1. Tax Paperwork – Taxpayers should gather all their tax documents. The basic documents are IRS Form W-2’s, Form 1099’s and other information forms. There may be specific paperwork to support income tax deductions, education credits or mortgage interest payments. It is helpful to have the adjusted gross income (AGI) from your prior year tax return if you plan to file electronically. You can use an IRS Individual Online Account to view a Form W-2, Wage and Tax Statement or Form 1095-A, Health Insurance Marketplace Statement. These are under the Records and Status tab in your IRS account.
2. Names, Birthdates and Social Security Numbers (SSNs) – You must provide the correct name, date of birth and SSN for each dependent. Your name should be entered exactly as it appears on your Social Security card. If a dependent does not have an SSN, you can request an Individual Tax Identification Number (ITIN).
3. Electronic Filing – The IRS recommends you reduce math errors by using electronic filing. This might include IRS Free File, Free File Fillable Forms or Direct File. Your online tax software may highlight your potential tax credits or deductions. It also will check your return and prompt an entry if you have failed to include important information. If you choose to submit a paper tax return, you must be certain that you have the correct mailing address for the IRS. You can find the mailing address on IRS.gov.
4. Taxable Income – The majority of income is taxable. If you do not report your taxable income, you could be required to pay interest and penalties. Income includes interest earned from financial accounts, unemployment benefits, income from services or the gig economy and sale of digital assets.
5. Digital Assets – All taxpayers are asked on their tax return to answer either "Yes" or "No" to a digital asset question. You must answer this question even if you have not bought or sold digital assets in 2024. If you have a digital asset transaction, you should visit the Digital Assets webpage on IRS.gov.
6. Bank Routing and Account Numbers – Most taxpayers request an electronic transfer of their refund into a bank account. You should check to be certain you have the correct routing and account numbers. These are on the lower portion of a check. The routing and account numbers are also available on some prepaid debit cards. This is an option if you do not have a bank account.
7. Sign and Date – If you have a joint tax return, both spouses must sign and date the return. If you are filing electronically, you will need to authenticate the tax return by including your adjusted gross income from the prior year.
8. Tax Payments – Tax payments are due on April 15. Individuals in a federally declared disaster zone usually receive additional time to file. You may make payments using the Individual Online Account, Direct Pay, the Electronic Federal Tax Payment System (EFTPS) or through a debit or credit card.
9. Tax Filing Extension – Taxpayers may request a six-month extension for filing until October 15, 2025. You can pay using one of the online payment options and check the box requesting an extension. You can file Form 4868, Application for Automatic Extension of Time to File U.S. Individual Income Tax Return or request an extension through IRS Free File. The extension allows extra time for filing but is not an extension of time to make your tax payment. The exception to this rule is a limited number of individuals who are in a federally declared disaster zone.

My spouse and I are thinking about making some modifications to our home so we can live here comfortably for as long as possible. Can you recommend some resources that can help us make our home safer as we grow older?

Many retirees, like you and your spouse, want to remain in their own home for as long as possible. But being able to do so will depend on how easy it is to update your home as you get older. There are key features and improvements you can make that will make your house safer and more convenient as you grow older.

Home Evaluation

The first step in making your home more livable as you age is to do an assessment. You should walk through each room and identify problem areas that have potential for tripping or slipping as well as areas that are difficult to access or maintain. There are several organizations that have checklists that point out potential problems in each area of the home, along with suggested modifications and solutions.

Rebuilding Together, for example, has a short “Safe at Home Checklist” that was created in partnership with the Administration on Aging and the American Occupational Therapy Association. To find the checklist, visit AOTA.org and search for “Rebuilding Together Safe at Home Checklist.”

The National Association of Home Builders also has a checklist that offers more than 100 suggestions to help homeowners aged 50 and over live safely, independently and comfortably. Their checklist can be found by visiting NAHB.org and searching for the “Aging-in-Place Remodeling Checklist.”

You may want to review AARP’s excellent resource guide that is filled with tips and diagrams to make your entire home safer and easier to live in as you age. You can access it at AARP.org, by searching for “HomeFit Guide.”

Personalized Advice

For more personalized help, consider scheduling a professional in-home assessment with an occupational therapist (OT). An OT can evaluate your home’s challenges and potential hazards, recommend solutions and introduce you to products and services to help you make improvements.

