While we still have a couple of months away before the filing deadline, somehow it always seems to sneak upon us and before you know it April 15 is here. Here are some tips for seniors that will help filing taxes run easier.

• Collect all your records early. Start by gathering all your documents, records and receipts that you may have that will help with your return.   

• Contact your current/past company to make sure you are getting your W2s. Follow up with your statements from any investments that you may have i.e. Roth IRA’s, 401k etc. 

• Consider E-File. Filing electronically will lessen the math mistakes, the software will handle all your math calculations for you.  

• Get your refund quicker and hassle free by considering direct deposit.

• Educate yourself, know your tax credits. Be aware of all the tax code changes. Seniors may qualify for the credit for the elderly or disabled if you are 65yrs. old. There is a certain income requirement to be eligible and the long form 1040 or 1040A has to be completed.   

•  Don’t rush! Be thorough… One of the most common mistakes that seniors make is overlooking  something and they end up missing out on a credit that they were entitled to.  

• Make sure it’s legible, if you aren’t able to write because of a disability ask someone to help you. 

•  Double check everything.  A simple mistake on your social security number can slow the process of getting your refund quicker. 

•  Know that you have options. If you don’t feel comfortable filing your own taxes contact a professional. There are many different establishments that seniors can go to. H & R Block,  Jackson Hewitt to just name a few. If it’s a simple return you might be able to get a discount of the processing fee. Also consider TCE Tax Counseling for the Elderly. They provide free tax help to people over the age of 6o years old.   

• Visit IRS.gov for a FREE file. If your income is limited you may be eligible for free tax preparation software and free electronic filing.

The Township of Lyons is sponsoring a FREE H1N1 shot clinic on Saturday, February 13 from 9am-1pm at the LTHS Corral, 4940 S. Willow Springs Rd., LaGrange. Community Nurse will administer the vaccines to those 18 years and older.

Those interested must be a Lyons Township resident which includes: Bedford Park, Bridgeview, Brookfield, Burr Ridge, Countryside, Hickory Hills, Hinsdale, Hodgkins, Indian Head Park, Justice, LaGrange, Lyons, McCook, Riverside, Summit, Western Springs, Willow Springs. ID for proof of residency is required.

Information provided by Aging Care Connections

Caring for your parents when you are far away can be quite a task to manage. It is even harder when you don’t live in the same city, let alone the same state. There are caregivers that can do it all from a distance and ones who are eager to lend a hand even when they aren’t the ones that are in charge.

Below are some helpful tips for the caregivers that live long distance who wants to try to do it all:

• Avoid the relocation reaction.  Before moving your elder to your home allow extra time for them to consider other options.
• Do an on-site comprehensive assessment of your elder’s situation.
• Arrange for home health care providers and special programs like Meals on Wheels and transportation services for the frail elderly.
• Ask for help from family members, friends and even neighbors.
• Ask neighbors, friends, or relatives to visit your elder regularly to spot problems that are impossible to know over the phone, such as mail or newspapers piling up outside the home.
• Contact the local post office, informing the local letter carrier that a frail elder is on his/her route and to report any worrisome signs on the property.
• Tell the local police department that an elder lives alone in the community. This may encourage officers to give a little extra attention, especially during heat waves, cold spells, earthquakes and any other natural disasters.
• Check with local utility companies as they may have “elder watch” programs

Tips for the far-away caregiver that isn’t quite the one in charge but nevertheless wants to help:

• Save vacation days and personal holidays for emergency visits.
• Set aside emergency money for those unexpected travels.
• Call often and visit often, don’t wait until the last minute.
• Offer the primary caregiver a welcome break. 
• Be diplomatic. Offer your help and let the primary caregiver know that you are there to lend a helping hand. Don’t overstep your boundaries, the primary caregiver knows the situation more than you do.

Article provided by Rachele Zukerman