Frequently Asked Questions

Will earning extra money affect my Medicare premiums?
It is possible. Medicare Part B and Part D premiums are based on your Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) from two years prior. If your new side hustle significantly boosts your income, you could trigger the Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount (IRMAA), leading to higher premiums. Monitor your overall income carefully if you are near the IRMAA thresholds.

Do I have to pay taxes on selling personal items online?
Generally, if you sell household items or clothes for less than you originally paid for them, you do not owe capital gains tax. However, if you are buying items specifically to resell them at a profit, the IRS considers that a business activity, and the net profit is taxable. Keep careful records of your inventory costs and shipping expenses.

Are gig economy jobs safe for seniors?
Yes, provided you take standard precautions. For physical jobs like ridesharing or delivery, avoid working late at night and stay in neighborhoods you know well. For online gigs, protect your personal information, use secure passwords, and only communicate through official platforms rather than moving conversations to personal text messages or unverified emails.