructors will guide you through yoga sessions suitable for all skill levels. A single session is $20 or a 4-session pass is $60. This event is held monthly on the fourth Monday of the month. Call 841-2800; Visit nmnaturalhistory.org/events/ downward-dino-yoga-museum.
February 27 NHCC Book Club, at the National Hispanic Cultural Center, 1701 Fourth Street SW, 5:30 p.m. The NHCC Book Club meets once a month to talk about that month’s selected book. Book for February: Lost Children Archive (2019) by Valeria Luiselli. Members who purchase their books through Bookworks get a 10% discount. To join the NHCC Book Club, register online at nhccnm.org; call 246-2261.
April 5 The Northern New Mexico Tennis Association is now taking reservations for low cost beginner and/or refresher tennis lessons for adults over 60. The program consists of six weeks of onehour lessons twice a week, followed by six weeks of roundrobin play at different locations. A kick-off meeting will be held on Sunday, April 5, at 2 p.m. at the Jerry Cline Tennis Center. For more information contact program director Joe Felice at Joe ACCPro@comcast.net or phone 505-331-4300
HEALTH Adapted Aquatics taught at UNM’s Therapy Pool. The warm water and buoyancy help the participants increase strength, mobility, flexibility, and range of motion. 50+ Sports and Fitness Program instructors conduct all classes. Call for costs and times, 767-5990 or 880-2800. Applications accepted from the 10th through the 15th of each month.
February 22 February 22nd Noon - 1:30 p.m. Stem Cell Therapy Seminar. Come join NM Stem Cell at Albuquerque Country Club at Noon on Feb. 22nd and learn about Umbilical Cord Stem Cell Therapy as a solution to help joint pain and arthritis. Bring a guest. Register now by calling 505-404-9555 or www.nmstemcell.com
MUSEUMS February 5 Free First Wednesday at the Albuquerque Museum, 2000 Mountain Road NW, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Start your month with free general admission to Albuquerque Museum. At 11 a.m., enjoy a stroll in the sculpture garden with a docent who will share stories on the artists and their works. No reservations are necessary. Call 311; visit cabq.gov.
February 7 First Friday Fractals, at The New Mexico Museum of Natural History & Science, 1801 Mountain Road NW, 6 p.m. Explore the world of fractals in this award-winning planetarium show. Admission is $5-$10. Call 841-2800; visit nmnaturalhistory.org.
February 7 Free admission - The first Friday of the month & Sundays 9 a.m.-1 p.m., at the Balloon Museum, 9201 Balloon Museum Drive, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Explore the history, science, sport and art of ballooning and other innovative forms of flight. Call 768-6020; visit balloonmuseum.com.
February 20 3rd Thursdays at the Albuquerque Museum, Albuquerque Museum, 2000 Mountain Road NW, 5-8:30 p.m. Enjoy music, programs, artmaking for all ages, and a cash bar and small plates at our cafe, Slate at the Museum. General admission for the event is free. Call 311; visit cabq.gov/events.
THEATRE February 2, 7, 9 NHCC & Opera Southwest present Daniel Catan’s Il Postino, at National Hispanic Cultural Center, 1701 Fourth Street SW, Friday, 7:30 p.m.; Sundays, 2 p.m. Daniel Catán’s Il Postino, a fully staged opera with orchestra, sung in Spanish with both Spanish and English translation supertitles. Admission starts at $19. Visit operasouthwest.org or nhccnm.org.
February 22, 23 Ballet Repertory Theatre presents their annual mixed repertoire concert – Contemporary Innovations. This year features Tchaikovsky’s Romeo and Juliet and other original contemporary ballets from BRT’s rich 30-year history. Performances are at the historic downtown KiMo Theatre February 22nd at 7 p.m. and February 23rd at 2 p.m. Tickets are on sale at kimotickets.com.
