DEAR SUN SPOTS: I am confident you can answer my question and direct me to where to get the form I need.

I would like to get a mail-in form for my 2024 taxes, but cannot seem to find Form 1040 SR. It’s the only form I am required to mail in to qualify for the property tax and sales tax refund, as it’s all we did for our 2023 IRS taxes. Where can I find the form online? — No name, no town

ANSWER: You can find the U.S. Income Tax Form for Seniors here: https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f1040s.pdf .

Here is the Maine Individual Income Tax Form 1040ME:  https://www.maine.gov/revenue/sites/maine.gov.revenue/files/inline-files/24_Form%201040ME_ff.pdf

Here you will find Property Tax Fairness Credit Sales Tax Fairness Credit For Maine Residents and Part-Year Residents Only: https://www.maine.gov/revenue/sites/maine.gov.revenue/files/inline-files/23_1040me_sched_pstfc_ff.pdf.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Having been in the medical field for 40 years, I, along with others, have a request. When patients or parents call the office, here are things you need to know:

1) All names of their medical or dental insurance providers and Medicare supplements.

2) When leaving a message, please speak clearly and give your phone number and date of birth. Don’t assume, the medical provider’s office has caller ID.

3) Have your calendar ready and write down appointment dates that you are given during the call. Not every office has a confirmation service that follows up with a call or text.

4) If you plan to send your child who just turned 18 years old to the office on their own, they need to know their insurance coverage,  including which parent holds the insurance.

5) Please bring your medication list to your appointment. Not all offices share the same data base.

Remember we are trying to be sure that your medical appointment and service are covered by insurance. Be courteous and kind to patient representatives. We are all often dealing with a high volume of calls and are short-staffed. As a relative once said, you get more with honey than vinegar. So please don’t bully us, we are here for you and your family. — Betty, no town

ANSWER: Thank you for this helpful advice, Betty. I certainly hope Sun Spots readers are staying informed of what is expected at medical and dental appointments and are treating all who work at the front desk with respect and common courtesy.

I’d like to add a few words about cellphone use in the waiting room. Please put your phone on silent before stepping into this public area and you must take a call, I suggest you go outside or into the hallway.

Readers, if you have something useful to add to this conversation, please feel free to do so.

This column is for you, our readers. It is for your questions and comments. There are only two rules: You must write to the column and sign your name. We won’t use it if you ask us not to. Please include your phone number. Letters will not be returned or answered by mail, and telephone calls will not be accepted. Your letters will appear as quickly as space allows. Address them to Sun Spots, P.O. Box 4400, Lewiston, ME 04243-4400. Inquiries can also be emailed to [email protected].