In July 2022, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) published Fact Sheet 2022-33. This IRS publication is designed to assist taxpayers in knowing whether an individual who contacts them is from the IRS or is a fraudster.

The IRS is concerned because there are continuing phone, text, email, and in-person scams taking place. The IRS emphasizes that it normally sends a letter or written notice to a taxpayer and generally does not initiate contact through phone, text or email.

With a growing number of fraudsters and scammers seeking to locate victims, it is important for individuals to be able to separate legitimate IRS staff from imposters. All taxpayers should understand basic ways to protect themselves from fraudulent text messages, emails, phone contacts, or in-person visits.

1. Text Messages — The IRS does not send text messages to individuals with shortened links. The scammers will frequently send a text message that includes a bogus link. If you receive an unexpected text, you should NOT click on links or open attachments.
If you do receive a suspicious text message, you should send a screen shot of it as an attachment to

phishing@irs.gov.

1. Email Scams — The IRS does not ask for personal or financial information with an initial contact by email. The standard IRS contact will be through several letters by regular mail. The suspicious email should also be forwarded to phishing@irs.gov. There is a "Report Phishing and Online Scams" page on IRS.gov with specific instructions.
2. Individuals Who Owe Tax — If you owe tax to the IRS, you can expect to receive several letters prior to a phone call. The IRS may follow up the letters with a phone call if you have an overdue tax bill, a delinquent tax return or have failed to make an unemployment tax deposit. The IRS emphasizes it will not demand immediate payment with a debit card or gift card, will not threaten you with arrest by the local police, will not demand tax payments without giving you an opportunity to appeal the claim and will not ask for credit or debit card numbers over the phone. These strategies all indicate you are talking with a scammer.
3. IRS Agent In-Person Visits — Generally, IRS officers only make visits after you have received several notices by mail. The IRS Revenue Agent may make a visit for the purpose of education, investigation and appropriate enforcement steps. IRS auditors also may mail an initial appointment letter and generally will call and confirm the date prior to a scheduled audit appointment. If you have an in-person visit with an IRS representative, you should always ask for his or her credentials and HSPD-12 card. This is a standard government form of identification.
4. Resolving Tax Issues — On IRS.gov, there are several helpful sections that may assist taxpayers in creating payment plans. You can pay taxes through the Online Account with IRS Direct Pay or with your debit or credit card. There are individuals who may qualify for a payment plan or an Offer in Compromise. The IRS again emphasizes it will not demand immediate payment, will not ask for credit or debit card numbers, will not threaten to have you arrested by local police and will always offer an opportunity to appeal. An IRS Appeals Officer may review your case prior to any further action.

Editor's Note: Fraudsters and scammers continue to become more sophisticated. Many of them build a relationship with the victim through multiple emails or phone calls prior to taking action to complete a fraud. Individuals should be careful if they are in the midst of multiple contacts with a fraudster or scammer who claims to be from the IRS.

A family letter is a key part of a good estate plan. It is much more personal than many of your estate documents. A family letter allows you to share your heart and show appreciation and gratitude to family members. During a time when family members are grieving, it also helps them to complete many practical steps to protect your property.

The family letter may have up to ten different sections. Each section will cover an important but separate topic.

Estate Data

Your estate organizer usually has four parts. It will explain the family names and key information, identify your attorney, CPA and other financial and health advisors, cover all of your assets and financial information and outline your estate planning choices.

The estate organizer may be printed or you may use an online version. Your family letter should explain where the information is located. If you are using an online estate planner, it's important for your personal representative to know your account name and password so the information will be available.

Important Documents

Your important documents will generally be safeguarded in three different ways. First, many individuals have a safe deposit box. The safe deposit box typically holds birth certificates, death certificates, degrees and other legal agreements, marriage or divorce documents, military discharge records, property deeds, a personal property inventory, stock and bond certificates and vehicle titles.

Second, you may have a fireproof box at home. This box will frequently include your insurance policies, your living will, medical power of attorney or advance directive, trust documents and your will.

