Time Running Short to Get Tax Forms

WASHINGTON - With a little over a month left before the filing deadline, the Internal Revenue Service urges those who need federal tax forms or publications to order now to receive them in time. Order blanks are in the tax instructions and the IRS offers a toll-free number: 1-800-TAX-FORM (1-800-829-3676).

The IRS has filled 8.6 million orders this year. It may take two weeks to receive requested materials, so orders should be mailed or called in soon. Many public libraries stock common tax forms and have reproducible forms for photocopying, as well as a reference set of IRS publications.

The IRS has over 100 free booklets, from the comprehensive Publication 17, "Your Federal Income Tax," to specific topics such as Publication 596, "Earned Income Credit." The tax instructions give some available titles and Publication 910, "Guide to Free Tax Services," has a full, descriptive listing.

People needing help with their tax returns should look for the IRS-trained volunteers who offer free assistance in many communities. Last year, 88,000 participants in the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) programs helped 3.1 million taxpayers. VITA volunteers prepare basic tax returns for people with special needs, including disabled, elderly, or dual-language taxpayers. TCE provides help for those aged 60 or older. Both programs offer assistance at convenient neighborhood locations, such as schools, churches, libraries and community centers. For information on volunteer sites, call -- toll-free -- 1-800-829-1040.

Over 47 million tax returns had been filed as of March 6th, nearly 5 percent more than this time last year. Twenty-three million refunds -- worth $23.5 billion -- have been processed. At $1,020, the average refund is up 11.3 percent.

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