A taxing time!

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 web.

There is a general-information phone number, 800-829-4477, but most of your questions can be answered on the IRS website, www.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 possible. If the caller is not an IRS employee, he or she most likely will hang up! — Heloise

P.S. Don’t forget to sign your income-tax form and check the math! Thousands of people make these mistakes.

Paper saver

Dear Heloise: I pop into the copier room at my office once or twice a week and pick up the 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.

Housework is exercise

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 membership fees! — Jana B., Riverdale, Utah

No stress

Dear Heloise: I read a lot in bed and am always thinking about what I must do the next day.

I keep a notebook on my nightstand. I write down things that are on my mind, like a diary; a list of things I have to accomplish the next day, like a to-do list; and a book review of the book I’m currently reading. This helps organize my thoughts a lot! — Sarah H. in Ohio

Easy clean

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.) This really helps after a cheesy or greasy meal.

By letting the dishes and utensils soak, I’m saving time, which makes cleanup a breeze. — Adam Z. in Illinois

Sticky pins

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. — Heloise