To find an OT in your area, check with your physician, health insurance provider, local hospital or seek recommendations from family and friends. Many health insurance providers, including Medicare, will cover the cost for a home assessment by an OT if prescribed by your doctor. However, Medicare will not cover the cost of upgrades to the home.

Another option is to contact a Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist (CAPS). CAPS are home remodelers and design professionals who specialize in aging-in-place home modifications. They can suggest ways to modify or remodel your home to fit your needs and budget. CAPS are generally paid by the hour or receive a flat fee per visit or project. To find a CAPS-certified professional in your area visit the National Association of Home Builders website at NAHB.org/capsdirectory where you can search by last name, credentials, state and city.

Savvy Living is written by Jim Miller, a regular contributor to the NBC Today Show and author of “The Savvy Senior” book. Any links in this article are offered as a service and there is no endorsement of any product. These articles are offered as a helpful and informative service to our friends and may not always reflect this organization’s official position on some topics. Jim invites you to send your senior questions to: Savvy Living, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070.

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) notes, “With filing season underway, this is a prime period for identity thieves to hit people with realistic-looking emails and texts about their tax returns and refunds. Watching out for these common scams can keep people from becoming victims of identity theft and protect their sensitive personal information that can be used to file tax returns and steal refunds."

1. Text Message Scams— There has been an uptick in text messages from senders that claim to represent the IRS. These fraudulent messages often include links to bogus websites that purport to be the IRS. The IRS emphasizes it does not use text messages other than the IRS Secure Access service. The IRS also will not send direct messages through social media platforms.
   
   If you receive a text message that claims to be from the IRS, you should take a screen shot and send it to phishing@IRS.gov. With the screenshot, include the date and time you received the text message and your phone number. You can take a screenshot on an iPhone by simultaneously pressing and releasing the side button and volume button. On other smartphone models, you may press at the same time the side button and home button or the top button and home button. The screenshot may then be accessed through your phone’s photos app and emailed to phishing@IRS.gov.

1. Unemployment Fraud— There is a surge in efforts by organized crime rings to steal identities and file fraudulent unemployment claims with state agencies. Your state office will then issue IRS Form 1099-G, Certain Government Payments to the recipient and the IRS. If you receive a fraudulent or inaccurate Form 1099-G, you should report it to the state agency and obtain a corrected Form 1099-G. For information on unemployment fraud and to report an incident, go to DOL.gov/fraud. If you receive any communication from a state agency about an unemployment claim that you did not file or a notice from your employer about an unemployment claim that is improper, you should also report it.

1. Email Phishing Scams— The IRS emphasizes that it does not contact taxpayers through email to request personal or financial information. If you receive an unsolicited email, do not click on any links in the email. Send the email as an attachment to phishing@IRS.gov. The "Report Phishing and Online Scams" webpage at IRS.gov provides additional information.

1. Phone Scams— The IRS notes it does not leave urgent or threatening messages on your phone or voicemail. Scammers will often threaten victims with arrest, deportation or revocation of a driver's license. It is possible to "spoof" caller ID numbers. The scammer may attempt to spoof the caller ID number of a sheriff's office, department of motor vehicles or federal agency. The IRS emphasizes it will never call and demand payment through a prepaid debit card, gift card or wire transfer. It will also not ask for a credit or debit card over the phone.
   
   If you receive a threatening call, hang up the phone. You can report the caller ID and callback number on phishing@IRS.gov. You also may report the call on FTC.gov and note "IRS Telephone Scam" on your report.
   
   If you owe tax or think you might have a tax bill due to the IRS, you should hang up the phone. You can create an online account on IRS.gov and review your information. There may be a phone number on a billing notice from the IRS or the general IRS number is 800-829-1040.
   
   If you are a victim of identity theft and a fraudster has used your Social Security number to file and claim a fraudulent refund, you may be contacted by the IRS. You should immediately respond to any IRS notice and call the listed number.
   
   You may file IRS Form 14039, Identity Theft Affidavit. If you are a victim of identity theft, you still must file and pay taxes. Many individuals use a paper form to pay their tax in this circumstance.

