DEAR READERS: It's tax season! I'm sure most of you have a tax question or two. Help is available by phone or by going on the internet.
There is a general-information phone number, (800) 829-4477, but most of your questions can be answered on the IRS website, irs.gov.
If you need help with calculating your taxes, you can call (800) 829-1040. There usually is a long hold time, especially this time of year. Here's the Heloise hint: Sit in front of your computer, have a book to read or clean out a drawer. Might as well use the time to do something.
Be aware of tax-related scams. The IRS will not initially contact you via email, text message or telephone. Don't reply to the email, and don't open attachments on a suspicious email.
If someone calls you on the phone and claims be an IRS agent, ask the following questions: the person's name, badge number, call-back number and the number he or she is calling from. If the caller is not an IRS employee, he or she most likely will hang up.
P.S. Don't forget to sign your income-tax form and check the math. .
DEAR HELOISE: I pop into the copier room at my office once or twice a week and pick up used computer paper. My grandkids love it. A fresh box of crayons, the paper and my grandchildren make for a special and fun afternoon.
-- Tony H.,
Albuquerque, N.M.
DEAR HELOISE: I have time to go to the gym. However, I've turned my chores into a workout. Trips up and down stairs several times, and carefully bending, stretching and lifting, serve as a great workout -- and no gym fees!
-- Jana B., Riverdale, Utah
DEAR HELOISE: With a big family, keeping the kitchen clean is a challenge. After meals, I fill the sink with hot, soapy water, then add the silverware and plates to soak. (I don't, however, soak knives or anything with sharp points.)
By letting the dishes and utensils soak, I'm saving time, and cleanup is a breeze.
-- Adam Z. in Illinois
DEAR READERS: If you have pins and needles that don't glide through fabrics anymore, you can fix that.
Stick the needles and pins into a wrapped bar of soap. The light soap coating will help ease them through your sewing projects.
Send a money- or time-saving hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, Texas 78279-5000; fax to (210) 435-6473; or email
Heloise@Heloise.com
Style on 03/21/2017