Third, there are some items that should be left with your attorney, friend, agent or another trusted person. These are items that may be needed while you are still living or will be necessary very soon after you pass away. These documents (or copies of documents) could include your financial power of attorney, a durable power of attorney for healthcare or advance directive, your living will, trusts and your will.

Accounts and Passwords

Because an increasing number of records and information are retained online in personal accounts, you will want to be certain that your personal letter lists all accounts. You may decide to include passwords with the personal letter. Alternatively, if you are entrusting all of this information to a specific person or other location, that should be identified.

With the rapid movement to online banking, online mutual funds and securities accounts, donor advised fund accounts, health savings accounts and your email accounts, you may have six to 10 accounts with various passwords. It will be important to have all of this information recorded.

Your Family History

While your estate organizer will include basic information about you and your family members, there is an excellent opportunity in your family letter to discuss your family history. This can include a few short paragraphs that give the names and background of your parents. List all of their children or other key relatives in your family. Your history may discuss marriages, divorces and any blended family relationships. Finally, the family history will show the date of death for persons who have passed away.

Family history can include discussions of your activities, interests and career. It enables all of your extended family to have a good picture of your entire life.

Care for Children, Grandchildren or Pets

If you are responsible for any children, grandchildren or pets, this is an opportunity for you to explain your plan for their care. While your estate planning documents will normally appoint guardians for your children or grandchildren who are under your care, it still may be beneficial for the guardian to receive recommendations from you on their education and other areas of development that you understand very well. If someone is to care for pets, you may have recommendations on the way in which that is done.

Memberships

You may have memberships in a number of organizations. Some memberships, such as for a country club or club that purchases sporting event tickets, are transferable to heirs. It would be helpful to your family for you to list any memberships that you have so they can handle them properly.

Care of Your Body

When you pass away, your body may be in the custody of a medical center or nursing home. If you have previously decided to make any organ donations, it is helpful to explain that decision in your family letter. The requirements for making organ donations are typically covered under state law. In many cases, decisions on organ donations are made when you sign your living will or advance medical directive.

Funeral or Memorial Services

The cost of many funerals now exceeds $10,000. If you would like to assist family members in the decisions surrounding your funeral or memorial service, the family letter is an excellent way to do so.

First, your family will need to decide whether to have a burial in a cemetery with a casket or to use cremation services and an urn. You may have personal or religious reasons for preferring one or the other.

With a casket and burial in a cemetery, your family will generally make use of a funeral home. Because there now is significant competition in the industry, funeral homes are starting to offer advance prices and package services. If you desire a specific range of services, type of casket or prefer not to be embalmed, those directions are helpful to your family.

There are funeral consumers' alliances in many locations. Your family may find assistance and guidance on www.funerals.org. This guidance may help them make good decisions during a very difficult time in the midst of grief over your loss.

If you are a veteran, your family may want to contact the Department of Veterans Affairs. You may qualify for a gravesite at no cost in one of the 155 national cemeteries for veterans and their spouses.

Obituary

In your funeral or memorial service, there will be eulogies. It is also customary to have a printed description of your lifetime. This will frequently include your basic history, awards, achievements, military service and lifetime employment. If you have specific requests for information to be included in the obituary, it is helpful to your family to give them guidance. You may have certain principles or values that are important to you that you would like to share through the obituary. This is an opportunity for you to communicate your values to the public.

Final Words and Blessings for Family

Your family letter may conclude with a word of blessing. It is a tradition in many cultures for the elders to provide a blessing for the next generation. This is frequently done when the elder is still living, but certainly your family letter provides a similar way to bless your children, grandchildren, nephews, nieces and other family members.

Your final words of wisdom and blessing for family members will be of great comfort as they grieve your loss. It is an appropriate and fitting way to conclude your family letter.

How do I go about selling pre-purchased burial plots in my hometown cemetery? How can I best accomplish this?

