As taxpayers consider their gifts in 2025, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) offers seven charitable giving tips. The IRS reminds taxpayers that giving money or goods to a tax-exempt organization before the end of the year can usually be deducted on that year’s federal income tax return. These seven tips may help you maximize benefits from charitable gifts.

1. Qualified Charities – Only gifts to qualified charities are deductible. The Tax Exempt Organization Search (TEOS) Tool on IRS.gov is useful for determining if a charity is qualified. Religious organizations with regular worship services are generally qualified, even though they may not be listed on the IRS database.
2. Itemized Deductions – Charitable gifts are deductible if you itemize on IRS Form 1040 Schedule A. Most taxpayers will itemize if their deductions exceed the standard deduction. Cash gifts up to 60% of your income are generally deductible. If you give over this amount, the excess may be carried forward and deducted over the next five years.
3. Cash, Checks, Credit Cards, Payroll – You need a bank record or written statement from a charity for cash or similar gifts to claim a charitable deduction. For a payroll deduction, you should save your paystub or W-2 statement.
4. Property Gifts – Clothing and household goods must be in good or better condition to qualify for a deduction. If you give clothing or household goods over $500 in value, you may obtain a qualified appraisal and attach it to your return. Gifts of $250 or more in value require a written acknowledgment from the charity with a description of the gifted property. There are special rules for vehicles and other property gifts. Visit IRS.gov for additional details.
5. Donor Benefits – When a donor receives goods or services in return for a contribution, the charitable acknowledgement of the gift must show the value of the benefits transferred. For example, a gift by a donor for the annual charity dinner event will lead to a deduction that is reduced by the value of the dinner.
6. IRA Owners – If you are an IRA owner over age 70½, you may make a gift from your IRA custodian directly to a qualified charity. The maximum 2025 IRA charitable rollover gift (called a qualified charitable distribution (QCD) by the IRS) is $108,000. An IRA charitable rollover gift would also qualify for part or all of your required minimum distribution (RMD). See Pub. 590-B on IRS.gov for more details.
7. Records – You should keep good records of all charitable gifts so that you can prepare your IRS Form 1040. Proper documentation is especially important for property gifts. For example, property gifts valued over $5,000 will require a qualified appraisal so it is vital to maintain adequate records of the appraisal to substantiate the claimed deduction. See IRS.gov for further information.

Does Medicare offer any financial assistance for seniors? My parent, whose only income comes from Social Security survivor benefits, is having a hard time paying Medicare costs.

There are several financial assistance programs that can help Medicare beneficiaries who are having a difficult time paying their out-of-pocket health care costs. Here is what is available, along with the eligibility requirements and how to apply. 

Medicare Savings Programs

Let us start with a program that helps pay premiums and out-of-pocket costs for Medicare Parts A and B. It is called the “Medicare Savings Program,” and it has several different benefit levels based on an individual’s income and asset level. At the most generous level, the program covers your Part A and Part B premiums along with nearly all your Medicare deductibles, coinsurance and copayments. At a minimum level, the program will only cover either the Part A or Part B premium.

To qualify for a Medicare Savings Program, the income limits vary. Depending on the specific program, the income limits range from about 100% of the federal poverty level (plus a small allowance) up to 135% of the federal poverty level. For 2025, the 135% income threshold is about $1,781 per month for individuals ($2,400 for married couples) in most states. Income includes payouts from 401(k) plans, pensions, Social Security and help from family members.

Medicare also allows states to impose an asset limit, which can be as low as $9,660 per individual ($14,470 for married couples). Some assets are excluded from the calculation including your primary residence, one car and household goods. However, retirement savings and bank accounts are included in the total.

Some states have made their Medicare Savings Programs more generous, with higher allowable income limits and, in some cases, no asset limits. The program may also go by a different name in those states. To find out if you qualify or how to apply, contact your state Medicare program. Visit Medicare.gov or call 800-633-4227 for contact information.

Medication Assistance

For help with Medicare (Part D) prescription drug plan costs, there is a separate low-income subsidy program that your parent may be eligible for called Extra Help. To qualify, your parent may apply online, over the phone or at their local Social Security office.

Depending on income level, this program will pay part or all of their Part D prescription drug plan’s monthly premiums, annual deductibles and prescription co-payments. In 2025, individuals with a yearly income below $23,475 ($31,725 for a married couple), and assets under $17,600 ($35,130 for a married couple) can qualify for Extra Help.

If your parent is eligible for a Medicare Savings Program, they will likely qualify for Extra Help. However, because the requirements between the two programs are slightly different, even if your parent does not qualify for a Medicare Savings Program for Part B, they may still be able to get Extra Help for Part D. For more information or to apply, visit SSA.gov/medicare/part-d-extra-help or call Social Security at 800-772-1213.

Other Programs

Depending on your parent’s income level, needs and location there may be other financial assistance programs that can help like Medicaid, SSI (Supplemental Security Income), Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE), Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and many others.

To help you find out what types of assistance programs your parent may be eligible for, and to learn how to apply for them, go to BenefitsCheckUp.org. This is a free, confidential website hosted by the National Council on Aging that contains information on various programs.

It is also possible to get help in person at one of the 87 Benefits Enrollment Centers (BECs) located across 38 states. Visit NCOA.org/article/meet-our-benefits-enrollment-centers to locate a center in your area. Or call their helpline at 800-794-6559.

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. 

