Skip to main content

The Shopper 02/19/25

Page 1

Connecting the Community Since 1957

WE LOVE OUR

LIBRARIES! FEBRUARY IS NATIONAL LIBRARY LOVER’S MONTH

Wednesday • February 19, 2025 • INSIDE THIS ISSUE • GAMES & PUZZLES - Page 8 • LIBRARY EVENTS - Page 5 • CLASSIFIEDS - Page 10

Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana Donates $25,000 To Raindrops Rising Foundation In honor of National Human Trafficking Awareness Month, Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana’s President and CEO Matt Schuffert is pleased to present a check for $25,000 to Jess Kern, Founder and President of the Raindrops Rising Foundation. The mission of the Raindrops Rising Foundation is to inspire and reinforce a message of hope, advocating and raising awareness for sexual assault and human trafficking survivors every step of their journey. According to Raindrops Rising president Jess Kern, “We have been able to spread awareness to communities that previously lacked any education and training at all regarding human sex trafficking through direct advocacy, conversations with elected officials, and promotion of our resource content.” A direct partnership with select professors at Purdue Northwest has allowed the Raindrop Rising Foundation to assist in providing students graduating into public service fields with hands-on experience in

identifying and reporting signs, symptoms, and flags for human sex trafficking. Raindrops Rising Foundation is a nationwide non-profit organization based in Valparaiso, Indiana. For more information about Raindrops Rising Foundation, visit https://www. raindropsrisingfoundation.com/ . About Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana: Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana’s $300 Million casino and entertainment destination opened to the public on May 14, 2021. Hard Rock’s premier 200,000-square foot entertainment complex features over 1700 slots and 80 table games totaling more than 2,100 gaming positions. In addition to the Hard Rock Live performance venue, Hard Rock Casino’s five dining options include Hard Rock Café, Council Oak Steaks and Seafood, YOUYU Noodle Bar, Fresh Harvest and Constant Grind Coffee Shop and also features a retail shop. For more information, contact https://www. hardrockcasinonorthernindiana.com.

IRS reminder: Eligible taxpayers in Illinois file for free with IRS Direct File The Internal Revenue Service reminds taxpayers in Illinois that they can file their taxes quickly, easily and for free directly with the agency using IRS Direct File. The web-based service, available in English and Spanish, offers guided help for preparing and filing a federal tax return from a smartphone, tablet or computer. Direct File does not replace existing filing options like tax professionals, IRS Free File, free return preparation sites, commercial software or authorized e-file providers. IRS customer service representatives staffing the Direct File support function can provide technical support and provide basic clarification of tax law related to the scope of Direct File. Questions related to issues other than Direct File will be routed to other IRS customer support, as appropriate. Although the deadline to file a 2024 tax return and pay any tax owed is April 15, 2025, Direct File will be open until Oct. 15, 2025, for people who may need additional time to file. Enhancements for the 2025 filing season For the 2025 filing season, Direct File includes new features that make filing taxes quicker and easier. · Import W-2 wages and other tax information directly from the IRS with step-by-step guidance · Chat bot helps guide taxpayers through the eligibility checker · Live chat feature is available in English and Spanish · Opt-in option allows authenticated and verified taxpayers to access additional customer support or · Request a callback from an IRS Direct File customer support representative. Eligibility Income. IRS Direct File is available for taxpayers who lived and worked in Illinois for all of 2024, file simple federal tax returns and report the following types of income: · W-2 wage income · SSA-1099 Social Security income · 1099-G unemployment compensation · 1099-INT interest income · 1099-R retirement income Direct File is not available to taxpayers with other types of income, such as gig economy, rental or business income, or for taxpayers that itemize deductions. Taxpayers can check their eligibility and see if Direct File is a good fit. For those not eligible, they have alternative filing options. Credits. IRS Direct File will automatically identify and apply the following tax credits for eligible taxpayers: · Earned Income Tax Credit · Child Tax Credit and Credit for Other Dependents · Child and Dependent Care Credit

· Premium Tax Credit · Credit for the Elderly or the Disabled · Retirement Savings Contributions Credit In addition to covering taxpayers claiming the standard deduction and deductions for student loan interest and educator expenses, Direct File supports taxpayers claiming deductions for Health Savings Account contributions. Direct File won’t prepare Illinois state tax returns. Once taxpayers have completed their federal tax return, Direct File automatically guides them to Illinois services to complete their state taxes. Visit the state websites to find information about income tax filing in each state. Free filing options for all taxpayers · IRS Free File provides a free online alternative to file federal income tax returns online using guided tax preparation software to any individual or family who earned $84,000 or less in 2024. · People who make over $84,000 can use the IRS’ Free File Fillable Forms. These are the electronic version of IRS paper forms. This product is best for people who are comfortable preparing their own taxes. · People who generally make $67,000 or less, persons with disabilities, limited English-speaking taxpayers and those who are 60 years of age and older, can also find free one-on-one tax preparation help around the nation through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) programs. · The Department of Defense provides MilTax as a free tax resource for the military community. MilTax is a suite of tax services available for members of the military, as well as qualifying veterans and family members. There are no income limits. Eligible taxpayers can use MilTax to electronically file a federal tax return and up to three state returns for free. Additional resources Taxpayers may also use online resources at IRS.gov to quickly get answers to tax questions, check a refund status or pay taxes. There’s no wait time or appointment needed. Online tools and resources are available 24 hours a day, including the IRS’ Interactive Tax Assistant tool and Let us help you resources. Taxpayers considering using Direct File are encouraged to subscribe to the Direct File newsletter. More information · Publication 5916, File for Free with IRS Direct File · Publication 5917, IRS Direct File – What You Need to Know · Publication 5949, Helpful Tips to Prepare You for IRS Direct File · Publication 5952, Are You Ready to File with IRS Direct File?

COUPON

Find Us At TheDukeOfOil.com

Locations: $ SAVE 10 •• Hobart Hammond (2) ON ANY OIL CHANGE •• Valparaiso Munster INCLUDES:

• Change Motor Oil • Provide Reminder by Mail • Replace Oil Filter • Provide Window Sticker • Lubricate Chassis for Next Service • Fill Washer Fluid • Provide FREE • Wash Windshield Tire or Fluid • Reset Oil Light Checks Anytime Indicator WE CHECK: Air/Cabin Filters • Transmission Fluid • Power Steering Fluid • Brake Fluid • Antifreeze/Coolant • Tire Pressure • Battery • Exterior Lights • Wiper Blades Most Cars Not Valid With Any Other Offer. Exp: 6/30/25 NS10

• Highland (2) • Merrillville (2) • Calumet City • South Holland

Buying or Selling in Illinois or Indiana?

Call Janice 708-302-8585

Janice Minton-Kutz Licensed Indiana & Illinois

(708) 302-8585 Cell janice.mintonkutz@cbexchange.com

Residental BROKER AGI

PLACE YOUR AD IN

Call 708-271-9871 to get started today!


Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
The Shopper 02/19/25 by The Shopper - Issuu