Life changes such as relocating, divorce, along with the growing popularity of cremation in the U.S. is causing more and more people to sell previously purchased burial plots they do not intend to use. Depending on where you live and the location of the cemetery, selling a plot can be difficult. If you do decide to sell, you will most likely get less than what you initially paid for it. Here are a few tips to get you started.

Contact the cemetery: Your first step in selling your unwanted burial plots is to contact the cemetery and find out if they would be interested in buying them back, or if you are allowed to sell them yourself to another person or family. If you are permitted to sell it you can ask what paperwork will you need to complete the sale and find out if there transfer fees. Note that some states require sellers to offer the plot back to the cemetery before selling it to others.

Selling options: If you find that it is permitted to sell your plots yourself, many people choose to use a broker. There are a number of companies that will list your plots for sale and handle the transaction for a fee or commission. If you go this route, you will need to sign paperwork, giving the broker permission to work on your behalf. Listings typically last up to three years or until the plots sell.

Alternatively, or simultaneously, you yourself can also list the plots on seller marketplace type websites and handle the transaction yourself. In the advertisement listing, be sure to post pictures, describe the area where the cemetery is located and give the plot locations.

What to ask: Appropriate pricing is key to selling your plots. It is recommended that you find out what the cemetery is selling their plots for today and offer your plots for a discounted price. If you are pricing too close to what the cemetery charges, there is no incentive for potential buyers from you.

Beware of scammers: If you choose to sell your plots yourself, it is not unusual for scammers to reach out and try to get your personal financial information. Phone calls tend to be more genuine than emails and text messages.

Donate them: If you do not have any luck selling your plots and money is not an issue, another alternative solution is to donate them to charity such as a religious congregation, a local veteran's group or an organization that aids the homeless. To get a tax deduction, you will likely need a qualified appraisal, which a cemetery or broker may supply for a fee.

Savvy Living is written by Jim Miller, a regular contributor to the NBC Today Show and author of "The Savvy Living" 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.

I read an article about online tools that can help people search for lost or forgotten money left behind by their deceased relatives, can you help explain more?

Forgotten or lost money is very common in the United States. According to the National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators, there are billions of dollars in unclaimed funds sitting in state treasuries and other agencies waiting to be claimed.

These unclaimed funds are either from accounts that are inactive or whose owners or heirs cannot be located. Unclaimed funds can include lost or forgotten saving or checking accounts, stocks, utility security deposits, tax refunds, life insurance policy proceeds, uncashed dividend checks, matured savings bonds and much more.

This typically happens because the owner changed their address or name, the owner died and the estate was unaware of the money or the heirs could not be located. By law, companies and financial institutions that cannot find the owner or their next of kin within two to five years must turn the property over to the state where it is held indefinitely.

Where to Search

About 10% of all Americans have some unclaimed money waiting to be found, so it is very possible you have some too. To start your search, go to Unclaimed.org, which has links to all state programs that will let you do a state benefits search online for free.

Be sure to check every state in which you have lived, worked or did business. Also, make sure to check under your maiden name (if applicable), and if you have a frequently misspelled name, search those misspellings too. Using a first initial and last name is also encouraged to make sure everything comes up. Every state can tell you immediately if unclaimed money exists, as well as how to go about collecting it.

Look Here Too

In addition to state treasuries, here are additional resources that can help you look for unclaimed money that may have been overlooked.

Forgotten retirement benefits: To search for lost or forgotten 401(k) funds your parent may have left behind with an old employer, use the National Registry of Unclaimed Retirement Benefits website. To search for lost pension benefits, use the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation trusteed plan search tool at PBGC.gov/search-trusteed-plans.

Lost life insurance: To track down a lost or forgotten life insurance policy, the National Association of Insurance Commissioners, an insurance regulatory support organization, offers a free policy locator service.

Unredeemed savings bonds: It is very common for people to lose track of U.S. saving bonds because they are often given to children as gifts, then forgotten before the bonds reach maturity. The U.S. Department of the Treasury provides an online search tool at TreasuryHunt.gov for finding matured, uncashed savings bonds over 30 years old and no longer earning interest.

