The IRS's Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax Counseling for the Elderly programs offer free basic tax return preparation to qualified individuals.

The VITA program has operated for over 50 years. VITA sites offer free tax help to people who need assistance in preparing their own tax returns, including:

• People who generally make $60,000 or less
• Persons with disabilities; and
• Limited English-speaking taxpayers

In addition to VITA, the TCE program offers free tax help, particularly for those who are 60 years of age and older, specializing in questions about pensions and retirement-related issues unique to seniors.
 

What is Circuit Breaker – Low-Income Abatement and Homeowner’s Tax Credit?

This is a tax credit for homeowners and mobile homeowners with certain income and resident qualifications.

Along with Circuit Breaker, Utah law allows Utah residents additional types of property tax relief, including:

• Veterans with a Disability Exemption
• Active or Reserve Duty Armed Forces Exemption
• Blind Exemption
• Indigent Abatement/Deferral

Source: https://www.irs.gov/individuals/free-tax-return-preparation-for-qualifying-taxpayers

Everything to Know About the National Park Pass for Seniors

Did seniors get the best deal for a lifetime national park pass?

$80 Senior Lifetime Pass

If you are planning spring or summer vacations with your grandkids, this is a great deal to consider! If Arches, The Grand Canyon, Bryce Canyon, or Zion are on your list this year, you could benefit from this deal. The whole car can get into the park with the senior Pass, and the memories created will be priceless.
 

Qualifications: Applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents, as well as 62 years or older. Documentation of age and residency or citizenship is required.

Cost: $80 for a lifetime Senior Pass; $20 for an annual Senior Pass.

Terms: The lifetime Senior Pass does not expire, while the annual Senior Pass is valid for 12 months from the month of purchase. “Golden Age Passports” have been replaced by the Senior Pass and continue to be honored. 

How to Obtain a Senior Pass: Both annual and lifetime Senior Passes may be purchased directly through the USGS. The site includes the information and documentation needed to apply, including the application. The passes can also be obtained by mail using an application form or in person at one of the federal locations with proof of age and citizenship or residence. (An additional $10 for passes purchased online or by mail.)

Benefits: The Senior Pass provides entrance for the pass owner and accompanying passengers in a single, private, non-commercial vehicle. In addition, at many sites, the Senior Pass provides the pass owner with a discount on expanded amenity fees such as camping, swimming, boat launching, and guided tours.

Click here to purchase your Senior Pass

In the United States, someone has a stroke every 40 seconds, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports. They’re often fatal, but they’re also the leading cause of disability among adults—a fact that should concern anyone hoping to preserve their mobility, speech, and overall quality of life as they age.

Fortunately, if you get help quickly, you’re much less likely to experience long-term complications. That means quickly realizing a stroke is happening, which isn’t always easy.
 

Stroke Fact #1: Your Risk Increases with Age, But You Don’t Have to Be “Old” to Have One

According to the CDC, nearly 33 percent of people with strokes are between ages 20 and 64, so don’t dismiss the risk at any age.
 

Stroke Fact #2: Women Are at Greater Risk Than Men

Both sexes are vulnerable, but more women than men will have a stroke.

Stroke Fact #3: There Are Two Main Types, and They Call for Totally Different Treatments

Ischemic: Most strokes are ischemic, when a blood clot, plaque, or other fatty deposit breaks off and blocks an artery to the brain. In that case, a drug-like tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) can break up the clot and restore blood flow.
Hemorrhagic: Hemorrhagic strokes happen when a blood vessel bursts and leaks blood into the brain. Although less common than the ischemic variety, they can be more deadly. The remedy varies based on how big the bleed is and where it’s located.
 

Stroke Fact #4: The Sooner You Get Treatment, the Better

When you have a stroke, your brain is deprived of oxygen and vital nutrients. The result: About two million brain cells die every minute, so you need to move quickly.
 

Stroke Fact #5: Think FAST to Spot Key Signs of Stroke

To learn — and remember — the keystroke symptoms, memorize the acronym FAST. It stands for:

• Face: It might be droopy or numb on one side, especially when you try to smile.
• Arm: One might be weak or droopy. Could you raise your arms to check?
• Speech: It might be garbled, or you may be unable to express your thoughts. Also, you may need some help understanding what others are saying.
• Time: As in, call 911 right now if you have any of the above symptoms.

Stroke Fact #6: It’s Possible to Have a Stroke and Not Know It

A stroke’s impact depends on which part of the brain is deprived of nutrients and for how long. It’s not uncommon to have a mini-stroke—known as a transient ischemic attack (TIA)—and have no idea until you later have a CT scan for something else.

Source: https://www.silversneakers.com/blog/stroke-facts/