The soothing classical music that plays while the caller waits to speak to an Internal Revenue Service representative begins to lose its charm after the first 10 minutes of waiting.

Monday, April 17, 2000

The soothing classical music that plays while the caller waits to speak to an Internal Revenue Service representative begins to lose its charm after the first 10 minutes of waiting.

On this, the last day to file taxes without filing for an extension, there are lines on the phone, the Internet and at the Post Office. The only way to avoid those would have been to get your taxes in early. For the many who didn’t however, the following information may be useful.

n The Austin Post Office has regular office hours until 5 p.m. today, but anything that is placed in one of the Post Office’s mailboxes – either in front of the post office or by its side – by midnight tonight will be postmarked today, according to Postmaster Dan Heins. Heins said this morning that they were gearing up for a busy day.

n To get stamps after 5 p.m., one can try the post office lobby until 6 p.m., Cash Wise Foods and Hy-Vee Food Store until 10 p.m. or Staples until 9 p.m. If you have more than three sheets of paper in your tax return, postage may be more than a 33-cent first-class stamp. The cost for each additional ounce is 22 cents.

n The Austin Public Library is open until 9 tonight. People can get additional tax forms at the library and use the photocopier. If you can’t find the form you need, ask a librarian. The library has forms they can copy for you or a form can be downloaded from the Internet.

n The IRS phone number to call with questions is (800) 829-1040. Lines are open 24 hours a day, but be prepared to wait if you want to speak to a person. It is best to use a Touch-Tone phone, as there are a number of options for the caller. Topics that the automated system will cover include questions about getting an extension, paying with credit card or by direct debit, questions about personal income tax, a federal refund or tax return, order deposit coupons, business taxes, personal identification numbers and the location of the nearest IRS walk-in office. Rochester is the closest office to Austin, which closes at 5:30 p.m. today.

n Filing by Internet is still very much a possibility, but, again, be prepared for a wait and have your credit card handy if you owe on your taxes. The IRS Internet site is at www.irs.gov.