Federal tax refunds: Each year thousands of refund checks totaling millions of dollars are returned to the IRS by the post office. To look for lost Federal tax refund checks go to IRS.gov/refunds or call 800-829-1954.

Savvy Living is written by Jim Miller, a regular contributor to the NBC Today Show and author of "The Savvy Living" 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.

I would like to know more about electric trikes. I used to cycle in my younger years but as I have gotten older, I have some balance issues and do not trust myself on a two-wheeler anymore. I have read that electric powered trikes are a good option but could use some help choosing one.

Electric powered adult tricycles – also known as e-trikes – are a great cycling option for adults with balance or stamina issues because they are safe, fun to ride and easy on the body. Here is what you should know, along with some tips to help you shop for one.

Safer Cycling

If you are interested in cycling, but worry about falling or injuring yourself, e-trikes are a great choice because of the three-wheeled stability they provide. With a trike you can ride as slow as you want without ever losing your balance, which is very reassuring for most older riders.

E-trikes come with a small electric powered motor to enhance the riding experience. When you apply the throttle, the motor can either give you a boost when pedaling or it can do all the work for you. This makes it much easier to go up hills and ride into headwinds without exhausting yourself or taxing your knee joints.

In addition, most adult e-trikes are also made with a low "step through" design making mounting and dismounting easier. They typically come with big tires that ensure a smooth ride; have ergonomic handlebars that are easy to reach and grip; and offer oversize seats (some even have backrests) for comfort and support.

There are many different types of adult e-trikes to choose from with prices ranging anywhere from $2,000 up to $7,000. To shop for one, contact bike shops in your area to see what they offer or look online for additional options.

When shopping for an e-trike, pay special attention to the motor and the battery.

Most e-trikes can reach speeds of anywhere between 15 and 28 miles per hour, and typically go somewhere between 20 and 55 miles on a single charge, depending on how much pedaling you do. Battery charge times will also vary, ranging anywhere from 3 to 8 hours.

How to Choose

To help you figure out what type of e-trike is right for you, ask yourself how and where you plan to ride it. If you are primarily interested in a leisurely ride around the neighborhood for pleasure, fitness or running errands, an upright cruiser e-trike with a rear cargo basket would be a good choice.

If you are looking to take longer road rides, a recumbent e-trike may be a better option. These are aerodynamic, low-to-the-ground stretched-out frame trikes that allow you to recline with your legs positioned in front of you.

There are also folding e-trikes, which are practical if you have limited home storage space or would like to take your trike with you when traveling. Once you know the kind of bike you are interested in purchasing, use your favorite online search engine to find the option that best suits your needs.

Savvy Living is written by Jim Miller, a regular contributor to the NBC Today Show and author of "The Savvy Living" 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.

What kinds of clothing options are available to individuals who have a difficult time dressing?

The chore of dressing and undressing in traditional clothing can be difficult, time-consuming and even painful for millions of people with certain health and mobility difficulties. Fortunately, there is a wide variety of special clothing, known as "adaptive clothing," that can help with most dressing challenges. Here are some of the many types of adaptive clothing options that could help.

What is Adaptive Clothing?

Adaptive clothing is specially designed garments for people with mobility issues, disabilities and cognitive challenges who have a difficult time getting dressed. Adaptive clothing incorporates discreet design features to make dressing and undressing easier, while still having the outward appearance of typical clothing.

For self-dressing individuals who may have impacted dexterity, there are pants, shirts, dresses and outerwear made with Velcro or magnetic closures. Alternate clothing closures can be easier to fasten and unfasten than buttons and zippers. Be aware that magnetic closures are not suitable for those who have pacemakers.

In addition, there are adaptive pants with zippers or snaps on both sides of the pants that are easier to put on. A wide range of rear closure shirts, tops and dresses with Velcro or snap fasteners in the back are available and are helpful for individuals who cannot raise their arms over their head.