Editor's Note: IRS tax filing season always causes fraudsters to intensify their efforts. Taxpayers should be familiar with the principal ways scammers attempt to steal identities and file fraudulent returns.

Individuals with diabetes, high blood pressure, heart problems or a family history of kidney disease have an increased risk for chronic kidney disease, a condition in which the kidneys lose their ability to effectively filter your blood.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), around 37 million U.S adults have chronic kidney disease, and many more are at risk of developing it. Because kidney disease develops slowly before symptoms arise, many people are not aware they have the disease.

If left untreated, chronic kidney disease can eventually require dialysis or a kidney transplant. Even mild kidney problems increase the risk of heart attacks, strokes, anemia and bone disease.

Kidney disease has become widespread today due to the rise of obesity, type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure, all of which strain the kidneys. Another factor is the increasing number of people who take multiple medications, which can overtax the organs. People over the age of 60 are especially vulnerable because they tend to take more medications, and because kidney function naturally declines with age.

Get Screened

Because kidney disease is often symptomless, early stages of the disease usually go undiagnosed. The only way to detect it before it advances is through routine blood and urine tests. Anyone with diabetes, high blood pressure or heart disease, or over age 60 should be tested annually.

If your lab results indicate a decline in kidney function for more than three consecutive months, you may receive a diagnosis of kidney disease and be referred to a nephrologist. While kidney damage cannot be reversed, there are several effective lifestyle changes and treatments that can help prevent further damage.

Control your blood pressure: If you have high blood pressure, aim to keep it below 140/90. If you need medication, ACE inhibitors and ARBs are good choices because of their proven ability to protect kidney function.

Control your diabetes: If you have diabetes, maintain blood sugar levels as close to normal as possible. Diabetes medications such as SGLT-2 inhibitors have shown to be effective in helping slow the progression of kidney disease, even in non-diabetic patients.

Adjust your diet: This usually means reducing protein, phosphorus, sodium, sugar and potassium. Your doctor can help you determine an appropriate diet, or you may want to consult with a dietitian.

Watch your meds: Dozens of commonly used drugs can damage the kidneys, especially when taken in high doses over long periods. Notably non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), like ibuprofen and naproxen, proton pump inhibitors (PPI) used for heartburn and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and certain herbal supplements can also be problematic. Talk to your doctor about your prescriptions, over-the-counter and herbal products to identify potential problems and find alternatives.

Exercise and lose weight: If you are inactive, start an aerobic fitness routine (walk, swim, cycle, etc.) that gets your heart pumping. Regular physical activity can lower blood pressure, control diabetes and support weight loss, all of which benefit kidney health.

Stay hydrated: Dehydration can affect kidney function. Aim to drink at least 64 ounces of water per day.

Quit smoking: Smoking damages the kidneys and doubles the rate of progression to end-stage renal failure. If you smoke, consult with your healthcare professional to set up a plan to quit.

Savvy Living is written by Jim Miller, a regular contributor to the NBC Today Show and author of “The Savvy Senior” book. Any links in this article are offered as a service and there is no endorsement of any product. These articles are offered as a helpful and informative service to our friends and may not always reflect this organization’s official position on some topics. Jim invites you to send your senior questions to: Savvy Living, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070.

Losing your home in a fire is a devasting event, made even more difficult by the loss of your personal belongings and important documents. Replacing essential documents destroyed in a fire, however, can be a straightforward process once you know where to turn. Here are some resources to help you get started.

Birth certificates: If you were born in the United States, you can replace your birth certificate by contacting the vital records office in the state where you were born. You can visit CDC.gov/nchs/w2w/index.htm for contact information. The state office will give you specific instructions on how to order a certified copy. The cost will vary from state to state but often ranges between $10 to $30.

Car titles: Most states offer replacements through the agency that handles vehicle titles in your state, which could be the Department of Motor Vehicles, Department of Revenue, Secretary of State or another agency. You will need to complete a Replacement Title application and pay the application fee, which varies by state. You may also need to show identification and proof that you own the car, such as your vehicle registration or provide your license plate number and vehicle identification number.

Property deed: To obtain a copy of the deed to your house, contact the county recorder’s office. Some counties provide an online self-service option where you can search for your property, locate the deed and download a copy of your deed. If you are not able to obtain a copy of your deed online, then visit the office in person or call for assistance to request help in obtaining a copy.

