Nail salon, restaurant & 1099 taxes • October 27, 2026

Taxes for nail salons, restaurants and 1099 workers — what owners and technicians need to know (2027 filing season)

Nail and hair technicians, restaurants and gig workers file differently from W-2 employees — Schedule C, self-employment tax, quarterly payments, 1099s for your workers and the new tip deduction of up to $25,000. Which records to keep so you don't lose deductions.

IRS letters, back taxes, ITIN & amended returns • October 27, 2026

Got an IRS letter, haven't filed in years, or need an ITIN — how to avoid paying more than you should

Most IRS letters are manageable if you respond on time. How to handle the common notices, file past years (refunds can still be claimed within 3 years), amend a return with 1040-X, apply for or renew an ITIN, and how to spot IRS scams.

Social Security retirement & SSI • October 21, 2026

Social Security retirement and SSI — when to file, what to bring, and why nobody may charge you for it

How much filing at 62, 67 or 70 changes your check; spousal and survivor benefits; SSI for low-income people 65+; the documents to bring and how we help for free.

Medicare & Part B savings • October 16, 2026

Medicare costing too much? A Medicare Savings Program can pay your Part B premium ($202.90/month in 2026)

Medicare Savings Programs (QMB, SLMB, QI) free low-income beneficiaries from the monthly Part B premium and automatically qualify them for Extra Help with prescriptions. 2026 limits and how to apply in Illinois.

SNAP & energy assistance • October 16, 2026

SNAP (food stamps / Link card) in Illinois — income limits, how to apply, and the special rules for people 60+

Illinois SNAP income limits by household size, why households with a member 60+ are approved more easily and receive more, documents, the interview and applying through ABE.

Personal tax return (1040) • October 16, 2026

Tax filing for low-income families — the refunds you shouldn't miss and what to bring (2027 filing season)

Low-income families should file because they may get thousands of dollars back through the EITC, the Child Tax Credit and the new deduction for people 65+. Document checklist and how to avoid tax scams.

Guides & articles

Taxes for nail salons, restaurants and 1099 workers — what owners and technicians need to know (2027 filing season)

Got an IRS letter, haven't filed in years, or need an ITIN — how to avoid paying more than you should

Social Security retirement and SSI — when to file, what to bring, and why nobody may charge you for it

Medicare costing too much? A Medicare Savings Program can pay your Part B premium ($202.90/month in 2026)

SNAP (food stamps / Link card) in Illinois — income limits, how to apply, and the special rules for people 60+

Tax filing for low-income families — the refunds you shouldn't miss and what to bring (2027 filing season)

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