For wheelchair users there are higher back and elastic waistband pants that help prevent the garments from slipping down. Pants with fabric overlaps at the seat to allow for easier toileting access are also available.

For people with tactile sensitivity, you can purchase garments that have soft and stretchy fabrics without tags. Some garments are sewn with flat seams to help prevent chafing or sensitivity. There are one-piece jumpsuits that have back-zipper access to prevent the wearer from disrobing inappropriately, which may be useful if the individual suffers from cognitive challenges.

Where to Shop?

Because each person's dressing needs and style is so specific, finding appropriate adaptive clothing can be difficult. Recently, mainstream clothing stores have started offering a line of adaptive clothing for adults that combines fashion and functionality. However, in-store options are often limited. To get a bigger selection, visit a store's website and type in "adaptive clothing" in their search engine.

You can also find a large selection at online stores that specialize in adaptive clothing. Some companies have been selling adaptive clothing for decades and offer a wide variety of garments to accommodate almost any need, condition or style, for independent self-dressers and for individuals who need help. Some other adaptive clothing sites sell clothing primarily designed for wheelchair users.

Velcro fastening shoes, instead of shoelaces, have long been a popular option and can be found in most local shoe stores. Some other new lines of adaptive shoes make fashionable sneakers and comfortable walking shoes that slip on hands-free. Some brands also make uniquely designed zip-on shoes.

Savvy Living is written by Jim Miller, a regular contributor to the NBC Today Show and author of "The Savvy Living" 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.

I would like to hire an in-home helper for my 82-year-old parent to assist with household chores. However, they do not require personal/physical caregiving, nor do they require any home medical care. Any tips to help us find someone?

Getting parents help at home to handle some of the day-to-day chores is a smart idea that can make a big difference in keeping them independent for a longer period. Here are some tips to help you find someone reliable.

In-Home Help

For seniors who could use some help at home but do not require a caregiving aide for personal care, there are homemakers/home helpers for hire that can help make life a little easier.

Most in-home helpers can assist with any number of things such as shopping, running errands, transportation, light housekeeping, laundry, meal preparation, arranging services (home maintenance, lawn care, etc.) and other household chores, along with providing companionship and support. If your parent gets to the point of requiring personal/physical care such as bathing or dressing, many home helpers can assist with this too.

Most home helpers are part time workers who work either a few hours a day or a few days per week. You should note that while Medicare does cover home health care services if a doctor orders it, they do not cover in-home homemaker/helper services.

There are two ways in which you can go about hiring homemakers/home helpers. You can either go through a home care agency, or you can hire someone directly on your own.

Home Care Agency

Hiring a home helper through a non-medical home care, or non-medical companion care agency is the easiest, but most expensive option of the two. Costs typically run anywhere from $15 to $25 an hour depending on where you live.

How it works is you pay the company, and they handle everything including assigning appropriately trained and pre-screened staff to care for your parent and finding a fill-in on days a helper cannot come.

However, some of the drawbacks include not having much input into the selection of the aide and helpers may change or alternate, which can cause a disruption.

To find a home care agency in your area, use your preferred online search engine and type in "non-medical home care" followed by the city and state your parent lives in. Or you can use Medicare's home health services search tool at Medicare.gov/care-compare – click on "home health services." Most home health agencies offer some form of non-medical home care services too. You can also check your local yellow pages under "home health services."

Hiring Directly

Hiring a personal assistant/home helper on your own is the other, less expensive option. Costs typically range between $12 and $20 per hour. Hiring directly also gives you more control over who you hire so you can choose someone who you feel is right for your parent.

Be aware that if you hire someone on your own, you become the employer so there is no agency support to fall back on if a problem occurs or if the assistant does not show up. You are also responsible for paying payroll taxes and any worker-related injuries that may happen. If you choose this option, make sure you check the person's references thoroughly and do a criminal background check.

Savvy Living is written by Jim Miller, a regular contributor to the NBC Today Show and author of "The Savvy Living" 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.