Each year the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) offers safety tips for online shoppers. With many online stores offering their versions of “Cyber” holidays and other online specials, millions of shoppers can benefit from knowing how to protect themselves from cybercriminals. Here are some simple things to remember.

1. Familiar Online Stores – Use online stores with known reputations and familiar names. The URL or online address should start with “https.” The “s” represents that the website has a security certificate.
2. Unprotected WiFi – Many restaurants and stores offer free public WiFi. Avoid using public WiFi sites for online purchases. Cybercriminals can monitor the public WiFi sites. Exercise caution if you use your credit card to purchase items with a public WiFi site, a cybercriminal may be able to steal your financial information.
3. Security Software – Anti-virus software is reasonable in cost and should be used by everyone. The software will usually update automatically each day when you are on the internet. Do not use “free” security software, and do not click on offers for “free” security scans.
4. Passwords – Use ten-to-fourteen-character passwords. The best passwords have a capital letter, a number, a special character and lower-case letters. Use a password manager with encryption to save all your passwords.
5. Phishing emails – Be cautious if an email claims to be from the IRS or a financial institution. Do not click on any links if you do not know the sender of the email. If you receive an email claiming to be from a retail store, bank or a government agency, do not click on a link. Instead, visit the website or app for that organization or call directly for assistance.
6. Authentication – Many banks and financial institutions now offer multi-factor authentication. One method of authentication is to send a text to your mobile phone when you are logging in to your account. To log in, you will have to enter the word or number that is texted to your phone.
7. Encrypt Data – Your sensitive financial data should be encrypted if you store it on your hard drive. If you change computers, be sure to clean or destroy the hard drive of your old computer.

Here are two other helpful safety steps. First, you can obtain a free credit report from the three major credit bureaus each year. To obtain one, search online for “free credit report” and follow the recommended steps. You should check your credit report annually to verify that there are no unfamiliar financial actions on your account. Second, you may go online to SSA.gov and create a “my Social Security” account. With this account, you will be able to monitor your Social Security records.

I have two cats and a dog, but my knee and back problems make caring for them increasingly difficult. Are there pet care products you can recommend that help pet owners with mobility limits?

For pet owners with limited mobility, daily tasks like feeding, walking or cleaning up after pets can be challenging. Fortunately, there are a range of products specifically created to simplify pet care. Here is a list of products that can help you care for your pets regardless of any mobility challenges.

Automatic Pet Feeder

Dogs and cats typically need to be fed two to three times per day. However, lifting heavy food bags or bending to reach bowls can be physically taxing. One solution is an automatic pet feeder which can keep your pets regularly fed without the need for repeated stooping or heavy lifting.

Automatic feeders are available with a variety of features. Most models have a locking food tank which prevents between-meal snacking and keeps food fresh and dry. The feeders usually operate on batteries so it can be conveniently placed anywhere in your home. To ensure continued functioning, look for one with a long battery life or a backup battery. Although automatic feeders must be periodically refilled, some have a capacity of over 16 cups of food, reducing the amount of bending and lifting.

Raised Litter Boxes

Bending or kneeling to fill or clean a kitty litter box can be physically demanding and uncomfortable for many cat owners. To alleviate these issues, companies have developed elevated litter boxes. These litter boxes not only sit higher off the ground, but some have built-in ramps or steps which can improve access for older or arthritic cats. Although some of these litter boxes can be expensive, they are typically self-cleaning and eliminate scooping while minimizing odor and reducing waste. These features can be beneficial for cat owners with mobility issues, as well as those caring for senior cats who may require extra support.

Long-Handled Waste Scooper

Cleaning up after your dog can be challenging if you struggle with back, hip or knee problems. Long-handled waste scoopers can make this cleanup task more manageable, eliminating the need to bend down. When choosing one, pay attention to what surface you will be scooping on as a spade-shaped tool may be better for hard surfaces like patios and kennels, while a rake style is better suited for grassy areas. Some can also be used with one hand or waste bag attached, making cleanup even simpler.

Hands-Free Leash

Dogs enjoy their daily walk and require exercise to maintain optimal health.  However, for seniors who utilize a cane, walker, wheelchair, or experience upper body pain, employing a traditional leash can be challenging. If walking a pet becomes difficult, hands-free leashes or harnesses can facilitate a better experience.

A hands-free leash allows you to relax and reduces pressure on your shoulders and back. They also free up hands for helping with balance, offering treats or picking up waste. When shopping for a hands-free dog leash, find one with a belt that sits comfortably around your hips. Other helpful features are reflective safety strips for visibility and shock absorbers to prevent tugging. While hands-free leashes have advantages, they should only be used if your pet cannot physically pull you down.

Pet Treadmill

Another option to ensure your dog receives enough exercise is to get a pet treadmill. The treadmills vary in size to accommodate different dog breeds. Some treadmills come with preset programs, incline options, safety fences and a crossbeam for securing a toy or harness. Depending on the model, there are treadmills that operate without power while others are electric or come with a remote control.

Automatic Ball Launcher

Another way to exercise your dog when walking is not an option is with an automated ball launcher. An automatic ball launcher allows you to launch a ball into the air with just a push of a button. Some dogs can also learn how to load the ball into the launcher on their own. Most launchers come with adjustable settings to launch a ball from 10 to 40 feet. When shopping for a launcher, it is important to pay attention to the ball size as some are golf-ball size for small dogs, while others use standard tennis balls for larger dogs.

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.