Marriage certificate: To obtain a replacement for your marriage certificate, contact the vital records office of the state you married in to order a copy. For contact information on each state, visit CDC.gov/nchs/w2w/index.htm. You will need to provide the full names of both you and your spouse, the date of your wedding and the city or town where the wedding was held. The fee for a replacement typically ranges between $10 to $30.

Social Security cards: In most states, you can request a replacement Social Security card online for free at SSA.gov/myaccount. Once there, click on “Request a replacement Social Security card” and answer a few questions to verify your identity and that you are eligible for a replacement.

Medicare cards: If you are enrolled in original Medicare, you can replace a lost or damaged Medicare card by calling Medicare at 800-633-4227 or by logging into your MyMedicare.gov account. There can print your own card or request a new card to be mailed to you at no cost. If you are enrolled in a Medicare Advantage Plan, you will need to call your plan to get your card replaced. If you get Railroad Retirement Board benefits, you can get a replacement card by calling 877-772-5772.

Tax returns: If you used a tax preparer, contact them to request copies of past tax returns. You can also get copies of federal returns directly from the Internal Revenue Service by filling out and mailing Form 4506. To download this form, visit IRS.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f4506.pdf or call 800-829-3676 and request it be mailed to you directly. The cost is $30 for each return requested. To get copies of your state tax returns, contact your state’s tax agency. Some states will offer an online service while others may require that you mail or fax a request form.

Passports: If your U.S. passports were not expired, you should report them as lost. You can do this online at PPTform.state.gov or in person when you apply for a new passport at a Passport Acceptance Facility, many of which are located in U.S. post offices. Visit iafdb.travel.state.gov to locate a facility near you. You will also need to complete and submit Form DS-64 and Form DS-11. The replacement fee is $130 per passport.

Savvy Living is written by Jim Miller, a regular contributor to the NBC Today Show and author of “The Savvy Senior” book. Any links in this article are offered as a service and there is no endorsement of any product. These articles are offered as a helpful and informative service to our friends and may not always reflect this organization’s official position on some topics. Jim invites you to send your senior questions to: Savvy Living, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070.

1. Filing Too Early — While most taxpayers understand they should not file after the April 15, 2025, deadline (unless they have requested an extension until October 15, 2025), it is also important to avoid filing too early. Taxpayers should ensure that the IRS has opened the filing period for the tax year in which they are filing for. Filing too early can be problematic, as some taxpayers may not have received all their tax forms, such as Forms W-2, Forms 1099 or other documents required for proper filing.
2. Wrong Social Security Number — The IRS software will check your Social Security Number (SSN). It should be the same as the number that appears on your Social Security card.
3. Name Spelled Wrong — Taxpayers must list their name on the tax return. Your name should match the information on your Social Security card or other valid government identification card.
4. Error in Income — Taxpayers who manually enter their wages, dividends, bank interest or other income frequently make errors. All entries made should be carefully checked. The entries are necessary to correctly calculate credits or deductions.
5. Incorrect Filing Status — The Interactive Tax Assistant (ITA) on IRS.gov may be helpful if you are not certain about your filing status. Income tax standard deductions and some exemptions will vary depending upon whether you are filing as a single person, a married couple or head of household.
6. Math Mistakes — The most common mistake taxpayers make is an error in addition or subtraction. Taxpayers using online software and filing electronically will usually avoid these miscalculations.
7. Wrong Credit or Deduction — The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), Child and Dependent Care Credit (CDCC) and Child Tax Credit (CTC) are complicated. The Interactive Tax Assistant may help determine eligibility for a specific credit or deduction.
8. Incorrect Bank Account Number — Most taxpayers who file electronically have their refund sent to their bank account. However, taxpayers must correctly type the routing and account numbers to ensure the funds are sent to the proper account.
9. Unsigned Tax Return — Taxpayers who file a paper return are required to sign the return. A joint return must be signed by both spouses. A common mistake occurs when one spouse forgets to sign the return.

Editor’s Note: Many of these errors are avoidable with the use of online software and electronic filing. If you use online software, it will check your return and avoid most of the common filing errors.