Question: I can’t find the right tax form. I am running out of time! I use 1040EZ. It’s simple.
Answer: You can’t find Form 1040EZ because it’s no longer in use; neither is Form 1040A. Use Form 1040 instead, which has been redesigned for tax year 2018 (and moving forward).
“The revised form consolidates Forms 1040, 1040A and 1040EZ into one form that all individual taxpayers will use to file their 2018 federal income tax return,” the Internal Revenue Service explains on its website.
To answer another reader, the IRS says that some forms or publications printed in 2017 or early 2018 might refer to Form 1040EZ (or to Form 1040A). Disregard and refer instead to the Form 1040 instructions.
This shouldn’t be a problem for most taxpayers, who use tax software that should seamlessly adapt to the change in forms, according to the IRS.
Q: What are the details on the Memorial Day float at Ala Moana Park: how to participate, where to park, etc.? I need printed information.
A: Shinnyo Lantern Floating Hawaii, a Buddhist remembrance ceremony, is scheduled for May 27 at the beach park. This is a popular annual event at which thousands of people converge to float lanterns at sunset to honor deceased loved ones.
Individual lanterns will be distributed that day, first come, first served, one per family or group, according to www.lanternfloatinghawaii.com. They will be distributed from the Lantern Request Tent starting at 10 a.m. until they run out, which is usually by around 3 p.m. This tent will be on the grass just mauka of the floating area. There is no fee for a lantern.
“Those receiving an Individual Lantern will personally place the lantern into the water during the ceremony,” according to the website, which encourages family members to share a single lantern so that other families also can participate. Loved ones write messages on the lanterns; there is room for more than one message on a single lantern.
As for parking, plan ahead; stalls at the park run out early. An alternative: Free parking will be available from 7 a.m. to midnight at the Hawai‘i Convention Center, according to the website. It’s not far from the beach park, down Atkinson Drive and across Ala Moana Boulevard.
Q: What about disabled parking?
A: “Limited parking for persons possessing a disability parking permit will be available in the Magic Island parking lot on a first-come, first-served basis. Access is available for those with placard or special license plate AND the corresponding Disabled Person’s Parking Identification Card. When disability parking stalls are full, please park at the Hawai‘i Convention Center, where a Handi Van shuttle will provide access to the beach from 3 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., then back to Hawai‘i Convention Center after the ceremony through 9:30 p.m.,” the website states.
Mahalo
Big mahalo to Stan from Stan’s Local Plumbing. My dog and I were on our daily walk, and a large pit bull ran down the street and attacked my dog. I couldn’t get him off by kicking him. Stan ran over from across the street, and with his bare hands he whacked the dog so the dog jumped up and ran away. I’m sure he saved my dog’s life. — Gary
Mahalo
I had used the self-service checkout at Safeway Beretania and forgot to take the requested extra cash from the machine. As I was driving out of the parking lot, I panicked. I went back thinking someone would surely have taken the money. To my surprise a gentleman had turned in the money to the attendant. I am forever grateful as I am a senior citizen and am forgetful sometimes. Amid all the pilikia going on in this world, there are people who are honest, thoughtful and kind. May this gentleman be showered with great blessings and a healthy life. — Darlene
Write to Kokua Line at Honolulu Star-Advertiser, 7 Waterfront Plaza, Suite 210, 500 Ala Moana Blvd., Honolulu 96813; call 529-4773; fax 529-4750; or email kokualine@staradvertiser.com.
